Lidl air compressor (old thread)

BillJ

Does anyone have any advice about the lidl air compressor and accessories? For sale on the 24th October.

http://www.lidl.ie/cps/rde/xchg/SID-6FE53422-915EEAE5/lidl_ri_ie/hs.xsl/offerdate.htm?offerdate=35994

Would be particularly interested in the sand blasting tool and possibly the spray gun. Are they any good or a waste of time?

jimgoose

I don't think a 25l compressor will really run any air-tools properly. It'll probably annoy you.

BillJ

jimgoose wrote: »

I don't think a 25l compressor will really run any air-tools properly. It'll probably annoy you.

You think it's doubtful it could strip paint off an alloy with the sand blasting tool?

jimgoose

BillJ wrote: »

You think it's doubtful it could strip paint off an alloy with the sand blasting tool?

I think it would do it, but it would be a stop/start affair. Small compressors can get annoying by cutting in-and-out all the time as well.

BillJ

jimgoose wrote: »

I think it would do it, but it would be a stop/start affair. Small compressors can get annoying by cutting in-and-out all the time as well.

I see your point, is the capacity of the tank related to how long the tool will run for without stopping? if you get me

Even if it is stop/start it might be useful to me.

jimgoose

BillJ wrote: »

I see your point, is the capacity of the tank related to how long the tool will run for without stopping? if you get me

Even if it is stop/start it might be useful to me.

It is. Even if the tool doesn't stop the compressor will need to fire up and run to repressurise. It's just something to be aware of.

ardle1

If I'm not mistaken my uncle has similar one (probably model before) and he's had no problems with it, I used it before and it keeps it self topped up. So basically for one man there would really be no running out off air!

BillJ

ardle1 wrote: »

If I'm not mistaken my uncle has similar one (probably model before) and he's had no problems with it, I used it before and it keeps it self topped up. So basically for one man there would really be no running out off air!

What kind of tools does he run off it do you know?

debabyjesus

Found it useless for spraying. Non standard connections too. Then it leaked all its oil on the floor so I returned it.

BillJ

debabyjesus wrote: »

Found it useless for spraying. Non standard connections too. Then it leaked all its oil on the floor so I returned it.

Not good. It does say the tools are standard connections though.

Bpmull

Micks garage have a draper set with 24 l compressor and a 5 piece tool kit for 150 euro I'd personally go for that one over an lidl one.

http://www.micksgarage.com/proddetails.aspx?pid=3248142&pk=24DC5

Marlow

I've got the single cylinder compressor (270l/min) that's on sale on the 24th and also the V-twin one (400l/min) they had a little bit over a year ago.

With the likes of the Compression Chisel Hammer or the Pneumatic wrench, the 270l/min you'll be struggling.

But for the sandblasting and painting tools it works quite well.

Also, if you take the compressor apart and fit it with a bigger tank + replace the hoses with bigger ones, it really becomes a lot more usable. The compressor unit itself is well capable. The tank is way too small though. The V-twin one is quite better, but I haven't seen it on sale again for a while.

/M

ardle1

BillJ wrote: »

What kind of tools does he run off it do you know?

Just called him,, Ok he said for sand blasting you may end up pretty frustrated, he had two(an old one he had already) connected with a Y joint just to keep it continuous, for spray painting he said it was good,because you have to lower the compression hence using less air.... Just a note he said if you where doing a lot off work you would be as well purchasing a better model....

deandean

Very noisy.
Non-standard fittings.
Small reservoir.
OK for simple usage.

Marlow

deandean wrote: »

Very noisy.
Non-standard fittings.
Small reservoir.
OK for simple usage.

Fittings can easily be changed. Just need an adaptor on the compressor. And they're not that non-standard. They're just the short-neck type. Common enough.

/M

rovoagho

They actually have two compressors this time around, there's a 3HP 50L one at the foot of the page.

http://www.lidl.ie/cps/rde/xchg/SID-C210FA5C-12719035/lidl_ri_ie/hs.xsl/index_36188.htm

12 element

rovoagho wrote: »

They actually have two compressors this time around, there's a 3HP 50L one at the foot of the page.

http://www.lidl.ie/cps/rde/xchg/SID-C210FA5C-12719035/lidl_ri_ie/hs.xsl/index_36188.htm

Can't seem a compressor of similar specs online anywhere for this price.
Would it be any good for painting?

mullingar

I have one of those 25L Aldi compressors. Yes, it had the "high-flow" fittings as standard, I just swapped them for the regular type, no problem.

Re capacity? I connected up a a large 50L expansion vessel (rated to 16bars) used for big heating systems to the port at the front of the 25L tank it has now a 75L capacity.

Great little system for DIY work and with the extra capacity is well able for some big toys

CJhaughey

12 element wrote: »

Can't seem a compressor of similar specs online anywhere for this price.
Would it be any good for painting?

Painting cars would need a lot of air and a good oil/water filter on the outlet.
If you don't have this then you could end up with spots of oil/water in the paint which looks crap.

Chris_Heilong

The 3HP 50L would be the one to get, but it is around €200.

12 element

CJhaughey wrote: »

Painting cars would need a lot of air and a good oil/water filter on the outlet.
If you don't have this then you could end up with spots of oil/water in the paint which looks crap.

