I'm looking at buying a compressor to use in my resto project. I've no idea what to look for in terms of engine horsepower, air flow and storage capacity. I would like to use it for sand blasting, painting and an air-powered impact driver. Remember, this is for hobbies - not a professional business, so it won't be required to grunt 24/7. I've seen fairly cheap ones at Bunnings and various other places, but not sure whether they are up to it. What say ye, people of experience.
Get a belt driven job. And for painting you'll need to spend money on filters and traps. Basically, you need the biggest electric drive you can get that'll run on 230v domestic supply without blowing your fuses. Usually, that's about 3 HP. Anything less than 3HP isn't really going to cut it. (I'm assuming the painting is bike type painting, not less demanding stuff). For hobby stuff you can trade off tank size against cfm a bit. (Just have a break if the tank runs out)
The shovels are crap, the Evos better, but the twin cams better still.
I saw a compressor once made from an old V twin engine (industrial sort). It had one cylinder converted to do the compressing, and powered by the other cylinder . Clever.
I worked on some compressors made from VW engines - one side was a 2 cyl engine,the other a compressor.NZ made too. Get the biggest you can afford,although painting used lower pressures,it still used a lot of air.
I'd look on TM heres one with interesting features...three faces.... probably a red, yellow and blue face... I've got an Italian one I have had for years, belt drive, 50 litre tank and 10 CFM free air delivery. I've painted a kombi with it. I'd avoid the under $ 300 new ones....from the likes of bunnings and supercheap...but thats just me. http://www.trademe.co.nz/Business-fa...-291886937.htm
Make sure it is really big and heavy and hard to move then no one will want to borrow it if it's not very portable. Mine's a 3 man lift or chain block jobbie, no one has ever asked to borrow it after seeing it Some of the older but well established brands carry parts a long way back, I nearly fell over when I found the agent for mine who said yes the 1942 2cyl rebuild parts are available Sandblasting will be the biggest draw on your airflow generally either a true 12cfm flow or a big tank will be required
What is cfm?
Why is the belt drive important. When you say I'll need filters and traps - what are they and why will I need them. 'Scuse me I just know nothing about it.
http://www.about-air-compressors.com...procating.html
CFM is trade-speak for "cubic feet per minute". Bear in mind that some compressors are advertised with misleading figures. What you need to look at is the continuous free air capacity. Usually for painting vehicles for example, a tank capacity less than 15cfm will probably require several breaks while you wait for the tank to recover. Filters are to remove moisture from the air, as well as any oil escaping past the piston rings. Some compressors will accumulate sufficient moisture that they require regular draining, and have a drain tap under the tank for the purpose. Ya don't want water or oil in the air lines when you're painting. Belt drive compressors usually have a quicker recovery time because of the reduction drive.
Excellent thanks all.
look for the cheapest....
Painting is one thing I haven't got back into. I should. Would,except that the bastards have stopped making real paint. All you can get nowadays is alligators.
aye??...you mean water based??
