Compressor purchase

Ringmaster · 21-02-21, 02:48 PM

Folks,

I'm thinking of treating myself to a small compressor, like the one below. Not had one before.

https://www.diy.com/departments/stan.../981016_BQ.prd

Do you think it would be powerful enough for small sandblasting jobs? 8 bar & 180L/min

tractor Dave · 21-02-21, 03:16 PM

No, it's way too small.

mikes2 · 21-02-21, 10:12 PM

What he said. You'd be lucky to be able to do up 4 wheel bolts with that in one go without waiting for the tank to refill..

You really need a 3hp motor and a minimum of 150 litre tank, preferably 200.

Sandblasting is seriously air hungry.

droopsnoot · 22-02-21, 01:12 PM

Yes, as everyone said, that's too small to be much use. And it's pricey - when 24L compressors turn up at Aldi they're a lot less than that.

I bought a compressor years ago for one specific job - to paint the engine bay on my Vauxhall. I was going to get a 24L one, but I got a 50L one instead which is a bit better. But then, Aldi started selling their cheap air tools and it turns out that 50L is nowhere near enough. I've got a polisher that won't turn when I'm using the harder foam pads, for example.

My mate advised me to get the biggest one I could, and I wish I had. I just wasn't intending to use it for the stuff that I do with it now I've got it.

Ringmaster · 22-02-21, 07:01 PM

Thanks Chaps.

That is disappointing, the size is ideal, but good thing I asked.
I shall hang fire for a while and consider my options later...

4v6 · 24-02-21, 09:36 AM

Before I managed to get a 200 litre tank and a decent compressor I had considered getting a hold of say 4 50 litre tanks and daisy chaining them with a pressure hose to get sufficient volumes and just use a cheap compressor to fill them.
Obviously the compressors wouldnt keep up with a spray gun or blasting gun but the initial volume of gas would at least be usable for a short time.
In the end I snagged a decent tank and compressor off ebay for 50 quid and used that to paint the whole car with, and even then the compressor couldnt really keep up.

Also, dont use PCL 6mm/ 1/4 inch fittings, use the euro couplers that have an 8mm bore as itll have less pressure drop.

21-02-21, 10:12 PM	#3
mikes2 4 ring whore! Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Polmont Posts: 2,617	What he said. You'd be lucky to be able to do up 4 wheel bolts with that in one go without waiting for the tank to refill.. You really need a 3hp motor and a minimum of 150 litre tank, preferably 200. Sandblasting is seriously air hungry. __________________ 1991 90 quattro 20v sport 1991 90 quattro

21-02-21, 03:16 PM	#2
tractor Dave Senior Member Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Wales Posts: 1,157	No, it's way too small.

22-02-21, 01:12 PM	#4
droopsnoot Grown up member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: South Cheshire Posts: 212	Yes, as everyone said, that's too small to be much use. And it's pricey - when 24L compressors turn up at Aldi they're a lot less than that. I bought a compressor years ago for one specific job - to paint the engine bay on my Vauxhall. I was going to get a 24L one, but I got a 50L one instead which is a bit better. But then, Aldi started selling their cheap air tools and it turns out that 50L is nowhere near enough. I've got a polisher that won't turn when I'm using the harder foam pads, for example. My mate advised me to get the biggest one I could, and I wish I had. I just wasn't intending to use it for the stuff that I do with it now I've got it.

22-02-21, 07:01 PM	#5
Ringmaster Senior Member Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 1,326	Thanks Chaps. That is disappointing, the size is ideal, but good thing I asked. I shall hang fire for a while and consider my options later...

24-02-21, 09:36 AM	#6
4v6 Ex Member Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 5,565	Before I managed to get a 200 litre tank and a decent compressor I had considered getting a hold of say 4 50 litre tanks and daisy chaining them with a pressure hose to get sufficient volumes and just use a cheap compressor to fill them. Obviously the compressors wouldnt keep up with a spray gun or blasting gun but the initial volume of gas would at least be usable for a short time. In the end I snagged a decent tank and compressor off ebay for 50 quid and used that to paint the whole car with, and even then the compressor couldnt really keep up. Also, dont use PCL 6mm/ 1/4 inch fittings, use the euro couplers that have an 8mm bore as itll have less pressure drop.