Compressor makes available

[George641]

Im in the market for a compressor. Currently using dads fairly old 24ltr clarke baby.
Whats the recomendations for my own compressor?
Stick to names like clarke and sealey where spares will exist?
Avoid wolf or worth getting a bargain and hope it doesnt break?
A very cheap Stanair on a well known auction site worth considering?
2hp 8.3CFM 50ltr


Its not got to be a monster.... 50ltr - 100ltr 150 would be perhaps a little to big.
Only for inflating tyres and plasma cutter which the baby compressor both does ok for my diy use but would like the new 1 to perhaps have enough grunt to operate a automatic tyre machine. However that is probably 10 CFM + ... so not essential.
Worth looking for new or used better make sort of scenario?
Thanks

 

[Stereophoney]

I know for average air tools you'll need a minimum 50ltr tank, mine empties quite quickly when running impact guns and the like but not too bad

 

[tigler]

The general situation is that most of the hobby and small compressors sold by the tool and equipment retailers are either Italian or Chinese and are of comparable quality and performance model for model.
They are Ok for their intended use but don't expect too much. Belt drive is better than direct and generally speaking bin the regulator fitted as standard and fit a higher capacity one.
The other option is to go for an older, used compressor from one of the quality manufacturers, Hydrovane, Ingersoll Rand, Atlas Copco, Compair etc. You will get more for your money and a more substantial machine.

 

[George641]

I went for a bigger version that the chap was selling "Stanair" 3hp 14cfm 50ltr. Spoke to him asking about spares and parts once that warranty is up and he said he stocks it all so it should be ok. Used it for a couple of days and everything seems fine. Will it stand the test of time like dads clarke which is about 25 years old.... Debatable

 

[EViS]

I went for a bigger version that the chap was selling "Stanair" 3hp 14cfm 50ltr. Spoke to him asking about spares and parts once that warranty is up and he said he stocks it all so it should be ok. Used it for a couple of days and everything seems fine. Will it stand the test of time like dads clarke which is about 25 years old.... Debatable

I know which "Stanair" you are referring to, does the guy have a high-street shop by any chance? I do wonder whether in 5 years time he's still around selling "Stanair" parts... Do you know what the FAD is for the comp?

Did you see this unmarked compressor btw? I'm debating as to which one of the two to buy...

 

[George641]

Well that having 0 warranty and them definatly not having parts means your search is harder to start with unless you can identify the maker. Not so sure about the high street shop but for that sort of money... Every one knows you get what you pay for and if you want one that works forever then spend serious bucks. While talking to him he did mention he had been selling these for approx 5 years under different guises. So to of lasted that long selling them they cant be terrible. Well it was enough to get my money anyway if thats any help to you.
Had a couple days of trouble free use but obviously they all work for the warranty period...

FAD is usually 2/3 of CFM? so about 9.3?
Hope that helped

 

[EViS]

I went for a bigger version that the chap was selling "Stanair" 3hp 14cfm 50ltr. Spoke to him asking about spares and parts once that warranty is up and he said he stocks it all so it should be ok. Used it for a couple of days and everything seems fine. Will it stand the test of time like dads clarke which is about 25 years old.... Debatable

When you say bigger, does he have a 100ltr tank one? If so, how much did you pay incl. p&p?

 

[George641]

No I ment bigger than the one I mentioned previously.
May have 100ltr compressors in stock but not that I know of or bought.