Thread: Air Compressor - Brand Query

I have an old Compak handed down from my father. He was a builder and it got lots of use on job sites mainly for nail guns over the years. When I did it up I went to Compaq over south side of Brisbane. They were very helpful and had lots of parts. Great being able to walk into shop like that.

Thanks Pete, I'll check them out tomorrow.

better to get a quieter machine....

Originally Posted by Albert

better to get a quieter machine....

Agree. But, and without doing any research, which is the quietest?

If noise is a concern, immediately cross all direct drive compressors off the list.

EDIT: Disregard; all the ones on your shortlist are belt-driven.

Some of the FAD claims are a bit fanciful.

A 3HP motor simply cannot deliver more than about 11 CFM no matter how clever the compressor is, so the Able claim of 13CFM is bogus.
The Boss claim of 11.5 CFM with its 3.5HP motor and, Blue diamond with 13 CFM from 4HP are more realistic.

The 4HP blue diamond will technically require a dedicated 20A 240V socket and at 135 kg, as well as the Able at 134 kg, are not really the sort of compressor that is lump around for fence work etc.
To run it over any sort of distance will need a special HD cable.
For any sort of mobile work I'd try to keep the compressor at least under 100kg.

Just had a look at these on special https://sydneytools.com.au/ferrua-b3...air-compressor

Originally Posted by NathanaelBC

Just had a look at these on special https://sydneytools.com.au/ferrua-b3...air-compressor

50L Tank is a bit small
3HP and 13.7 CFM - no chance
Engineered in Italy, but almost certainly made in China.
A weight of 44kg, because the tank is almost certainly light weight and there's lots of al and plastic on it.

Originally Posted by Adam012

Thanks Pete, I'll check them out tomorrow.

How did you go?

I am currently looking for a compressor also and am interested in what people think of the Compak units - I'd like to support a local business.

I'd be interested to know what you ended up with.

Adam

I have a Renagade HD 310 which I've had for about 18 months and use it for spray painting, air tools, and small sand blasting.

I work it hard and hasn't missed a beat. Trade tools really backs there products.

If I had the money I would have got a bigger cylinder for bigger sand blasting jobs however I've over come this with a pressure pot.

ive found the belt drive piston compressor much quieter than the cheap direct drive compressors .. I think this is because they wiz at a higher speed.

Randal

Can I join in looking at options.

Id have to look at 10 amp to be safe.

Hi all and thanks for the replies!

I narrowed my search down to the Trade Tools Renegade ($900 ish?) and the Boss ($850 on special). There was not much between the two and in the end it was the support from the bloke at Boss. Turns out it's a small family run business and he was super helpful (& patient!). It didn't hurt that he was willing to through in a few extra's (some oil & an inline regulator + couple of adaptors) to help me out.

I looked closely at the Compak but as it's just for home handyman stuff, I struggled to justify the cost (about $1200-1300 for the similar size). If I was a tradie, it would probably fit into my calculations a bit more. They are definitely set up as the go to people for compressor's and the in store knowledge was really helpful as well.

The 70ltr Boss has been perfect! Tight as a drum with no leaks and pretty quiet, at a guess about 70db - ish. It's under by house (old QLd'r) and my baby boy sleeps through when it's running. I've not done any painting yet, but the nail gun and some blowing has been great.

The thing that sold it for me was the more solid construction and better looking fittings on the Renegade and the Boss. The Able was pretty average and I managed to get lucky and be talking to one of the repair blokes at Able and he said he saw a lot come back because the regulator(?) played up on them. The operation looked like a box shipping setup. No real retail/support evident, but that was just my impression. I could be wrong.

Huge learning curve! A big shout out to Bobl and others for sharing their knowledge. It really helped!

If you're looking for a compressor, give the big retail stores a bit of a miss (mostly seem to be geared for noisy & cheapish units) and aim for one of the speciality tool shops or dedicated compressor outfits. Fingers crossed the paying extra will help out in the long run!

Cheers,
Adam.

I ended up going with the Ferrua 3HP 50L

Originally Posted by NathanaelBC

I ended up going with the Ferrua 3HP 50L

I'm looking at getting this compressor too. How has it been working for you?