BE QUICK $119 RESTO PURCHASE - AFFORDABLE FOR PINBALL RESTO WORK

[Caveoftreasures]

$119 Be Quick. AIR COMPRESSOR PLUS ACCESSORIES INCLUDED. On sale at ALDI Stores.

I wanted to purchase a Air Compressor and Tool Set to blow all the black dust/crap out of the inside of my pinball machines, plus it would be extremely handy to rid playfields of dust etc. It also comes with a paint sprayer set up, 5 meter air hose, air blow gun etc.
It is a 2HP Direct Drive with a 30 litre capacity, 1500 watt. Andrew (Beaky) tells me it is more than adequate to use to re-decall/spray pinball cabinets etc.
I looked around at REPCO and SUPER CHEAP who had similar pricing, but the models were only 20 litre capacity, not 30 litre, and they didnt come with the accessories I will use. (It even comes with a tyre inflator which means no more driving around to broken ones at gas stations to check your tyres). (colour brochure below)

http://www.aldi.com.au/au/html/offers/2827_17654.htm

They also have a 15 metre airhose with connectors for only $14.99 from memory. I bought one as well.
There were quite alot of people grabbing these compressor deals whilst i was there so it has proved a popular purchase. 1 year replacement warranty as well. Hope it helps anyone thinking about buying a compressor to help with pinball resto's n general air cleaning.

Caveman  
 

[Strangeways]

The generic brands are ok for hobby work and having a second compressor to blow out cabinets. I've had mine for two years and it's blown it's air valve (continual leak) and sometimes it "seizes" when the motor starts. It is on its "last legs", but I use it far more than just as a "hobby" model, so I've work it out. At $119, it is GREAT value, but I'd be wary of painting cabinets etc - it is not suited to that application. I've learnt a lot about spray painting and airbrushing, and the most important thing I've learnt is that you are only as good as the equiptment you use. My next compressor will be a "Peerless P14" - thanks to Jeff he recommends them (Pinballheaven). I will also tool up with a professional airbrush compressor.

Great value at $119 - but don't expect too much from it. Perfect for what you want to use it for, Brett 

[deadlydave]

Saw the Aldi add as well Brett, good value for a small compressor.
Also saw this at Repco http://catalogues.repco.com.au/portal/offerdetails/mechpro-belt-drive-air-compressor/13015333952038?CatalogueID=13008527684142&Ns=OfferOnPage%7C0&tab=list&N=4294924703+2092&source=productlist
160 Lpm for $329 is a good deal I think.
Cheers
Dave

[Caveoftreasures]

I looked at the Repco one and gave it a miss because it is only 160 litres per minute and 115psi at $329, as opposed to The ALDI one which is 198 litres per minute and the same 115 PSI.  Apart from the $329 one being 2.5 hp, and the $114 one being 2hp, I couldnt justify the $329 spend over the $119 spend. 

I am not a compressor expert but, I couldnt work out why the REPCO one was so expensive. I know it is belt drive versus direct drive, but the REPCO one seemed overpriced.

The SUPER CHEAP one wasnt in the race because it was only 20 litre not 30. A compressor place I went to wanted 3 times as much $ for practically the same thing as the ALDI one. Am i missing something ?

I have never used a compressor before so its all new to me. The wifes happy, she can now pump up her own tyres. 

I will give it a go this next few days. A new toy anyway. 

[deadlydave]

Hi Brett, you have to be careful with the rated delivery, the Repco compressor has an industry standard FAD of 160Lpm, a lot of the smaller ones you see give a piston delivery rating which make them sound better.
Another thing I picked up when looking into compressors is the belt driven type deliver cooler air as opposed to the
Direct coupled variety, cooler air means less condensation, which I understand is preferable for painting.
Not wishing to run down the Aldi model though, I think it's great value 

Cheers
Dave

[MartyJ]

A lot of it comes down to CFM's delivered at the nozzle...

I'm using a McMillan C12 10amp V-Twin compressor...It has a 60ltr tank (58 actually).Free air delivery is around 8.4 CFM (238ltrs per minute).

