Stanley Air Compressor, 2.5hp Belt Drive, $399 (Save $300), Supercheap Auto Nationwide

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  wfdTamar on 13/09/2013 - 18:15

  I've got one. While I'm no expert on compressors it is a lot better quality than the cheapo one I had previously. A good buy at that price.

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  slowmo on 13/09/2013 - 18:45

  can I ask what this is commonly used for?

  • 

    wfdTamar on 13/09/2013 - 18:52

    Blowing air! :-) Do you mean any compressor, or this particular model?

    • 

      slowmo on 14/09/2013 - 11:11

      Yes, this particular model? I've seen a previous ones that could only be used for inflating tires? (?)

      so is this one strong enough to use as a blower to dry the car after washing?

      • 

        wfdTamar on 14/09/2013 - 11:23

        +1

        Most of the cheapo ones you see (say under $250) are direct driven - the motor directly drives the compressor and minimal quality. This one is belt drive - the motor is separate and a belt drives the compressor. I'm not really sure why that's better - maybe because it can then be geared to run it faster. Not sure, but it is better - I mean makes it more heavy duty. Apart from that the bits on it are better quality (all the valves and stuff). One of the valves on my cheapo one broke off when the hose was pulled too much - you could see the quality of metal casting was very poor.

        I'm not sure a compressor is a good thing to use to dry a car, but this could do it. Better way to dry it is use a silcone rubber blade to swipe off most of the water, then a microfibre towel for the remainder (don't drop them on the ground though because dirt and leaves are next to impossible to get off the sodding things).

        I see Supercheap also have a Blackridge (cheapo) 2.5 hp belt drive which is 155 lt/min for $399.

        Honestly if you want a compressor for any home/light workshop use, save yourself some grief and get this one (I mean the Stanley one).

  • 

    Folly on 13/09/2013 - 20:45

    Using pneumatic tools mostly: impact wrench, drills, sand blaster, sanders, nail gun, spray gun, etc.

    • 

      slowmo on 14/09/2013 - 11:11

      Thanks Animus, same followup question as above :)

      • 

        Folly on 14/09/2013 - 11:37

        +2

        100% able to use all the above tools. Two things to look at are pressure and FAD (refers to free air delivery and is sometimes listed as CFM which is the cubic feet per minute of air).

        Each tool you buy (or look at online) will list their required FAD and recommended operating pressure. As long as the compressor meets that standard it will run the tool. Tank size and duty cycle then determine just how much you can get done without having to wait for the compressor to re-pressurise (you won't have a problem with these two on this compressor doing any domestic work).

        Only things I can think of that this compressor wouldn't run are things like car lifts, etc.

        Master's used to have a chart, but I can't find it.

        Here's a general buying guide: http://www.toolbarn.com/air-compressor-guide.html

        EDIT: about drying a car. I can't see why you couldn't do that… I'd just make sure you didn't have any lubricating oil in your line or it would spray it all over your car.

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  Folly on 13/09/2013 - 20:53

  +1

  A big positive about this compressor is its 95% duty cycle. That's huge compared to other similarly priced compressors.

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  greatkingrat on 14/09/2013 - 18:39

  Just bought one.
  Thanks richox!

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  tc4101 on 15/09/2013 - 22:20

  what else do i need to buy so i can use this to wash my car/pavement?

  • 

    richox on 16/09/2013 - 08:13

    +1

    a pressure washer…
    http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/116194
    http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/100339
    http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/110548

    all expired but you get the idea

  • 

    Folly on 16/09/2013 - 08:42

    An air compressor is no good for washing a car. As richox said, you'd need a pressure washer (or just a bucket and a hose).

    • 

      wfdTamar on 16/09/2013 - 10:32

      I've got a pressure washer and a snow foam lance and frankly - save your money and just use a noraml hose and bucket/sponge. Pressure washers might be useful if you go 4wding to get caked on mud off, but just a novelty for normal washing.

      • 

        richox on 17/09/2013 - 14:41

        agreed. if it is really baked or stained on, the pressure required to get it off the paint would also be enough to remove the paint.

        need a mechanical action directly onto it.

        whats actually helps a lot is it if a hot female, wearing a bikini, washing the car. might not get it any cleaner, but you sure as hell won't mind

      • 

        slowmo on 18/09/2013 - 00:42

        while a snow foam lance is a tad fancy…

        a pressure washer is good if you are trying to wash the wheels with brake dusts. obviously if you get a pressure washer, you don't use it just for the car… it's awesome for getting rid of moss on pavers too.

        air compressors use was to dry places of the car where you can't normally use cloth to reach.

        It's also good if you want 'no touch' drying. haha

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  noob999 on 03/10/2013 - 12:46

  Stanley Air compressor Back on Sale - Happy Bathurst Day Sale - same sale price Save$300 now $399.00