[Tengocity]

Not long moved house and I now have a nice double garage in which to create my car man-cave. I was thinking that an air compressor would be a good addition. I know I will be able to use it for:

inflating tyres
running a wheel gun
blowing air out of crevices when I'm washing the car

Anything else it can be used for?

Only thing is, I really don't know anything about them... so what do I need to be looking out for? Clearly not for anything heavy duty, but I don't like cheap crap equipment!

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by Tengocity

Not long moved house and I now have a nice double garage in which to create my car man-cave. I was thinking that an air compressor would be a good addition. I know I will be able to use it for:

inflating tyres
running a wheel gun
blowing air out of crevices when I'm washing the car

Anything else it can be used for?

Only thing is, I really don't know anything about them... so what do I need to be looking out for? Clearly not for anything heavy duty, but I don't like cheap crap equipment!

Bit of a minefield, does really depend on duty cycle, air capacity required, what size air tank you may need, ultimately what you want to do with it.

I've used and managed some pretty big stuff, running workshops, including spray shops which were air hungry. You get what you pay for, from small DIY occasional use models, to the big stuff with continuous duty cycle.

Even the cheap compressors (~£100) are reasonable, for DIY use. I bought a cheap Draper with a 24-litre tank a few years back and it is still working perfectly.

I wanted it for the sort of things you list, plus a bit of light spraying. Not for cars but for things like ornamental iron work. I bought an oil-less model, as I would be using it for spraying and didn't want to buy the additional separators/filters you really need for the traditional wet sump compressor.

From a DIY perspective, besides air volume at pressure, it is the duty cycle that can be important. But for pumping tyres and a bit of air for cleaning out lawn mowers and the like, the smaller units are fine.

Really depends on how much you want to pay, don't skimp if you want a better, more powerful model, just ensure it works off a 13amp plug.

[davyk31]

I have one for exactly the same purpose. Will google the model and let you know but it's great for blowing air out of crevices and wheel gun etc

You will want one with an oil free motor otherwise you will need an oil trap to avoid blowing oily air over your clean car. Also something to bear in mind in that they are noisy old things so you might need some ear muffs in the garage. This is because of the type of motors running in them. Much larger ones may be quieter but you need to spend north of £500 and even then it won't be all that quiet either

Tank size is also important, too small is useless as it empties too quickly and needs the motor to run almost constantly which isn't good. You are better to let it fill completely to cut off then use it with the machine switched off and empty the tank then switch it run to run for a couple of minutes to fill up again. This way you are getting max air power and not stressing the motor too much by constant running.

[davyk31]

Sealey SAC05020 is mine. 50 litre tank and 2 hp belt driven oil free motor.

Roughly about £150 from memory. Good tool to have in the corner.

[Tengocity]

Originally Posted by davyk31

Sealey SAC05020 is mine. 50 litre tank and 2 hp belt driven oil free motor.

Roughly about £150 from memory. Good tool to have in the corner.

Thanks Davy. What accessories do you get with them generally as standard, and what did you buy for it to do these jobs?

[XK140]

Originally Posted by Tengocity

Not long moved house and I now have a nice double garage in which to create my car man-cave. I was thinking that an air compressor would be a good addition. I know I will be able to use it for:

inflating tyres
running a wheel gun
blowing air out of crevices when I'm washing the car

Anything else it can be used for?

Only thing is, I really don't know anything about them... so what do I need to be looking out for? Clearly not for anything heavy duty, but I don't like cheap crap equipment!

I already have a compressor but if I was going to buy one tomorrow it would be this:
https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/clar...belt-driven-a/
(Buy when their VAT free offer comes on!)
Things to know;
This is a 3hp and the most powerful that plugs into a 13amp supply.
You need good power for air tools such as an impact wrench.
50 litre tank is IMO the best compromise between good capacity but small enough to move around easily.
Belt drive is preferred because slower running and quieter.

Also buy a mini spray gun and then you can enjoy refurbing your alloys!!
Get a PCL make tyre inflator,a quality item.

[davyk31]

That Clarke looks good but it's an oiled model therefore not ideal for this use and a bit on the pricey side.

I bought a Sealey set with my Compressor, think it was some kind of offer at the time. It came with blow gun for drying out the car, paint spray gun, short hose, wheel inflators with gauge and another bit or two in there that I don't use. I also bought a longer hose, coiled type about 10 metres from memory to let me work around the car without moving the compressor. Also bought a decent set of ear defenders. Great setup and more than powerful enough for this type of use.

[davyk31]

The Sealey by the way is also a belt driven model and oil free. 50litre tank lets you work longer before it needs to fill itself up again.

[Beancounter_74]

I bought one (below) last year, very pleased with it. Personally I would go for 100l over the 50l, the 50l does need to reprime a lot and you have the otor running constantly, but does depend on how you intend to use it.

I use mine with an Autosmart Tornador to clean the car (carpets, seats, dash etc) There are some cheap chinese versions for £20 ebay that get good feedback, well worth getting if you pull the trigger on a compressor.
Also use mine to inflate tyres, clean the lawnmower, pram etc. Not used it for paint, though it would be up to the job for garden furniture type things.

Well made piece of kit and very good service from them - definitely worth a look

http://www.sgs-engineering.com/air-c...essor-tool-kit

[bmwmclass]

I got this 6l compressor which is not too powerful as its only 1.1kw motor but its enough for my air tools and home diy projects.

https://engweld.co.uk/product/05295-sip-6l-compressor

[DaveA]

Probably getting my thread revival of the year vote, so far...

[Tengocity]

I never did buy one in the end!

[335dX]

Originally Posted by bmwmclass

I got this 6l compressor which is not too powerful as its only 1.1kw motor but its enough for my air tools and home diy projects.

https://engweld.co.uk/product/05295-sip-6l-compressor

Another bot!

[DaveA]

Originally Posted by Tengocity

I never did buy one in the end!

We can leave the compressed (hot) air to others in the forum, I think...

[Watsey]

Originally Posted by DaveA

Probably getting my thread revival of the year vote, so far...

6.5 years - impressive !!