I am interested in replacing my 1 H.P. air compressor with one with sufficient output to handle a HPHV spray system as well as some of the more air-hungry shop tools. I am familiar with the good old cast iron cylinder with valves. I would like to know how the oil-less ones work, and how, if at all, these relate to those advertising vanes.
Can you direct me to a good source explaining the principles on which they function and their relative merits such as cost, reliability, repairs, and life expectancy? I would be most appreciative.
Ray
Replies
Try a search on google.com
Stay away from oil-less type compressors as they are very noisy and tend to fail sooner with a cost of at least $75 to replace the piston and sleeve. Compare cfm and needed air pressure of tools with same information of compressor.
http://www.tptools.com has some basics as well as http://www.grainger.com
Also go to your local Lowes or HD to compare and learn. Take your time. Don't buy the cheapest HVLP either.
Rick
Ray
Depends on what your expected usage is going to be, eg hobby or pro.
For a small pro shop I believe that the slow reving belt driven cast compressors are the go. Important considerations relate to air consumption with items like die grinders, sanders & HP spray guns being the big users.
When researching look at the free air delivery figures at a given pressure rather than the pump displacement or horse power usually quoted by manufacturers (eg I have a 2.2HP unit rated at 12cfm, however free air delivery at 100psi is 8.1cfm and that's without attaching a hose! but it still runs everything I want).
You also mentioned using HPHV spray equipment - have a look at the HVLP systems which have a far better transfer efficency, ie more on your work & less in the air - the result is cost savings & it's better for the environment.
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