Advice please

[Glyn]

Good afternoon folks, I'm after some advice on which compressor to buy. At the moment, I've got a 3hp, 150L tank compressor. In the past, it's been great for air tools, spraying e.t.c. but, since moving house, I've had no time for all that fun stuff and I want to downsize. I'm stuck for space so the compressor lives at my son's. He's now moaning cos he's brought his tools home and the compressor takes up precious snap-on tool space. What I'm after is a portable compressor that will blow tires up, power my plasma and blow a little muck out of a carb. Not bothered about noise but has to be mobile enough to put out of way when finished. I was thinking about a 50l tank, 1 1/2 - 2 hp, gotta work off a standard plug, maybe even an extension lead. Now, I've looked on M/M site and was spoiled for choice so any Favourites or recomendations?
Cheers in advance.

 

[oz.]

Getting a small tank with a decent bit of power behind it isn't easy to find cheap. I'd be tempted to mount the larger compressor onto a smaller tank.

 

[Glyn]

Oz, I really couldn't be bothered messing about looking for a tank and swapping it over. I just want something straight out of a box, plug in, use and put away. If needs be, I wnat to be able to wheel it down the garden and store it in the shed out of the way till I need it again. I was thinking something like the Airmaster Air Compressor - Tiger 8/64 from machine mart. As I say, the most it will get used is for the plasma and that won't be too often.

 

[invicta]

I am not sure how much air plasma cutters use but most direct drives are noisy, only go up to 8 bar and do not last long. You really need to go up to 3hp to get 10 bar.
Many of those have a restricted outlet so you will probably have to make some modifications. There are numerous threads on this.

3 hp should run off a standard plug as it is 2.3 Kw but I am not sure what the initial start will peak at. However with the correct sized trailing lead, you should be able to run off a cooker circuit. Also possible to run on a 4 sq. mm radial circuit which is easy to run if you have a spare way in the CCU.

Have you considered a wheeled arrangement for the existing compressor. Even with the electrical work ( if necessary), it is the cheapest option.

 

[h3rman]

I have one of these SIP compressors. Direct drive, 3hp motor, 14 CFM displacement (9.5 CFM F.A.D), 50L tank, 9 bar operating pressure and comes with a moulded 3-pin plug.

Not sure you can get a more powerful one that will work off a normal mains socket.

 

[Glyn]

Well, after hours spent thinking about it, looks like I'll be sticking with the big one. Decided I'll build a lean to at the side of the garage to house it. That will put it between the house and garage so won't trouble anyone with the noise. Would have liked something smaller but if its out of the way, it won't matter. cheers again.