- Thread starter jackjosh
- Start date
the snooper
getting older by the day
- Messages
- 21,078
- Location
- Hull UK
all depends on your power supply 15/ 16 cfm is about the limit off a standard 13 amp socket
I am putting 16 amps into the garage, it will be a car restoration running just one tool at a time.
the snooper
getting older by the day
- Messages
- 21,078
- Location
- Hull UK
14 cfm minimum but bigger if you can stretch to it, grinders like lots of air
Thanks for that, I will look at that sort of level then.
I have just wired a 16a commando socket for my 3hp compressor - could easily have went for 4hp but its enough for me. Clarke SE16C150
After fitting the commando socket though, I started thinking, why didn't I fit a 32A? So I ended up fitting one of them too. So now I have bought a 200A welding machine because there is nothing stopping me.
What I'm say is, are you better fitting a 32A supply and if you need to use something with a 16A plug you can use a means of lowering the circuit breaker capacity. This would provide you with enough to cover all bases and any future machines/large welders
After fitting the commando socket though, I started thinking, why didn't I fit a 32A? So I ended up fitting one of them too. So now I have bought a 200A welding machine because there is nothing stopping me.
What I'm say is, are you better fitting a 32A supply and if you need to use something with a 16A plug you can use a means of lowering the circuit breaker capacity. This would provide you with enough to cover all bases and any future machines/large welders
Last edited:
I bought a se16c100 compressor from machine mart, 3hp 14cfm displacement. It runs a da sander but does have to work hard although sander never slows down, blasting is ok and it runs a spraygun fine so I would say this would be a minimum if you want to run tools. A bigger receiver would give more reserve but once it's empty you are totally reliant on the compressor output to maintain running the tools. If I needed more air I would just add another compressor.
Keep your eyes peeled at your local machine mart as they sometimes have some bargains in the returned items, last time I went they had a dual 3hp compressor with 270 litre receiver for less than £700 which is a massive saving, they also had a 3hp 150 litre one at a good price. Failing that buy something cheap off them and wait for a vat free voucher to arrive, I bought mine with a voucher and saved nearly £80
