Compressor choice

[sixtwoeight]

Hi all, so far I've been impressed with the advice from the forum regarding welder choice etc. so here I go again:
Im looking at buying a compressor - I hate buying tools twice i.e firstly a cheap one and then a better one. I think my budget would be be about £550 for the compressor (still got to okay that)
The compressor has to be able to spray a complete car and want to be able to give myself the best chances of doing a good job (more questions on this later I expect), also possibly blasting parts, and I suppose will also look at getting other air tools as money allows.
My only thought at the moment is waiting for a MM vat free day and get something like clarke air industrial SE19C200ND http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/se19c200-ol-air-compressor?da=1&TC=RV-000114019
What are opinions of this??
Are there any other makes that anyone would reccommend??
Thanks again in advance for your comments

 

[Shox Dr]

Got one myself, had it about 6yrs. it will run a blast pot BUT it will run full time. And it will get very hot. other than that good bit of kit

 

[brightspark]

got one myself, had it about 6yrs. It will run a blast pot but it will run full time. And it will get very hot. Other than that good bit of kit

+2

 

[sixtwoeight]

Thanks for the 2 positive replies, just got to wait for the next vat free day now.

 

[Bluestone]

OK just a quick mention of the quoted figure on MM for their compressors. The compressor you mention SE19C200ND has an air displacement figure of 18 CFM, this is only the displacement of the pump - the Free Air Delivery (FAD) is only 11.7 CFM.

The air tools have a CFM requirement from the manufacturers, however, this is only for a short burst (15 seconds I believe) therefore you need to times this by 3 to get the constant use air flow required. Typically a decent DA sander will require in the order of 27 CFM FAD for correct use, to be honest I have no idea about spraying, however looking at the Clarke PGF14 and PGF18 they require 11 CFM - I'm not sure if the same applies as the air tools with regard to quoted figures being 15 seconds but I do know you don't want to run out of air when painting!!

Of course the 200 L tank will help but as previously mentioned the compressor will run almost continuously and get very hot - plus it won't last as long!!

Sadly (as it's a lot more money!!) the SE29D270 is your best bet - but you will need to run two C type breakers from a 30 Amp supply for this.

I may well be corrected for the spraying application but please bear in mind the above figures as the manufacturers seem to leave this detail out!!

By the way small air tools which are on for short periods such as air wrenches etc are fine even on a smaller compressor.

 

[sixtwoeight]

Bluestone, thanks for the comments, I take on board what youve said but I dont think I can justify (or rather she can justify) me spending that much. I know the compressor I mentioned will not be perfect but its probably going to be my limit price wise. IF it can keep up when spraying a car I think thats all I can ask, whether or not it will cope with a DA, I think il just have to put up with having to wait for it to catch up.....
Cheers

 

[GeorgiePorgie]

I think you will get more compressor for your money by constructing one,provided you're mechanically minded and good at figures?

If I had the amount you're willing to shell out for a commercial jobbie then the DIY approach I would not hesitate to construct.

Plenty of members on here who can work the equations out for you

 

[Chipper]

That comp would be plenty for spraying a car, lots of guys using 3hp / 14cfm displacement. If using an airfed mask you'll need more air though; I ended up with 2x 3hps, 28cfm displacement total. Cost of those was a bit more than your budget; £350 for the first, a new 3hp. And £280 for a s/h one, from Gary at Shiremoor (excellent bloke).