Air compressors - worth it?

Harv · 11-02-2015, 04:13 PM

Are air tools worth the expense?

I'm considering a 3hp/50L unit which I can put in the shed and run an air line down into the garage. SWP do a decently-priced unit, FAD should be around 9CFM which looks to be plenty to run an impact wrench and brief runs on a spray gun.

Can anyone recommend/dissuade from the cost of it all?

indigorallye · 11-02-2015, 04:17 PM

I never use mine for impact wrench, I use the battery one instead.
I painted the blue engine bay with it though, and ran out of puff a little. It's 2hp / 50l but poor cfm.

Necessary? No.
Nice to have? Yes.

Harv · 11-02-2015, 04:54 PM

I have the Sealey mains-powered impact wrench. I'd probably use that for the big jobs, but it'd be nice to have a more compact air gun to get underneath with - the Sealey is a bit big for that kind of thing!

I'd also be looking at engine bay painting, so good to know.

indigorallye · 11-02-2015, 07:19 PM

I'd find the hose a pita for using a driver.

LukeS1Stoke · 11-02-2015, 07:38 PM

If your thinking of running airtools Harv make sure you go for 10mm airline and high flow fittings but TBH as Mike says battery powered impact guns are just as good and have no restrictions with pipes etc. My compressor is only small and about 15 year old but was fine for doing the paintwork on mine, i only use a 0.8 spray gun tho, the bigger guns use a lot more air.

**jools** · 11-02-2015, 10:00 PM

Essential garage tools if you have a need to tackle bodywork and spraying, as I would rather use an air saw and nibblers than a grinder as it is cleaner. I run an old Clarke air master 15/50, which is a 3hp compressor, and will easily keeping a largish gravity spray gun fed, and run most air tools etc, plus inflates the kids paddling pool double quick! Could do with a larger tank but 50 ltrs means it fits under the workbench. Being 3 hp, it needs a 16amp supply, but not really a problem as I use this for the welder as well.

Harv · 12-02-2015, 10:45 PM

Food for thought, thanks guys!

I reckon I'll go for it, although I'm tempted to a 2.5hp to run on a 13 amp.

**dunc** · 12-02-2015, 10:53 PM

For using tools I prefer battery powered gear, even at work the airline only comes out seldomly for air tools.
A good 3/8 and 1/2 battery driver is well worth it.
However for tyre pressures, spraying etc a compressor is obviously needed.

**mattrallye** · 12-02-2015, 11:00 PM

I use quite a bit of mine for various jobs, mainly heavier jobs like suspension etc. You need a pretty big compressor for air tools to run effectively though.

11-02-2015, 04:13 PM	#1
Harv Slower Than Mike Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Louth, Lincs Posts: 3,356	Air compressors - worth it? Are air tools worth the expense? I'm considering a 3hp/50L unit which I can put in the shed and run an air line down into the garage. SWP do a decently-priced unit, FAD should be around 9CFM which looks to be plenty to run an impact wrench and brief runs on a spray gun. Can anyone recommend/dissuade from the cost of it all?

11-02-2015, 04:17 PM	#2
indigorallye Mod & Rallye Racer Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: North West Posts: 16,999	I never use mine for impact wrench, I use the battery one instead. I painted the blue engine bay with it though, and ran out of puff a little. It's 2hp / 50l but poor cfm. Necessary? No. Nice to have? Yes. __________________ Mike www.106maxi.co.uk - North West Sports & Saloons Class F 2014 Champion - Winner of Dave Simpson Memorial Trophy - Britcar 24hour 2015, 2nd in class, 14th O/A - Seat Supercopa

11-02-2015, 07:19 PM	#4
indigorallye Mod & Rallye Racer Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: North West Posts: 16,999	I'd find the hose a pita for using a driver. __________________ Mike www.106maxi.co.uk - North West Sports & Saloons Class F 2014 Champion - Winner of Dave Simpson Memorial Trophy - Britcar 24hour 2015, 2nd in class, 14th O/A - Seat Supercopa

11-02-2015, 10:00 PM	#6
jools 106 RALLYE REGISTER MEMBER Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Gloucestershire Posts: 2,038	Essential garage tools if you have a need to tackle bodywork and spraying, as I would rather use an air saw and nibblers than a grinder as it is cleaner. I run an old Clarke air master 15/50, which is a 3hp compressor, and will easily keeping a largish gravity spray gun fed, and run most air tools etc, plus inflates the kids paddling pool double quick! Could do with a larger tank but 50 ltrs means it fits under the workbench. Being 3 hp, it needs a 16amp supply, but not really a problem as I use this for the welder as well. Last edited by jools; 11-02-2015 at 10:33 PM.

12-02-2015, 10:53 PM	#8
dunc Mike's Mechanic Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Macclesfield, Cheshire Posts: 10,301	For using tools I prefer battery powered gear, even at work the airline only comes out seldomly for air tools. A good 3/8 and 1/2 battery driver is well worth it. However for tyre pressures, spraying etc a compressor is obviously needed. __________________ dunc been there, done that... got trailered home!

11-02-2015, 04:54 PM	#3
Harv Slower Than Mike Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Louth, Lincs Posts: 3,356	I have the Sealey mains-powered impact wrench. I'd probably use that for the big jobs, but it'd be nice to have a more compact air gun to get underneath with - the Sealey is a bit big for that kind of thing! I'd also be looking at engine bay painting, so good to know.

11-02-2015, 07:38 PM	#5
LukeS1Stoke WHOOPS! MEMBERSHIP JUST EXPIRED Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Stoke on Trent Posts: 563	If your thinking of running airtools Harv make sure you go for 10mm airline and high flow fittings but TBH as Mike says battery powered impact guns are just as good and have no restrictions with pipes etc. My compressor is only small and about 15 year old but was fine for doing the paintwork on mine, i only use a 0.8 spray gun tho, the bigger guns use a lot more air.

12-02-2015, 10:45 PM	#7
Harv Slower Than Mike Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Louth, Lincs Posts: 3,356	Food for thought, thanks guys! I reckon I'll go for it, although I'm tempted to a 2.5hp to run on a 13 amp.

12-02-2015, 11:00 PM	#9
mattrallye 106 RALLYE REGISTER MEMBER Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Worcester Posts: 5,563	I use quite a bit of mine for various jobs, mainly heavier jobs like suspension etc. You need a pretty big compressor for air tools to run effectively though. __________________ Now running a 16v with 180bhp and Sadev sequential. Partner at Trackspec - Performance parts for enthusiasts info@trackspec.co.uk www.trackspec.co.uk

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