Compressors recommendations?

Message

MartDude · #1 Post by **MartDude** » Fri Aug 10, 2012 2:05 pm

I'm after a compressor; not just as an object of desire, but because I actually need one for some major DIY construction.

Although I don't need one for my present needs, I think I'd rather have a 3 hp than a smaller one, so I've got the capacity should I need it in future.

There are some good deals on Sealey & SIP compressors at the moment; anyone know of any reasons not to get either of those brands - bearing in mind it won't be subject to regular day-in-day-out usage.

Recommendations for other brands would be appreciated too.

#2 Post by **mangocrazy** » Fri Aug 10, 2012 6:04 pm

If you don't get any response from the guys and gals on here, I'd suggest joining this forum and asking on there:

http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/index.php

There's a whole section on Compressors and Air tools and the natives are friendly and knowledgeable.

I take it an Aldi or Lidl cheapie won't really cut the mustard for what you are planning, then?

D-Rider · #3 Post by **D-Rider** » Fri Aug 10, 2012 7:07 pm

Sorry Mart, no real experience of them here ..... other than these ones .....

...... and I don't think that's of much help

MartDude · #4 Post by **MartDude** » Fri Aug 10, 2012 7:34 pm

mangocrazy wrote: I take it an Aldi or Lidl cheapie won't really cut the mustard for what you are planning, then?

None available ATM

blinkey501 · #5 Post by **blinkey501** » Fri Aug 10, 2012 7:35 pm

I bought a sip compressor second hand mart. Apart from changing the compressor oil it gave good years of service.
I sold it for what i paid for it three years later when i finished racing
I would recomend sip compressors to anyone

Oh yes it was a single not a twin with a 100 litre tank

It NEVER ran short of breath when spraying

back_marker · #6 Post by **back_marker** » Fri Aug 10, 2012 8:06 pm

I managed to get a high capacity 3 HP from Lidl for 50 quid, just happened to go in at the right time. It's not the best build quality in the world but does quite nicely for my occasional use and can quite happily manage air tools and spraying.

Before getting this one I looked at several on evilbay - most were Sealey ones that were ex-display models and were fully tested and warrantied, but at a fraction of the normal price.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SEALEY-COMPRE ... 484677eea1

Something to bear in mind is not just the power of the motor but the actual output - the one I have is a twin cylinder job (v-twin no less) so it produces almost twice as much volume as a 3 HP single cylinder, which is what you need for the likes of impact guns or paint spraying.

MartDude · #7 Post by **MartDude** » Tue Aug 14, 2012 10:56 am

Got one! Couldn't find a decent used one, so bit the bullet and ordered a new SIP

http://www.sipuk.co.uk/tools/info_SIP06242.html

from this seller - best price on Google & ebay

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Cooks-Tools-LTD?_rdc=1

I ordered it - plus a few bits to go with it - over the phone, so they knocked a few quid off; very helpful - sent me to the Draper home page to check I was ordering the right fittings, & arranged delivery to suit me. Strongly recommended.

struv · #8 Post by **struv** » Tue Aug 14, 2012 1:50 pm

9.5 cfm free air should cover all your diy needs looks a good deal for the price and they do stand up to prolonged use very well the only limiting factor would be the tank size but unless your planing on spraying full cars you wont have a problem .and at 3hp you will be better off hard wiring it to a 60 amp supply (i know someone who put a plug on one and melted the plug into the socket)

MartDude · #9 Post by **MartDude** » Tue Aug 14, 2012 4:09 pm

I initially needed this just for a nail gun - I know this one's somewhat OTT for that, but in these matters I try to follow my grandfather's dictum - a good big 'un's better than a good little 'un. It should more than cope with die grinders, and should just about run most sanders. If I ever find its receiver isn't big enough, I'll get a separate receiver.

Thanks for the pointer re the power supply - SIP claim it'll run off a 13a plug/socket, but I have my doubts.

fatboy · #10 Post by **fatboy** » Tue Aug 14, 2012 8:11 pm

Small compressors can be made a lot more useful by using a Calor gas cylinder as a reciever tank, they come in 13,15, 17, 19 and 47 litre capacities, built to withstand being thrown off a lorry, easy upgrade

MartDude · #11 Post by **MartDude** » Tue Aug 14, 2012 8:48 pm

fatboy wrote:Small compressors can be made a lot more useful by using a Calor gas cylinder as a reciever tank, they come in 13,15, 17, 19 and 47 litre capacities, built to withstand being thrown off a lorry, easy upgrade