By continuing to use this site, you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more
Forum sponsored by:
Forum sponsored by Forum House Ad Zone

Small compressor

Compressor for testing steam engines

All Topics | Latest Posts

Search for:  in Thread Title in  
Roderick Jenkins10/09/2011 11:04:17
avatar
2376 forum posts
800 photos
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
Gordon W10/09/2011 11:53:30
2011 forum posts
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.
blowlamp10/09/2011 11:58:01
avatar
1885 forum posts
111 photos
 
 
Martin.
Ian S C10/09/2011 14:13:28
avatar
7468 forum posts
230 photos
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
NJH10/09/2011 15:12:46
avatar
2314 forum posts
139 photos
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

ChrisH10/09/2011 18:21:29
1023 forum posts
30 photos
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

All Topics | Latest Posts

Please login to post a reply.

Magazine Locator

Want the latest issue of Model Engineer or Model Engineers' Workshop? Use our magazine locator links to find your nearest stockist!

Find Model Engineer & Model Engineers' Workshop

Sign up to our Newsletter

Sign up to our newsletter and get a free digital issue.

You can unsubscribe at anytime. View our privacy policy at www.mortons.co.uk/privacy

Latest Forum Posts
Support Our Partners
cowells
Sarik
MERIDIENNE EXHIBITIONS LTD
Shopping Partners
Subscription Offer

Latest "For Sale" Ads
Latest "Wanted" Ads
Get In Touch!

Do you want to contact the Model Engineer and Model Engineers' Workshop team?

You can contact us by phone, mail or email about the magazines including becoming a contributor, submitting reader's letters or making queries about articles. You can also get in touch about this website, advertising or other general issues.

Click THIS LINK for full contact details.

For subscription issues please see THIS LINK.

Digital Back Issues

Social Media online

'Like' us on Facebook
Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter
 Twitter Logo

Pin us on Pinterest

 

Donate

donate