Michelin 24l air compressor - any good?

[marlinspike]

Hello all. Been lurking for a while, getting info for restoring my Saab 900. I am thinking of buying a smallish air compressor and some of the small 'smart repair' guns so I can respray small areas on the bodywork, door edges, the plastic bumper, a few scratches etc. Costco are doing this one for £120 including Vat. Possibly cheaper elsewhere, but Costco have good customer service.

Is this going to be up the job of small resprays? Any comments on Michelin as a brand? Must admit, I didn't realise they made air compressors. Are they another brand rebadged?

"This Michelin compressor has a 2 HP motor which runs off a 13 amp supply and a 24 Ltr tank giving you 8 Bar and weighs only 27 Kg.

It has twin Michelin pressure gauges with a universal coupler, handle and twin wheels with a full cast iron cylinder for longer durability which has a large oil chamber for long life operations. There is a newly designed total plastic shroud to give you protection from the hot delivery pipe & engine.

Key Features:
Direct Drive
Lubricated
Air Displacement 200 Ltr / Min
2 HP Peak Motor Power
8 Bar
Cast Iron Cylinder"

This is it at another supplier:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Michelin-...Air_Tools_and_Compressors&hash=item439f446b0b


If this isn't recommended, any other options under £150? Thanks for reading.

 

[jonjoe]

direct drive are noisey saver off with a belt drive 50ltr machine with a big pump.

 

[marlinspike]

I did wonder if it was better to spend more and buy the next size up - even though I only plan to use it a few times. Machine Mart are doing an Einhell 24l for £95 and have a few 50l ones around £170. I've just registered for a catalogue so hopefully they might send me a code or voucher.

Also seen a Sumo one on ebay, 50l for £123 - look like the ones they did at Screwfix.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SUMO-SMB1...Air_Tools_and_Compressors&hash=item337f8930d1

 

[jonjoe]

more is better

 

[marlinspike]

More is nearly always better, but more costs more £££££'s, unfortunately. If a 24l compressor is enough to do 'smart repair' type work, ie. small areas, then it is probably going to be enough. But if it is going to struggle, then 50l might be the way to go. Still doing research, but any other comments still welcome.

 

[jonjoe]

look at you spray gun cfm and then you compressor cfm

 

[Marcus McGuinness]

I have the Michelin 24l. I bought it for nailing, for topping up our well expansion tank and to have compressed air on demand in my workshop for cleaning out dusty corners and such. I've also used it for small spray paint jobs. It's noisy (95 dB), and the motor fires up after only 15 - 20 secs of spraying, and then takes over 30 seconds to get back up to cutoff pressure. 15 secs later it'll be back on again. OK for the odd 15 minute paint job, and we are 200 metres away from any neighbours in the middle of nowhere.
It has a very annoying combined oil sump cap/dipstick/pressure relief valve that doesn't stay secured in its place through bad design. I have known oil droplets spraying back out and hitting anything nearby, in my case a nice piece of furniture I was working on. I wouldn't recommend the machine. I've bought it, so as I'm stuck with it, it's fine for occasional use. I also only paid 115 euros, in an offer they had locally.

Hope that helps

Mac

 

[jonjoe]

bigger tank takes longer to empty

 

[marlinspike]

Thanks for your post, Mac - really helpful. I think, on the basis of your comments, I will pass on getting the Michelin then, as it doesn't sound that good, cheap though it is.