What Brand Compressor?

[geoffsurf]

Sorry if this has been covered lots before but I really wanted to get people's opinions on things, and the more the better.

I can't find any second hand compressors at a good price (cheap enough to take the risk on a second hand compressor with no guarantee). So I am going to have to bite the bullet and buy a new one.

I want to buy one which is a decent size to run all air tools off and be of general use for some years to come. I will only be using it to run a few air tools while I restore my car in my garage. Also I want to pick a good spec that will be desirable and easy to sell if I don't use it much.

150ltr, 3hp, single phase seems to be the general suggestion. So my question is, what make do you recommend I go for? I know I'm going to be paying around £500. I have seen SIP, Clarke, ABAC, FIAC etc...

 

[Wayne.]

Theres loads about mate just have to look around a bit http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Second-Hand-Sealy-SA1015-3-3HP-Single-Phase-Compressor-/250661132922?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Air_Tools_and_Compressors&hash=item3a5c915a7a

 

[geoffsurf]

I've been watching ebay, but in the last few minutes the prices go crazy, and usually the decent ones go for only a bit less than it would cost you brand new with a guarantee. Also they tend to be up north, I'm down south in Dorset/Somerset.

 

[tigler]

There have been a number of threads on this subject over recent months, might be worth going over them.

 

[geoffsurf]

I've just tried to do some searches but I can't find much that deals with compressor brands.

If anyone has the links to the threads or can find them that would be really helpful. I'm not that good at searching for topics.

thanks

 

[Wayne.]

Ingersol Rand are very good i have a sealey one it has been faultless never let me down 3hp 150ltr tank this was bought seconhand from a mate of mine,clarke ones are ok as well its all down to budget at the end of the day, but one thing i can tell you dont buy a direct drive they are very loud in opperation and exspensive when they go wrong..

 

[tigler]

This is a good unit :-

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/INGERSOLL-RAN...Air_Tools_and_Compressors&hash=item3caeb63165

 

[brookie456]

This is a good unit :-

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/INGERSOLL-RAN...Air_Tools_and_Compressors&hash=item3caeb63165

And likely to go for less than £500, have had a couple of cheapies that just about made warranty If the manufacturer lists a service kit/hours used, always a good sign-built to last. I harassed a former workmate for an old compressor he lent me to spray the car as I was that impressed, 3hp Compair Broomwade for less than £100, needs a service every 2000 hours

 

[madkayaker]

have just got a 3ph hypovane will report back tomorrow when ive had chance to collect it

 

[geoffsurf]

Thanks for your advice guys. I really am getting stressed with it all. I've been going round in circles for a couple of weeks now checking out ebay, different manufacturers websites and its completely delaying my project. There are a lot of different brands out there and everyone says something slightly different.

Are ABAC in the same category as Ingersol or are they very different in quality? ABAC look very similiar to SIP and Sealey machines, is the quality really so different?

I guess the budget thing is tricky, if I'm spending so much on a new one then its worth getting something good and paying that bit more, all the money I'm using to buy one is borrowed.

 

[tigler]

Abac wouldn't be as good as Ingersol. Abac are similar to the tool brands but one member on here within the last few days had a problem with his and parts were obtained next day so Abac were there for him. One of the issues with buying a cheapoid is spares availability, these spurious companies spring up, sell a few thousand units then disappear without trace and no spares backup.
This where Machine Mart and Clark score as they are there to support their warranty and parts, although the units themselves are mostly low end quality wise.
Buying an older unit will definitely get better quality and performance but caution is required to ensure the unit is in full working condition and not heavily used and worn.
Good buys and bargains are out there though.

 

[geoffsurf]

Ok thanks.

Just asked the guy on ebay selling that Ingresol one and he says it is a 1.5KW motor so probably a bit small to run the full range of air tools etc.

 

[tigler]

Yes, agreed. You need about 3hp which is about 2.5KW. That Ingersol looked bigger to me.

 

[tigler]

Just had another look and it does look like a 2 HP.
There is another way of getting more air, get two 1.5 Kw units and common them up into one air system ! That way, when your air demand is low you only need to operate 1 unit, when you need more operate the two. This technique is sometimes actually used in industry. Sometimes even manufacturers offer compressors with two units on one receiver.

 

[Robotstar5]

There is another way of getting more air, get two 1.5 Kw units and common them up into one air system ! That way, when your air demand is low you only need to operate 1 unit, when you need more operate the two. This technique is sometimes actually used in industry.

We used to have 5 big V twin compressors to run our building at Rover, 2 running, 1 make-up, 1 standby & the 5th being serviced!

Had to wear ear defenders in the compressor house and still loud.

 

[geoffsurf]

I would rather buy one compressor that does the job as I don't know my way around compressors at the moment, and I don't have much room, or much isolation of noise.

I still need a compressor asap but I'm now scared to buy an SIP or other similar brand. There don't seem to be many good ones second hand on ebay in my area down south.

Does anyone have an opinion or advice on the difference between the SIP TN3HP/150-SRB (red 40th anniversary) for £480. And the SIP 06278 Airmate Pro-tech 150 (slow run) £570 - £612

http://www.sipuk.co.uk/tools/info_SIP04292.html
http://www.sipuk.co.uk/tools/info_SIP06278.html

 

[Chipper]

I've had an Abac for 5 yrs and it's been spot on. Fair bit of use though non-pro. I chose them because they were accessible if something went wrong, and they had local agents, and price seemed good. It's a 3hp/150 litre, actually quieter than the missus' little 25 litre Aldi comp.