New Compressor

[Burdekin]

I'm looking at adding a second compressor to my workshop next year and hard plumbing in an air system. My current compressor is a 50l 14.5cfm clarke direct drive type and is okay but noisy. I would like to get a belt driven 3hp (13amp plug if ok) compressor for mainly spraying but also for air tools. This compressor would be the main compressor and when needed I'd switch on the second compressor for the added volume. Could anyone recommend a good compressor that would suit my needs please and are any places having any good Christmas deals etc? Also what size tank would folk recommend? I thought probably a 100l tank.

 

[rtbcomp]

I have had one of these for 10 years and it's been great, and it's had a lot of use.

https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/se16c150-air-compressor/

Although it says it should be run from a 30 A supply it only draws a high current when starting up, I run this and a SIP 14 cfm compressor through the same 30A fuse, just make sure they don't switch on at the same time by setting the pressure switches to slightly different pressures.

You're pushing your luck with a 14 cfm compressor working from a 13A plug. My SIP was advertised as such and it kept blowing fuses and would only start from cold on an emtpy tank. I eventually ran it through a 16A blue plug & socket.

 

[Burdekin]

Thanks. I'll get a 16a socket etc setup as sounds like it's a good idea.

 

[Shox Dr]

2nd vote for Clarke. I've a SE18/200.

I don't think you can get more bang for your buck* compressor any cheaper.

*esp with VAT free offers

 

[rikrobson]

Skotl and I both got Wolf 90l 3hp compressors earlier in the year. They run off a 13A plug without issue. The only problem was the monkey metal manifold regulator affair. I'm using a better reg anyway so that got binned.

 

[rtbcomp]

2nd vote for Clarke. I've a SE18/200.

I don't think you can get more bang for your buck* compressor any cheaper.

*esp with VAT free offers

Do be careful to get one of the SE professional range, some of the cheaper ones look suspiciously like the SIP I have.

 

[Burdekin]

Thanks guys, the se Clarke compressor looks like the one to go for.

I now need to decide where best to put it. Would moisture be an issue do you think if I put it in my shed rather than the workshop? The shed is more damp but would this be okay with a couple of drop legs and inline filters?

 

[rtbcomp]

Mine's in a 'kennel' in the yard and it's fine. I use copper piping and one filter/regulator.

 

[Shox Dr]

Thanks guys, the se Clarke compressor looks like the one to go for.

I now need to decide where best to put it. Would moisture be an issue do you think if I put it in my shed rather than the workshop? The shed is more damp but would this be okay with a couple of drop legs and inline filters?

I'd try and pipe the inlet from somewhere the air is less likely to be damp, no point in adding moisture.

 

[Wallace]

My Clarke SE16C150 has been in a plastic garden store around 15 years and still looks tidy despite a bit of spider poo.

 

[Burdekin]

Do you guy use a coalescing filter and or a filter regulator for spray painting? If so which one would you recommend?

 

[Cobs]

I use Metal Work New Deal filters which I bought from these guys:

http://www.airaccessories.co.uk/pneumatic-equipment/metal-work-standard-frl-new-deal

I have a coalescing filter (or 'oil removal filter' as it describes on the web link) and a filter regulator (don't get confused with FRLs or filter regulator lubricator - which is the last thing you want for spraying!). So this is only 'two stage' but my air fed mask also has a carbon filter - if it didn't I'd add a third Metal Work carbon filter. These are the same filters as Devilbiss.

 

[Burdekin]

I use Metal Work New Deal filters which I bought from these guys:

http://www.airaccessories.co.uk/pneumatic-equipment/metal-work-standard-frl-new-deal

I have a coalescing filter (or 'oil removal filter' as it describes on the web link) and a filter regulator (don't get confused with FRLs or filter regulator lubricator - which is the last thing you want for spraying!). So this is only 'two stage' but my air fed mask also has a carbon filter - if it didn't I'd add a third Metal Work carbon filter. These are the same filters as Devilbiss.

Thanks very much. Great link. Just bought one of the same coalescing filters from eBay yesterday. Will get one of the carbon filters.