First compressor...

[Owen]

Looking at the Aldi compressor that is on sale currently. For simple DIY use would you suggest
a) ALDI compressor - Specifications
or B) 50l Compressor - similar pricing

Aldi's one is a smaller tank, but extra HP - cfm appears to be much the same?

Either will only be used occasionally for DIY work (grinder, impact & ratchet wrenches, maybe sander, occasional small area spraying)

 

[mike k]

My first compresser was a wolf 50l job. Waste of time and money if you want to run a sander or impact wrench. That sort of power wouldn't loosen a strut nut which aren't exactly difficult to remove manually. In fact don't think it would run a grinder, they can't even keep up with a mini die grinder. Save up your pennies, minimum 3hp with 100ltr tank and still limited but will do what you want to achieve but it will be working hard. We have all been there and wasted money on the Lil crappy things, the Lil wolf is sat in the garage, you can have it for free to give you an idea of how useless they are.

mike

 

[striker]

This one looks a bargain..

http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/threads/3hp-14cfm-200litre-compressor.46717/

Paul.

 

[Owen]

I'm stuck with normal power outlets so i dont think anything 3hp is gong to work for me...

 

[striker]

This one runs of a standard 13amp 3 pin plug....

 

[mike k]

You can run a 3hp of a 13a plug, but when cold you may find it trips so you can preheat the motor and oil with a hair dryer. I have mine on a continental plug to get round the problem but still preheat when it's cold out. Although i am now going to use a single phase 16a industrial plug and socket as i am installing a double socket unit to run my cure oven.

mike

 

[striker]

Mike, I dont really understand the electronics but mine is designed for a low draw start up, so never a problem even with standard b curve rcbo's in the consumer unit.. this s.i.p. unit is designed for a std 13 amp plug and comes with one already fitted...never tripped yet even from cold on a sub zero day.
Paul.

 

[simplysimon]

its a difficult thing recommending budget compressors especially if this is your first as you will have nothing to gauge it with, both of those compressors will run a wide variety of budget tools, unfortunately budget air tools seem to be underrated when it comes to air consumption and overrated in ability and budget compressors tend to be overrated full stop.

you should have no problem in blowing up tyres, air beds, paddling pools etc. and the blow off tool is great for getting crap out of hard to reach places, you will even be able to use some air tools like chisels, impact guns, ratchets etc. all be it to a lesser effect on such a small machine, you will just have to be patient and allow the tank to refill, but for air intensive jobs like running pro air sanders, shot blasting cabinet or respraying a car is just unrealistic at best.

out of the two you have your eye on I'd probably go for the aldi one purely because of their return to shop guarantee, but I'd have a word with the manager before you buy to see if its covered if it doesn't meet your requirements.

BTW. if youre thinking of going bigger you need to be looking for FAD Free Air Delivery which should be accompanied with a PSI rating, generally around 90psi as this is the operating pressure of most air tools, this figure will be the true CFM at the given pressure.
CFM by Volume Displacement can be misleading as it will refer to the volume capacity of the pump and generally at 0psi, a pump that meets no resistance can run and produce the stated Air Displacement for as long as it works, but 0psi is hardly useful, as the PSI rises the more the pump has to work resulting in a gradual lessening volume entering the tank. if you have ever pumped up a tyre on a hybrid push bike with a single stage hand pump its easy getting to 60psi but gets harder to get to 80psi

 

[zzr1200]

For heavy workshop use you would need a larger unit, however saying that I have just purchased one of these units just for pumping up tyres and small maintenance jobs so I don't have to start up the large workshop compressor.

So far for the price, I'm very very impressed with it, ok its never going to be a true workshop compressor but for those small jobs its good, you do have to wait while it builds pressure if you use a impact wrench, air ratchet, die grinder, it will never run a true air grinder, drill, DA sander or spray a complete vehicle.

For small jobs my workshop compressor is now redundant plus this one is portable, if your considering buying a small type of compressor, these are good value but you will have to replace the air couplings due to no male couplings supplied for hose/tools...

hth