Air grinder on a budget..

[Ando]

Hullo. new member/ex lurker of collective knowledge of the forum here
I am really keen to have a compressor at my home workshop to mainly run di grinders, air grinder, orbital sander for metal work.
I work in a comercial workshop and I'm used to the heftyABAC tank they run there...worth well more than my car... Obviously not going to get something like that at home. Have not the money nor the space for it. looking for something on a budget, but that will not be so under powered that it is a useless waste of money. Some can run the tools on paper..but constantly sounds like an 120db fish tank filter running and I'm not keen on spending the money to try it. Something I could load in a van would also be very handy...although probably asking too much. On a budget, buying something new, very interested to hear your experienced suggestions of what is out there that may do the job in a value for money style. Thanks!

 

[pedrobedro]

You already know how much air the tools you want will require as you are using them in your daily work and you know there's no cheap way to supply it. It's time to get your hand in your pocket. Or look at electric tools, quieter and cheaper to run in the long term.

 

[Parm]

I think your looking for the impossible, but if you do find it, let me know please

 

[gaz1]

ive seen this run what your asking for as ive used it for the purpose



there is another on the forums but im not sure if that will do it

wolf dakotas

http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/...mpressor-for-diy-blasting.81741/#post-1162114

 

[Ando]

Thanks for the replies. Yes I have resigned myself that to have a compressor to run what I need (probably upward of 14cfm) I need to probably up my budget significantly which will delay when I can purchase something. I would rather wait and spend what I have to on the right piece of kit for my needs than going for an on paper / internet bargain that is too under powered and noisy/unreliable for the workshop. Not an impossible ask but a carefully considered purchase required I'd say. Will look into the thorite compressor thanks for that. A friend also suggested: https://www.airsupplies.co.uk/abac-...compressor-3-hp-150-litre-14-cfm-single-phase that's probably my upper limit on cost at the moment...

 

[gaz1]

im sorry to say your heading for a bruising with a 150 litre compressor if your intending to lift it into a van for what you was asking

either stick to a 150 for at base and go for something smaller for the van

the thorite ive used was in the van its no longer there as the owner has taken it out of the van still run on 240v so plugged in at customers propertys

it also has been used for die grinding, air grinder, needle gun, spray painting comes with a but though it also needs to fill up more and regain pressure again as the tools lose power quickly in use

my opinion you either stick to a floor model pay the price or go for 2 150s in tandem or the other option is 2 100 litres in tandem they all run on single phase power

other models are 3 phase

 

[Gareth J]

If you want to move it about easier, you could separate the tank and motor. Keep the tank plumbed in to your workshop and use a smaller portable cylinder for elsewhere.

A 3hp compressor and motor would still be too heavy for me to want to move around regularly though.

 

[chris pruteanu]

That 3 Hp motor from Abac is Very powerful and barely runs of a 13 Amps power supply. I have the very portable version of that motor fitted on a twin tank receiver mounted on small inflatable wheels and it has a handle to pull/ guide it along. The compressor has a twin pcl outlet, a new type outlet and a twist lock connector for really large power supply, it drives my air tools pretty well: die grinder, blow hammer, impact wrench, etc.

 

[Ando]

I just thought I'd need 100+ L tank so the motor wasn't constantly working. Will look again closer at the abac twin tank and the thorite. I would just occasionally be looking to take the compressor to an onsite job so thought the upright could be strapped to the bulkhead of the van and maybe even ran from there. I only have single phase power so yeah 3 phase not an option. Still looking at options. I have no experience of running compressors in tandem but see how's that could work. I think I would prefer a single unit if I could find a good option.

 

[Ando]

Is this the thorite machine in the picture?

http://www.thoritedirect.co.uk/prod...MI25uZz-bz2wIVxYXVCh1ogw7mEAQYCSABEgJG7PD_BwE

 

[gaz1]

yes it is however for better reference this might be better

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wolf-Dakota-150psi-Cylinder-Compressor/dp/B007VOLOHG

 

[Ando]

Hrmm price and reviews very positive on the wolf Dakota..

 

[chris pruteanu]

I bought my Abac portable compressor in a Sunday market, had no regulator or pressure relief valve- just a wire connected to the motor. I took a punt as the chap said the motor turns- paid £50 for it as it was ! Upon fitting a pressure regulator and a bit of clean-up, I found it’s the best compressor I had so far- it drives my tools with ease and I often drag it out of the garage to inflate tires and blow oil galleries on cars I do rebuild. I also have a 110v Clarke rebel direct drive compressor my father sprayed many cars with, however it has a faulty unloader valve and that often trips the breakers ! To be honest the abac is a bit louder but works a lot better than the Clarke one ( it’s also made by Abac for Clarke)...
I would say buy europeean if you can as the Chinese compressors often have Aluminium windings on motors and soft air pumps that don’t last long however if only used occasionally then it might suitable !