Small compressor

[Roderick JenkinsParticipant @roderickjenkins93242]

Hi chaps,

 

Can anyone please recommend a cheap and cheerful compressor for testing small steam plant e.g ST engines or 3 1/2″ gauge locos.

 

cheers,

 

Rod

[Roderick JenkinsParticipant @roderickjenkins93242]

Compressor for testing steam engines

[Gordon WParticipant @gordonw]

For very cheap you could convert an old freezer comp. , info. was given in MEW not long ago. I would advise buying a cheapo, sub £100 , one. I think mine came from Machine Mart some years ago and still working. So useful you will wonder how you managed without it. Mine is used beyond its intended duty regularly, spraying car underseal, running a windy spanner etc.’ course only in short bursts.

[blowlampParticipant @blowlamp]

Try here http://www.lidl.co.uk/cps/rde/xchg/lidl_uk/hs.xsl/offerdate.htm?offerdate=23988

 

 

Martin.

[Ian S CParticipant @iansc]

I got an old freezer compressor for $NZ 15, switch second hand $NZ 5, 1/2 hp Hoover capacitor start motor (and blacksmiths wall drill) $NZ15, I had an old aircraft low pressure oxygen cylinder. Put it all together, about half a day, its a good one, but a bit slow for some things.

Just got to repair the switch on a second one that I was given, that will improove the capacity. All that for less than 20 pounds. Ian S C

[NJHParticipant @njh]

Hi Rod

 

Bought one similar to  these a few years ago ( the 6L version – but it was much cheaper then!).

 

Works OK and seems well built  – but very noisy.

 

Norman

Edited By NJH on 10/09/2011 15:13:37

[ChrisHParticipant @chrish]

Hi Rod,

 

I bought an oil-free compressor from Halfords for £99 which is quite good -but it’s really only for low air consumption use as it only has a 6litre air bottle. But if you could get another cylinder – like Ian above did – then you could pipe them into together and that should improve things. Be aware that if you go down this route Halfords sail a bit close to the wind IMO as the box leads you to think you’re maybe getting the wood kit with a nailer/stapler, only when you look closely they have ticked the box that says ‘compressor only’!

 

Look also at Machinery Mart – I am sure last time I looked they had air compressor/cylinder kits for under £100 also.

 

Chris

Edited By ChrisH on 10/09/2011 18:22:00

[Author]

Posts