Compressor

[Myford Matt]

I'd like to get a compressor. Nothing to big, just ordinary use for pushing swarf around.

When I worked in a research lab we had a little one on wheels, but everytime it switched on it made me jump out of my skin. What can I get that isn't a hydrovane - far too pricey - but which won't scare the neighbours. I suppose a vacuum cleaner level of noise would be acceptable.

All suggestions most welcome.

Oh and I live on the second floor, so it needs to be comfortably liftable up two flights of stairs.

Cheers

MM

[Laurie_B]

Best have a look at Machine Mart as they stock compressors (and receivers) in most shapes and sizes.
They do a handy looking one which is (and I quote) : weight:17 kg ,Max working pressure:8 bar ,output:1.1 cfm.
(Note the 'cubic feet per minute' units,quoted along side 'bars' and 'kg's'! One for the ''More EU Meddling'' thread,methinks!)

[ron]

Machine Mart do a range of very quiet compressors which would suit your purpose but they are expensive compared to a 'normal' one.
I've two compressors, a 3hp 2 cyl job for spraying and air tools and a small single cyl 'put put' for blowing up tyres etc, the small one is by far the noisier although neither would be very acceptable in a flat!
Ron

[SteveW]

Mat,

I've got a MachineMart sourced 1.5HP/25 litre non-oil-less compressor at around 150 quid. Since buying it the prices have dropped quite a bit. Before Christmas I saw in the National press an ad for a Wolf branded 2HP compressor for 99 quid.

It's a very useful bit of kit with application from swarf blowing, tyres, spray painting and recently grit blasting using one of MM's spot blasters. These require a minimum of 1.5HP but 2HP would extend the blast more as it gets through an awesome amount of air at 100psi+.

One essential luxury I would suggest is a filter. It'll remove a lot of moisture and oil from the air. Before using it on the grit blasting I found the nozzle would gum up with little nodules of moist grit (80/120 grade) which was compounded before I used the house sieve to recycle the grit through.

I also bought the MM kit of air tools which included spray gun, tyre inflater, paraffin sprayer and swarf shifter and a bunch of quick release connectors for each tool.

One (there are more) niggle with these compressors is the handy air tap on the output of the unit. The through hole is relatively small and I found a great improvement (especially grit blasting) by changing it to one with a bigger hole through it.

If you do intend grit blasting get yourself a 10 metre (or more) extension hose and do it at the bottom of the garden and keep the compressor in the workshop. The grit is better than that larger for getting in places it shouldn't.

If you can go for 2HP, it'll spend less time on.

Regards noise, they are very noisy and tend to start suddenly. The motor includes a cooling fan so a totally enclosed accoustic box isn't an option.

[paul]

The cheapo option follows....

www.maplin.co.uk/Free_UK_Delivery/Air_Compressor_38197/Air_Compressor_38197.htm

PLUS

www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=36397&&source=14&doy=search

You could lug it up 20 flights if necessary!

[Boadicea]

Regards noise, they are very noisy and tend to start suddenly. The motor includes a cooling fan so a totally enclosed accoustic box isn't an option.

Matt, I have a Rockwell (B&Q) 1.5hp 24L, cost just under £100, and the above applies to that too. It is really noisy and it says 99dBA on it. So, if they quote the noise level on anything you are looking at it must be much, much lower than 99dBA for your environment. A vacuum cleaner is about 70dBA
I am about to install mine in the shed next door to reduce the noise in the workshop - it's that bad!

Maybe one of the smaller ones designed for air brush use would be enough for you? Recommend you buy it from somewhere you can take it back if the noise is too great.

Regards, Bo

[lancelot]

stevew said:

Mat,

It's a very useful bit of kit with application from swarf blowing,

Courtesy of the ''ONE EYED TURNER''
I used to know him well, he lost an eye then developed complications of a sinister nature and has now departed this life, so the above is a ''NO,,,NO''

[chris vine]

Hi MM,

The quiet type, supplies by machine mart etc, will be very quiet as they are like fridge compressors but they are more expensive for the output.

I suggest you get an oil-less one if you can. I have had a little one for a couple of years which is used all the time to keep the airline pressurised. I only switch the big one on for sand blasting. The great advantage of the oil-free type is that they don't contaminate the airline for spraying. (you will already know this!!!!!)

Regards
Chris.

[Myford Matt]

Thanks for everyone's advice - and yes Chris, I've read somewhere recently that oil-free has it's advantages

[albertsell]

There are only two ways of moving swarf easily and most importantly saftly 1- a brush 2 a vacuum cleaner, picked a new one up at a traction engine rally new £20, it also cleanes the workshop carpet.
Albert

[SteveW]

Guys,

It seems I have now (quote above) gained a reputation for extolling the dangerous practice of 'swarf blowing'. I simply used this term as an extension of the original thread author's 'pushing swarf'.

It occurs to ask if any compressor/air-gun owners here haven't used their kit to blow swarf and, chances are, paid the price of doing so. There are times when nothing else will do it and like most other practices one has to be careful.

Should we all agree to bin the things?

[Shawki Shlemon]

Hi all
While I fully agree with the consequences of blowing off swarf,dust or anything else, I have had a compressor for the last 25 years and I switch it on until it fill the tank ( 2 cubic feet ) at 100 psi then switch it off .that is enough for me for a day or two and I will repair / replace it if it breaks down .I also need it to run engines on air and set safety valves and so on.Sure one must take care but I love it . I think every person has weigh the benefits and the short coming of compressors and decides for themselves .

[Tony K]

Should we all agree to bin the things?

Steve, assume you mean air guns on compressors.
Answer - Nope! They are brilliant for blowing out boiler tubes and do not wear them like wire brushes do.
Just put your safety specs on folks. We should all use safety kit more - shouldn't we?

Regards, Tony

[alanstepney]

I see that everyone talks about BUYING compressors.
Doesnt anyone (apart from me) make their own?

Very simple, and a scrap fridge provides the basis for a simple compressor.
Scrap many-other-objects can also be used.
Worth considering instead of taking things to the scrap yard.

[houstonceng]

alanstepney said:

I see that everyone talks about BUYING compressors.
Doesnt anyone (apart from me) make their own?

Very simple, and a scrap fridge provides the basis for a simple compressor.
Scrap many-other-objects can also be used.
Worth considering instead of taking things to the scrap yard.

Of course, if the 'fridge is filled with CFCs you would be breaking the law by realeasing same into atmosphere in order to re-use the compressor.

Andy

[havoc]

I do use a fridge compressor, but it depends on the use. If infrequently used, they are fine, but don't forget the "stuff" inside is also part of the lubrication and cooling of the compressor.