Advice, looking to buy an air compressor

clogher71

Hi All

I am looking to get a compressor for home use, pumping car, tractor, bike tyres etc and to drive an air gun I got in Aldi, its for very occasional use and my budget is small.

Is a 50L sufficient or is a 100L better? 100L less portable?
What about the other specs of the compressor?
I was going through the net last night and these are the best value I can find(in my opinion)if anyone has spotted another please let me know.

The guy has the SIP one on Donedeal for E195.00;


http://www.ebay.ie/itm/SIP-Airmate-Nimbus-50-Litre-Direct-Drive-2HP-Compressor-/150781777203?pt=UK_Air_Tools_and_Compressors&hash=item231b4b5533#ht_500wt_922


www.arcosales.ie/products/50-Ltr-Compressor-2.5hp.html

http://www.northsouthsales.com/100-ltr-air-compressor-prod-25.html

I am leaning towards the 100L, but if I don't need it, then I would rather save the money.

Anyone got any of the above?

Advice/thoughts?

Thank you.

101sean

100l is better as the motor won't kick in so often but will be a lot less portable.

It's output is more important and depends on what use you are going to make of it. You need to know the air requirements of any tools you might use and check the compressor will deliver it. They usually quote output in cubic feet per minute (or litres/min) but free air delivery (FAD) is more important and always less than the output, it's what you'll actually get out of the regulator. I have a 3hp 100l SIP compressor that is 14cfm output but FAD is 10cfm (I think, had it for years!)

That SIP compressor would probably suit light DIY use, pumping tyres, spraying etc but would struggle with tools needing lots of air so think ahead a bit. It is a well known make, don't recognise the others. It will run the Aldi rattle gun but don't expect it to shift every tight bolt, you'll still want a decent breaker bar!

clogher71

Thanks for that, yes you are right I want to future proof. Am I right in saying if I want to run an air gun(aldi air gun 4cfm) I definitley need a 100L with a 3 hp motor?

101sean

It's the smallest I'd buy but that smaller 2hp would probably put out around 8cfm and around 6cfm FAD

Have a look at http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/categories/search/air-compressors which has outputs for different sizes of compressor and how much various tools need. They don't ship here but it will give you some ideas for comparison (and the prices will make you cry!)