What's the best value compressor in the UK?

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Painting and airbrushing
1

Hiya

I just can’t decide which compressor to get. I live in the UK.

I’ve looked at the non-hobby ones, and they seem too large (I live in a tiny cottage and space is at a premium).

I’ve found the Ripmax T-RCP104 for £160 ($270ish?), which you can view here - http://www.expotools.co.uk/532_1_1015163.html

This seems really good, but can I get something as good for less?

What do people recommend? I’d rather get a good one to start with, so am probably looking for a small compressor with a reservoir and moisture trap.

thanks for reading,

James

2

Hi,

I don’t know about any other compressors but I have the same one and it is very good.

It’s easy to use and has low noise - quite solid construction.

[:)]

Karl

3

James, I’ve seen that compressor in my LHS, and it seems to have pretty much everything that you would need.

I run a Werther 3 compressor, with a Paasche Ra75 moisture trap and regulator. The comp. I bought from the link below:

http://www.maywoodgarageequipment.co.uk/oil_less_compressors.html

While the reg. I imported from the US.

There’s not a huge difference in spec between the Werther 2 & 3, but I’ve had no problems with 3 in 18 months of ownership.

All comes down to cost and preference at the end of the day.

Best of luck from another Karl!!!

4

the name is hillarious

5

Try here

http://www.machinemart.co.uk

6

The best value compressor has to be the one I bought at Hannants. It’s near identical to the Revell Omega (top of the range), but much cheaper. Works fine for me. Don’t ask me the name, because I don’t know it! You’ll probably need to collect it in person from Hannants. I can highly recommend it!

7

Welcome to the fold - I’m in the UK also! Last summer I bought a Testors Blue Mini Aircompressor for approx £90 from a hobby shop in Camden. It works well with my Aztek airbrush - there’s no res or moisture trap or pressure gauge although the latter can be obtained from Testors for $24.99. I 've been happily spraying acrylics and enamels since - try it!

Barry

8

I also reside in the UK. My impressions: UK compressor prices are ridiculous compared to the USA.

I agree with you re. getting a full featured one from the off. After buying a cheap compressor (more like a jet engine, really, given the pain-threshold noise output!) I finally bought a Sil-Air 15 Export from Maywood Garage Equipment which seems remarkably similar to the Revell Omega (I think they’re both OEM Werther models) It’s completely silent, (scarily so - I thought mine was broken when I first powered it up!) has a pressure gauge, moisture trap, air tank etc. all for £200 delivered. A dream to use. The Ripmax seems to have similar credentials.

Remember - you buy cheap, you buy twice!

9

OK, the compressor I use is the Shesto CP0375, which is £279. It is identical to the Revell Omega which is £325 (but does have it’s outer case painted blue not grey). Information from the Hannants website: www.hannants.co.uk

10

That Shesto looks pretty similar to mine minus the cosmetic fairing. (pic of mine attached).

.

Looks like I got a bargain for £200 - I’d be pretty annoyed if I bought the Revell for £325! Plus mine’s black - goes with everything![:)]

11

I bought that ripmax compressor

very impressed so far. just did a 3-colour camo pattern and still can’t believe how easy it was

thanks for the advice guys!

12

Hi James

Congratulations on getting the Ripmax. Glad you went for the full-featured option from the kick-off, you won’t be disappointed. What’s the noise level like?

13

the noise is acceptable - it sounds like a motor, and you definitely know it’s on.

someone else couldn’t watch tv in the same room due to the noise, but besides that it’s ok.

The only problem I have with it is that it doesn’t (I think) have an auto cut-off when it reaches it’s max pressue (50 psi). that would be very handy!

14

Yes, it does. Mine is really quiet in operation, and if it makes a noise, you know something is wrong (usually it’s because it needs a rest, or more oil). Same for you?

15

Yes. very quiet in operation.