For the work I do, this is basically the bare minimum...It handles the air staple gun (for professional braiding) well, air die grinder well, blowing etc well.  As far as painting go - I only use 2k automotive paints and clears and again its the minimum I'd use.  Although a cab is not a lot of actual spray painting time (compared to a car) you don't want the compressor running red hot constantly.  

For sanding cabs (quality orbital units) - it works OK.  

This sort of compressor will set you back anywhere between $800 to $1000.

Automotive quality hose (20 mtr) $50

Water trap / reg $35

I know a few people who have the smaller Bunnings type compressors.  I know one which has lasted about 2 years and gets used weekly - but mostly for pumping up bike tyres and blowing stuff out of stuff when required.  PERFECT for this type of application.  
The other I think he is on his second in as many months, but its almost getting used daily and just not the right sort of unit for his needs (part time tradie).

One thing I've learnt over the years I never skimp on tools.  When I started working on pinballs a bit more seriously, I splashed out on Snap On screw drivers (full set inc jeweler), and I'll be saving soon for a snap on socket set as well (I'm on my second set of $150 ones so just not worth it in the long run)...When you use one compared to the cheaper, its definitely worth it.

[Caveoftreasures]

I understand where you guys are coming from. Its entry level at a reasonable price. I will get Beaky (Andrew) to put it thru its paces since he knows all about this stuff compared to me. I am a compressor virgin until today.lol
I couldnt paint to save myself but maybe it will be fine for a quick undercoat here n there of primer before sanding a cabinet ?.

Hopefully it will save me some time when blowing out cabinets n playfields. And i might teach the wife how not to put 80 psi into her car tyres. 

[beaky]

I forgot to mention that you will need a water trap and regulator for this compressor (they aren't worth much). It is fine for a hobbiest spraying the occasional pinball cab. Brett has no intention of clear coating playfields with this compressor but it will do fine for what he needs it for (under coat and spraying the cabinet before applying decals). I bought my compressor about 12 years ago from bunnings (back when they also sold mig welders) and it is a belt driven 2 cylinder type and it is still going strong, I paid about $400 for it. Brett also mentioned that he wanted to learn how to use an air brush and this would be fine for that also (with a regulator).   

[Caveoftreasures]

UPDATE

Put the compressor together and thru its paces this last few days. Plenty of grunt, and shld continue to be fine to do general cabinet stuff. 

[robm]

Agree with MartyJ's comment - never skimp on tools, although it comes down a bit to the application.

The best example of this working is i just bought a good (Wagner) airless paint gun from the states for $550 (around 1500- 1800 for the same model here), just finished painting our whole house this week, 2 coats took less than 5 hours for close to 300 sq m for each coat, an absolute pleasure to use, no problems whatsoever, no mucking around spilling paint out of roller or brush trays plus i've got myself a quality tool for good now (as long as i look after it)

I bought one of these cheap $130 compressors a few years back as i didn't have the cash to spend anymore, its pretty much stuffed now, used for pumping up car tyres, blowing down the workbench and pumping up ski tubes. The last one has probably been the big killer - have a look at the documentation of these cheap ones, and check out the duty cycle - mine was 25%, ie: run for 2 mins, off for 6 mins, so when i have it running flat for 25 mins, its never going to do it any good.  For the occasional light use they will last a few years, but even if you use it only twice a year, but need it running straight for 0.5 - 1 hour at a time, you will probably be better off spending more on a decent one (i wish i had of now, as i will be shelling out for a new one soon), that said, i will be keeping an eye out for garage sales etc, to find a good solid older rig 2nd hand.

[Caveoftreasures]

Takes only several minutes to spray a cabinet in undercoat etc, so it shld last fine. I could have spent alot$ on a compressor, but no need when the little fella will work fine for the very occassional job. Cleaning/blowing out playfields will be most of its use. The compressor size is also perfect to hide under a machine. Couldnt find a space for a big fella.   Will post some photos when i undercoat the next cabinet.