At 09:24 4/7/96 -0400, you wrote:
> I am seeking advice regarding the purchase of an air compressor. I am
>budgeting around $400 for compressor and a few basic air tools. I have looked
>at severall 5HP models, including Campbell Hausefield (Walmart), Devilbiss
>(Lowes), Black something or other (SAMS), and the Sears models in their
catalog.
>The compressor I buy is strictly for my car hobby. It will not see heavy
>sustained use at all. Some spray painting, impact wrench, cleaning, sanding,
>etc - all at a very leisurely pace (unfortunately as my real job permits). I
>have noted that the models with alumium compressors are less expensive than
the
>cast iron equivalents. Are these likely to satisfy my needs or should I fork
>out for a cast iron compressor. I like the Lowes Devilbiss model - anyone
have
>any experience with this model or the Walmart model? Any advice regarding
>compressors or air tools would be appreciated as I am very ignorant in this
>area.
>Thanks
>
>Tom Wannenburg
>74 MG Midget
>
>Tom:
I would advise you to stay far away from the Sears units. I bought one of
the 3.5 HP units with a 25 gal tank because it advertised 8.5 scfm at 40
psi. I run the tank down to 40 psi using tools that are rated @ 3 scfm at
40 psi! The HP ratings that Sears uses are false advertising in my opinion.
I notice that their 5 HP model has a maximum current draw of 14.7 amp @ 120v
- the same as my 3.5 HP unit. I short, the MAXIMUM input power on their 5
HP model is a bit over 2 HP. How they rate the maximum output at 5 HP is a
true feat of wonder and a violation of the basic laws of nature! I also
notice that they do this same trick on most of their power tools.
Other manufacturers must use a different HP rating system because a
DeVilbiss unit I saw using the same motor was rated at 2 HP. In short,
don't compare HP ratings unless they are based on the same system and don't
believe Sears' ratings - either HP or SCFM. My 3.5 HP Sears unit (now rated
at 5 HP?) is not big enough to run a full size paint gun, air drill, or air
grinder. It is OK for impact wrenches and blowing up tires. My next unit
is gonna be a 60 gallon upright with a two stage, belt driven compressor
with an HONEST SCFM rating.>
Jon LeChevet
80 MGB
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