Compressor question for u Painters out there!

[CockneyPlayboy]

What are seen as the best compressors and how much should I be looking to spend for a first timer.

Following the completion of my vehicle restoration course and after years of 'nearly' doing it all Ive decided to go the whole hog and actually paint my next project myself. Yes the Early Bay will be shod in paint that I spray on it!

I have nearly all but secured my workshop, and started assembling tools and of course one of the biggest purchases will be a quality compressor. I want one that is up to the job and that will last. I dont need the most expensive one as I only intend to do my own cars and then perhaps two or three other projects here and there to build up experience etc. I only intend to run one gun off it at a time in realistic terms but of course I'll be aiming to use it to run a host of other air tools such as DA's and sanders etc. I would guess I need one with a moisture trap also right?

Also what ltr would suffice... 150? less.... more? :roll:

Ive seen this...

ABAC Air Compressor Red Line 14 Cfm - 150 Ltr (New!!)

**Five Star 12 Months On Site Warranty
**High Output Heavy Duty Compressor (14Cfm)
**Belt Drive
**3 hp Single Phase / 230V
**150 Ltr Air Receiver (Cert To EC87/404)
**Brand New Delivered To Your Workshop
£439.00

What do you think? Am I aiming too high? DO I need one like this or indeed is it too much for my needs do you think?
It certainly answers concerns regarding mains/ampage drain....

Thanks all

 

[young_dubya]

i think the biggest you can go on single phase (240v) is our little clark air master.

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/tiger-1070-air-compressor/path/airmaster-2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

we got ours off ebay for £75 and it works a treat. not done a full van with it yet but sprayed for 10minutes or so continually with no hassle. also bought a clark HVLP gravity feed air gun (£35) and its wicked awesome. means you can mix a small amount of paint and you dont waste any :mrgreen:

Ash.

 

[ProfessorWheeto]

Basically CFM is the important figure..
Here is a handy chart to give you some idea of what you may need
http://www2.northerntool.com/air-compressor-buyers-guide.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

For painting you will need a filter/moisture trap.

With regards to guns, anything you buy new has to be HVLP due to the Environmental Protection Act.

 

[61 stu]

At my old house i went the whole hog and had 3 phase hooked up in my garage to run my compressor properly, will do the same in my new place, well worth it if you're thinking of running a gun off it. Remember to hook up a seperate water trap too, really essential dude.