right compressor

[Beanmetalworks]

hi

starting to sort my workshop out a bit getting it bit more set up. what i wanna no i what right sort of size compressor i need?? it will only me using it so just one thing at a time being used i want it to run air tools like sanders and air grinders and ratchets. but also be used for sparying nothing major just cattle feeders and such things. what sort size tank will i need and what best makes of compressors also were good place to get air tools??

thanks for any help

 

[jonjoe]

anything over 150 litre is good for air tools and spraying

 

[tigler]

Receiver is of secondary importance, it's the net air delivery of the compressor pump that is important. Much depends on the power supply you have available. If single phase only then you are pretty much limited to 3-4 hp units, with 4hp needing a 32 amp spur.
If you have 3 phase, the sky's the limit !

 

[Beanmetalworks]

Only got single phase which is a shame! But I'm pretty sure the 32amp bit wouldn't be a problem

 

[zzr1200]

DA Sanders and Grinders EAT AIR, the biggest compressor you can afford on single phase, even a twin motor/pump (belt drive type) compressor possibly.

 

[tigler]

As above. Either two 3hp units connected together or a tandem unit with both pumps on one receiver. The benefit with 2 independent units is you can turn one off for lower consumption tools.
Rule of thumb is older compressors are better than almost anything you can buy new, unless you spend loadsa cash !!
Ingersoll Rand, Atlas Copco and Broomwade are some to look out for.

 

[Beanmetalworks]

roughly how much money we talking?

 

[tigler]

A decent Ingersoll Rand T30, 3hp single phase will be upto £400, and can often be found for £250 or less if very lucky. You would need to make sure a given example was ok though as major parts can be expensive. The most frequent problem is a bent crank from falling over when being moved by a forklift ! So check for flywheel runout. New crank is almost £200 + fitting !
Service parts are quite reasonable though and the valves can be changed very easily and quickly.

 

[madkayaker]

Might be a slight curve ball but I take it your a farmer therefor have tractor? So if you planing to get a few machines and or welder generator look at getting a PTO three phase generator then your set for bigger stuff and mobile welding. I know the cost per unit will be a bit more than grid but if you get big enough then you can get real three phase and sell gunny for same as paid for if you look after

 

[Beanmetalworks]

i do a bit of part time driving for a contractor but most time im doing my metal fabrication and been setting it up over last few years so got alot of tools i need also not really into mobile welding rather be in workshop. prob go for somthing static. just wanna by somthing right was that 400?? new or what we looking at for new one?

 

[Beanmetalworks]

haha just looked there deer new

 

[tigler]

Thats for used one. New you're looking at £2000 or more !! Have a look at the mine in my album on here to see what they look like.

 

[Beanmetalworks]

what about hydo vane ones?

 

[tigler]

The Hydrovane with a 3hp single phase motor is only 8.5 CFM, a twin cylinder piston compressor with 3hp motor is 12-14 CFM depending on type.