With an oil/water filter on the line would the 3hp 50l provide enough air?

rex-x

12 element wrote: »

With an oil/water filter on the line would the 3hp 50l provide enough air?

no you want at least 250l for painting, the hp is really irrelevant

Marlow

You can get a 200l expansion tank, that you can hook inline, for 181 including shipping here: http://www.arcosales.ie/products/200Litre-Tank-for-compressor.html

That should make the Lidl compressor a pretty viable solution for painting.

So, with the 50l compressor, you'd be at 250l then. I wouldn't go for the smaller of the air compressors though.

A 200 or 300l compressor elsewhere new will cost you a good bit more than the combination of these two.

/M

Marlow

I was down in Lidl and had a gawk.

The bigger of the compressors is the V-Twin one. That's a very decent piece of kit with a 50l tank. The smaller one, I also have, but it's use is very limited.

So better spend the 90 quid extra and get the bigger one.

/M

JAMES VTI S

I want to fit a small air compressor (parkside 50L) into my van (it's ply lined) and I'm looking for a clamp that I can bolt to the ply lining.

Is there a clamp that can be opened and closed for removal and loading ?

mgbgt1978

Ratchet Strap and a couple of decent hooks bolted through the Ply ?

JAMES VTI S

Edit: Great minds ^^^^

JAMES VTI S wrote: »

I want to fit a small air compressor (parkside 50L) into my van (it's ply lined) and I'm looking for a clamp that I can bolt to the ply lining.

Is there a clamp that can be opened and closed for removal and loading ?

How about two eye bolts into the ply/floor and a light duty ratchet strap?

JAMES VTI S

That's perfect just what I need.

Thanks a million !!

slimjimmc

Build a snug wooden box for it. You can easily over-tighten ratchet straps and cause damage (bend wheels, snag on something).

JAMES VTI S

Sorted, I don't need to over tighten it at all.

I attached the straps to the original load points.

Thanks everyone :-D

Satriale

JAMES VTI S wrote: »

I want to fit a small air compressor (parkside 50L) into my van (it's ply lined) and I'm looking for a clamp that I can bolt to the ply lining.

Is there a clamp that can be opened and closed for removal and loading ?

If its a permanent fixture, it might be worth your while enquiring with your local CoCo if you can tax it as a Mobile workshop (if that's your intention.)
It may reduce your Motor tax.

JAMES VTI S

Mr insurance will have a field day LOL

natbow

I brought one of these compressors a while ago. Put it away unpacked. When I came to use it I discovered parts were missing - Air Filter and Oil plug. (Missing/stolen parts from Lidl items are such a problem that I will no longer buy tools from them).

I read the instructions, checked the oil level...

Anyway, I tried to start this compressor and it just 'hummed' - the motor wouldn't turn...a burning smell.

In my experience, it is just another piece of (expensive) junk from this retailer.

I live one hour's drive from the shop - and, yes, of course, I no longer have the receipt!

CJhaughey

natbow wrote: »

I brought one of these compressors a while ago. Put it away unpacked. When I came to use it I discovered parts were missing - Air Filter and Oil plug. (Missing/stolen parts from Lidl items are such a problem that I will no longer buy tools from them).

I read the instructions, checked the oil level...

Anyway, I tried to start this compressor and it just 'hummed' - the motor wouldn't turn...a burning smell.

In my experience, it is just another piece of (expensive) junk from this retailer.

I live one hour's drive from the shop - and, yes, of course, I no longer have the receipt!

And your experience would be quite different if you had the receipt.
You would just go back in and present the receipt along with the faulty compressor and get your money back.
Its your fault you don't have the receipt and hadn't unpacked the box to check the unit before storing it not Lidl.

My tip, open the box check the unit works, if it does and you don't need to use it straight away, pack it away again and put the receipt in the box in an envelope or with the manual.

Satriale

natbow wrote: »

I brought one of these compressors a while ago. Put it away unpacked. When I came to use it I discovered parts were missing - Air Filter and Oil plug. (Missing/stolen parts from Lidl items are such a problem that I will no longer buy tools from them).

I read the instructions, checked the oil level...

Anyway, I tried to start this compressor and it just 'hummed' - the motor wouldn't turn...a burning smell.

In my experience, it is just another piece of (expensive) junk from this retailer.

I live one hour's drive from the shop - and, yes, of course, I no longer have the receipt!

They might take it back if you have proof of purchase in the form of a debit card or credit card. They said they would for me when i emailed them about something else(though i found the receipt in the meantime).
Ive this compressor and never had a problem bar one iffy connection on the hose itself.

Pop them an email, their CustomerService is fairly good.

sheff the ref

They have the 50litre version today in Lidl. Decent price of €149.99

I have the 25 litre, usually used for pumping tyres in emergency or for using an airgun to change a wheel (will only open one stud per tank and has to refill the pressure). I also use it for spraying emulsion paint onto a dashed wall. I find it very useful to have but the tank is continually refilling when painting the wall but you get used to it.

I will eventually by the 50litre but not until this one has come to the end.

Would be very interested in an expansion vessel if any of ye can point me in the right direction

mullingar

I've used a large 50 litre heating expansion vessel connected with 1/2" fittings into the front of the compressor tank (with 1/4 turn isolation valve. All rated to 10+bars. Worked a treat, but took ages to refill.

Bought that 3hp 50 litre unit instead, much better job