What Air Compressor Is Good These Days?

[Dilligaf76]

I’ve been thinking of getting an air compressor for mainly semi pro purposes to use at home for spraying, ratchet gun, impact gun, air gun, down to inflating tyres etc..

So I want something that can do it all without spending too much cash though as it won’t be used all that often.

I came across these Sip air compressors which seemed very reasonably, I know roughly about the CFM, FAD etc and thought this one would be suitable.

I wanted to know your thoughts especially about these quiet type ones, are they any good? please see the link below…

SIP DD 3HP Direct Drive Air Compressor 50 / 100 Litre

SIP Direct Drive Low Noise 3HP Air Compressor The SIP DD 3HP air compressor comes fitted with a 3HP 2 pole brushless motor, with an improved air flow the compressor is reliable for a range of everyday tasks within a workshop or garage. The direct drive pump on the SIP DD 3HP compressor offers a...

www.sipuk.co.uk

 

[Robert Weaver]

I doubt the single motor can keep up if you're drawing high CFD. the single motor will be 700 watt or thereabouts, not 3hp. just means more down time while you're waiting for it to recharge.
I got the 2 parallel motor Hyundai 50L which struggles.

 

[Dilligaf76]

Really even with two motors!
I know the other thing with it only being a 50L tank isn’t all that big but I thought it might be alright for me.

Like I say it would only be for spraying a small panel or for loosening the odd few wheel nuts or underneath a chassis or something like that.

So there probably be more down time but would it be capable of doing these things?

 

[Erie Fred]

Look for something belt drive and at least 2hp.
This is not the area to skimp.

 

[dave h 2]

It won't run a rattle gun.

Note it only suggests air brushing all the tools mentioned are low air users. The ad also implies there have been overheating issues

 

[MetalMonkey]

I recommend you take a look at one of these:
https://airindustrial.com/products/piston-compressors/

I have the HW16, and that would be acceptable for what I would call "semi pro".
You could also look at the clarke range from machine mart, they would be more "serious hobbyist", some of their industrial line would be more "semi pro". IMO of course.
Essentially you want something belt driven, 3hp or above and ideally a slow running cast iron pump.

A lot will also depend on what you are spraying, for example if it is cars with 2k paint you need to allow for an air fed mask which will significantly increase the size of the machine you need.

 

[Jack Pattenden]

Air compressors are currently reduced on machine mart, ends today. The Airmaster Tigers and Clarke Boxers look like the same thing rebadged, 3hp belt drive, 50L for £346, 100L for £382, 150L for £478. I went with the 100L as it seemed like the best value.

 

[Dilligaf76]

It won't run a rattle gun.

Note it only suggests air brushing all the tools mentioned are low air users. The ad also implies there have been overheating issues

Oh, they're pretty rubbish then by the sounds of it, I know £269 is of the cheaper end but you would think one would get something half decent...

 

[Dilligaf76]

I recommend you take a look at one of these:
https://airindustrial.com/products/piston-compressors/

I have the HW16, and that would be acceptable for what I would call "semi pro".
You could also look at the clarke range from machine mart, they would be more "serious hobbyist", some of their industrial line would be more "semi pro". IMO of course.
Essentially you want something belt driven, 3hp or above and ideally a slow running cast iron pump.

A lot will also depend on what you are spraying, for example if it is cars with 2k paint you need to allow for an air fed mask which will significantly increase the size of the machine you need.

How much are we talking about for these, what did the HW16 cost roughly if you don't mind me asking?

 

[Dilligaf76]

Air compressors are currently reduced on machine mart, ends today. The Airmaster Tigers and Clarke Boxers look like the same thing rebadged, 3hp belt drive, 50L for £346, 100L for £382, 150L for £478. I went with the 100L as it seemed like the best value.

I did see this at Machine Mart, I was hoping they would do a VAT free code like I had once before...

 

[AVI_8]

Are you in a hurry to get one?
Clarke air industrial compressors come up on the likes of gumtree quite often, I got 2 150 litre 3HP compressors for a good bit less than the price of 1 new one.

 

[Turbo]

There's an sgs one in the for sale section.

 

[knighty]

which battery tools do you use?

battery impact guns are better than air ones, they are pricey, but if you stick with a brand you have it means you don;t need new batteries etc.

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

I got rid of my rubbish direct drive compressor and went for a clarke industrial xet19/200...very happy with it.

As above...if budget is an issue I'd prefer to buy a good used one I reckon. I'd avoid direct drive ones...mine was proper loud!

 

[Jack Pattenden]

I did see this at Machine Mart, I was hoping they would do a VAT free code like I had once before...

If I'm remembering correctly, VAT free code is 16.5% off so there's only about £15 in it? Don't take this as me pressuring you though.

 

[RonMig]

I've had a little 10-litre clarke pioneer for about 40 years, and bought this similar one (delta kestrel ) for my lad when he moved out.
Both run at a reasonable 1,425 rpm which seems rare; most appear to run at around double that and sound quite frantic, not good for my tinnitus...

I've also got two 3hp belt driven units (a 100 and a 150 litre) in the sound-insulated garden workshop/shed.
I can join those together if needed, for blasting or spraying, but I've not done any of that for quite a while.
These little ones stay in the garage/ near the cars so get the most use - perfect for tyres and the odd blow-job (no!)
All were second-hand .... much better value than new, provided you choose wisely...

 

[fizzy]

Air compressors are currently reduced on machine mart, ends today. The Airmaster Tigers and Clarke Boxers look like the same thing rebadged, 3hp belt drive, 50L for £346, 100L for £382, 150L for £478. I went with the 100L as it seemed like the best value.

I have 2 Clarke compressors - they have been great. One is the 3hp 50L belt drive and will run any air tool and ample for spraying. Bit feeble for sand blasting of course but will do it - slowly!
Will run off a normal 13amp plug - even an extension lead.

 

[Dilligaf76]

That sounds brilliant and the sort of I need, it’s good to hear what others experience and to know their opinions, everyone in here have been a great help…

 

[Jack Pattenden]

You'll really want a belt drive, trust us. Even if a DD and BD are on paper the same dB, a BD is a much more 'pleasant' (less awful) sound. Plus a motor running half as fast lasts twice as long!

 

[Turbo]

You'll really want a belt drive, trust us. Even if a DD and BD are on paper the same dB, a BD is a much more 'pleasant' (less awful) sound. Plus a motor running half as fast lasts twice as long!

To be fair there are quite a few belt driven compressors using a 2800 rpm motor.
I've got 2 sips and an Ingersoll Rand and all are 2800 rpm. It's a cheaper way to get the cfm from the pump.