compressor 1big or 2small & typical noise

[dublove]

Hi all.

Looking for some advice really on a compressor purchase. Fitting out my workshop and i'd like to go the air tools route for quite a few things. I would also like to do some media blasting & spraying but this would be infrequent compared to the other more regular tools.

Noise is a concern, but it doesn't help not hearing a typical 3 or 4hp belt compressor in action. Looking on videos on youtube isn't helping at all.

So I am wondering, it seems that a decent 3hp compressor would plenty enough (say 10cfm fad output) for most tools. Blasting needs a bit more!

Thinking either a 4hp compressor or my idea instead of getting two 3hp compressors and only activating the 2nd when needing a large cfm requirement. This way I could keep noise down, possibly save on power. The plumbing would obviously share the two air receivers.

Is this a good idea? Also If anyone in the Bristol area would let me listen to a decent belt drive compressor that would be amazing

thanks much, Jay

 

[brightspark]

ifu buy 2 - 3hp comps u can alternate use and get even wear out of them when used single and would give more than enough power for a pressurised pot using a 3mm jet at 90psi using both

 

[Rig Pig]

Piston compressors are quite loud!

 

[rtbcomp]

ifu buy 2 - 3hp comps u can alternate use and get even wear out of them when used single and would give more than enough power for a pressurised pot using a 3mm jet at 90psi using both

If you set them up to get even wear then you'll have to replace them both at pretty much the same time. wear one out first you'll spread the cost and if one packs up you'll still have air until you can replace the other.

 

[Rig Pig]

If you go to a tool rental shop they may be happy to run up a compressor so you can hear how loud it is, you could even rent one for a day to see what it would sound like inside and outside you workshop when it's running. Direct drive compressors run faster then belt drive compressors and are usually louder, cheaper and less well made.

 

[brightspark]

If you set them up to get even wear then you'll have to replace them both at pretty much the same time. wear one out first you'll spread the cost and if one packs up you'll still have air until you can replace the other.

i wasnt on about setting them up 2 gether i said if used seperately one at a time run them evenly and by the time they wear out he wont be needing them anyhow unless there gonna get flogged day in and day out

 

[dublove]

Good idea - I will scout out some tool hire places to see what they have.

I defiantly would not go for a direct drive I had a 50lt 2hp Wolf one years ago. My god that was insane. 97db on the label and I could not be in the same room!

 

[gavuk]

I have a 4hp from machinemart....http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/se19c200-ol-air-compressor
but I'm 20mins further on than Bath from you,but you are welcome to come and listen to it ,if you can work around my shift pattern....