As per title, am considering the purchase of an electric air compressor with the intention of the following applications:

1. Blow Drying cars after washing
2. Powering Air Tools - e.g. vibrator (to loosen nuts), wheel nut gun etc.
3. Paint Spraying

Would welcome advice on what type/spec might be a good all rounder for the above, and what "best" tools/accessories I may need? .
Experience is the only genuine knowledge, but as time passes, I have forgotten more than I can remember
Volvo V70 P2 2006 2.4 Petrol 170bhp Estate SE
MG Midget Mk1 1962

Previous: L322 Range Rover TDV8 3.6 2008; L322 Range Rover TD6 3.0 2002; P38A Range Rover V8 1999

Whatever you get make sure it has a sufficiently large reservoir..IMHO 100 litres is a minimum especially if you are talking about paint spraying . John
2008 Stornoway Grey 3.6 Tdv8 Vogue
2005 TD6 Java Black Vogue - Written off!!
GAP iiD BT
2003 Discovery TD5 Auto, Nanocom Evolution - gone to a new home!
MasseyFerguson 152 - No electronics!! - Sold

Agreed, definitely something with a 100l+ air tank, and a decent size motor as well for constant air volume delivery.

Look at the air ratings of the various tools you want to power, and pick a compressor with some spare capacity - I think the ratings are often fairly optimistic in real life usage!

I bought a 50l/2hp (7-8cfm I think) compressor a few years ago for small spraying tasks and other random DIY garage bits, and use it to power inflators, air riveters, spray tools, sanders, etc. It works fine, but even on fairly small tools can run out of air after a bit and the compressor can't keep up with the demanded delivery.

If I was buying again for similar home usage (nothing major), I'd definitely spend the extra ~£150 or so and get something with closer to 15cfm delivery, which I thin is more suited to a wider range of tools.

I've got a 90l belt drive Wolf 3hp which is pretty nice and drives my IR rattle gun easily.

I would stay well away from direct drive as they are noisy, and if noise is a particular concern, get a Hydrovane. They're "less cheap"* and need more regular servicing but they're marvellous.

For air tools, eschew the pcl nonsense and get good quality branded XF fittings add an in-line oiler, and a good regulator. For spraying you should get a decent quality water trap too. beware that overspray can be huge especially compared to HVLP and two pack paint will ideally mean good filtering and a force air respirator.

Like with many decent tools, you spend £500 on a tool and £650 on accessories!


*a**e clenchingly pricey. Formerly happymadison1978

Check the air consumption of any tools you're thinking of buying - usually quoted in cubic feet per minute (cfm) & make sure you're proposed compressor has a higher output. If it hasn't, the reservoir will become very significant as you'll be using air faster than the compressor can supply and will have a finite time before you start losing pressure and output from the tool.
Some tools will not work at all unless there is a certain % of their stated input available, whereas some might work, but at reduced output. Paul,
2001 Discovery 2 TD5, 211,000 miles & climbing
2006 FFRR TDV8 Vogue 145,000 miles & climbing
Member of Midland (Land) Rover Owners Club, www.mroc.co.uk

I replaced mine recently with one of these https://www.sgs-engineering.com/sc90b-90-l...ssor-14cfm

I think they’re the same as the Wolf and others with SGs branding , but great value and performance .

Definitely go belt driven .. and look into good airlines that flow well. I have a direct connection straight out the tank for the impact gun and it makes a difference. 4.4 AdBlu Tractor
4.2 SC - sold

Thanks everyone for your suggestions and comments. All looks a bit to "pro" for what I believe I need, but I fully understand what is being said about reservoir size, and the belt drive type compressor.

Will, for starters, probably try something like this, and see how I get on:
(oh no you all groan!)

https://www.sgs-engineering.com/sc6h-6-lit...r-tool-kit

If nothing else, it will tell me what you have already told me  .
Experience is the only genuine knowledge, but as time passes, I have forgotten more than I can remember
Volvo V70 P2 2006 2.4 Petrol 170bhp Estate SE
MG Midget Mk1 1962

Previous: L322 Range Rover TDV8 3.6 2008; L322 Range Rover TD6 3.0 2002; P38A Range Rover V8 1999

stanley 24litre one in screwfix for £99 Tim..


edit..£20 for the kit.. ... - .- -.




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I have a 13cfm compressor - it's not big enough for sand blasting. Ron B. VK2OTC
2004 L322 V8 Auto
2007 Yamaha XJR1300
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