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rtbcomp
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The tank size is not that important, its the delivery in terms of cfm (cu ft per min). If the budget allows I'd go for a 3hp and a smaller tank. It's always better to have a big machine doing a smaller job than vice-versa.
For example if your spraygun needs 12 cfm and the compressor will only supply 10 you will keep having to stop to let the compressor catch up, but if the compressor supplies 14cfm it will keep on top of the job.
A big tank is useful in a garage where you may be using air tools occasionally, it will fill up, you'll get quite a lot of use before the compressor kicks in again, that way the compressor isn't continually switching on and off.
If you find the tank isn't big enough you can always add another receiver at a later date, I've got 150 litres + 3 x 20 litres worth of calor gas bottles fed with a 3hp compressor and 9 fridge motors for my grit blasting operation, but that's a different story!
For example if your spraygun needs 12 cfm and the compressor will only supply 10 you will keep having to stop to let the compressor catch up, but if the compressor supplies 14cfm it will keep on top of the job.
A big tank is useful in a garage where you may be using air tools occasionally, it will fill up, you'll get quite a lot of use before the compressor kicks in again, that way the compressor isn't continually switching on and off.
If you find the tank isn't big enough you can always add another receiver at a later date, I've got 150 litres + 3 x 20 litres worth of calor gas bottles fed with a 3hp compressor and 9 fridge motors for my grit blasting operation, but that's a different story!
Watch out for Machine mart's misleading CFM figures. I believe they quote what the compressor draws in, NOT what it will supply to free air. Big difference when it comes to running spray guns or other tools you run for a reasonable period of time.
Watch out for the words 'free air delivery', in cubic feet per min, this what you should compare to the indented tool's air consumption.
Watch out for the words 'free air delivery', in cubic feet per min, this what you should compare to the indented tool's air consumption.
rtbcomp
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Perfectly true, it's suprising how the cfm quoted for compressors is a high figure whereas that quoted for tools is low figure.
The mass of air going into a compressor is the same as that coming out, but the volume/min (cfm) depends on the pressure.
Aw Steve. A lot of guys may have little babies to feed.......and big mortgages. Also have women who no matter how much weight they put on can still get through their pockets at night...
If your gonna buy cheap tools for intermittent use......Aldi is brill! Remember this.....Machine Mart and their Ilk sell cheap tools as well. They are sourced from the same place as Lidl and Aldi..........but twice the price.
My favourite tool shop is Bills tool store at the Barras in Glasgow. He is by far the cheapest for quality tools in Glasgow. Plus he does job lots , ex mod and a lot of quaint new and S/h stuff. Noticed a digital vernier in there at the weekend....£20quid.....It was EXACTLY
the same as the one I got from Aldi for £10 quid. Those Compressors I mentioned earlier have a 3 year gaurantee. Is that not what you always tell us........"Get aftersales service etc" Titter Titter!!.
If I see bargains I tell the boys. Guy was looking for rivets for his project. Was gonna pay over the odds. I mailed him that that Bills was doing Boxes of 500 for five quid.......he got them. Helping each other is what it`s about....I think......... I know business is a different ball game.....but don`t worry mate I still have to come and buy the REALLY good stuff from You lol!
Alex
i think the same way,
in aldi i can find a lot of interesting tools, last time i bought a set of nice, xenon workshop lamps at 4.99 each (!), also i've seen there 2 ton trolley jack, the same like in MM but cheaper for 50% (!).
Sometimes cheap doesn't mean good, especially in quality but you should see what you can buy and for how much in Germany, where these shops came from (aldi,lidl).
