Top 10 compressors for car painting
The paint compressor is the main tool for the body shop. There are a large number of models and manufacturers aimed at different levels of work: amateur, semi-professional and professional.
For occasional use, an inexpensive reciprocating compressor with average technical characteristics is sufficient. It's another matter if the compressor has to work in production almost around the clock - you can't do without powerful semi-professional, or even industrial equipment. Of course, any purchase, including a budget one, must be justified by the reliability of work and the corresponding service life.
The best household compressors
3 ELITECH KPM 200/24
The ELITECH KPM 200/24 compressor is designed to supply compressed air. The compressor is used to work with pneumatic tools, spray guns, moving and blowing guns, and tire inflation guns. Important! Before the first and subsequent starts, check the presence of oil in the crankcase! Lack of oil leads to damage and is not a warranty case!
2 Fubag Air Master Kit
The German company Fubag decided to offer customers not one compressor, but a whole set of the most popular pneumatic tools necessary for car maintenance and home repairs. The official website presents 2 options for kits: 6 and 10 units. The minimum package includes:
- 3 pneumatic guns with nozzles - for inflation of tires, blowing or washing and for viscous liquids (with a reservoir);
- 3 tips for inflating balls, bicycle wheels and mattresses;
- flexible 5 meter hose;
- HP spray gun with a 0.5 liter top tank.
As for the compressor itself, I must say that with a rather modest size, it pleases with a capacity of 222 l / min. at the exit. It is made of high quality, ergonomics are well thought out: the manometers are perfectly readable, their readings are very accurate, the craters for filling and draining the oil are conveniently located. A short power cord and incomprehensible instruction, which includes information about several models at once, spoils the impression a little, but given the price and rich set of accessories, these shortcomings can be forgiven.
1 Wester W 006-075 OLC
The power, performance and displacement of the receiver of this model are quite modest - only 0.75 kW, 126 l / min. and 6 liters, respectively. But it fully justifies expectations, and it delivers the stated 8 bar stably even with a long hose. Users use it with might and main in "garage" affairs - local painting and pumping up car wheels, blowing out tools, etc. Someone even adapted to equip a spray booth and a sandblasting service on the basis of W 006-075, however, they replaced the receiver with more voluminous. Due to its compact dimensions (ШГВ 22х48х50 cm), the compressor can easily fit even in the smallest workshop, for example, under a workbench, and does not take up extra space.
The manufacturer did not stint and provided for the presence of all the necessary safety elements in an inexpensive device: 2 pressure gauges, an oil indicator, a safety valve. There are no complaints either to ergonomics or to the build quality: the unit is painted well, the gaps are uniform, although it still does not hurt to tighten some units before the first launch, it has been working for people for several years without breakdowns. The working parts are made of cast metal, rubberized legs reduce the level of vibration (by the way, this "baby" makes a lot of noise), there is a convenient handle for transportation.
The best semi-professional compressors
3 Quattro Elementi KM 50-380
For a more or less large-scale painting of cars, a more powerful compressor is needed, and among the relatively inexpensive options we found the most productive - Quattro Elementi KM 50-380.In its marking, indicators are encrypted: 50 l is the volume of the air collector, 380 is the indicator of the input capacity in l / min. The outlet capacity will naturally be lower and will be approximately 270 l / min. - enough to create a pressure of 8 bar in 1.5 minutes. At the same time, the engine power (2.2 kW) and, accordingly, energy consumption does not differ much from the power of less efficient compressors (1.5–2 kW), since the efficiency of this model is higher due to the two-cylinder design of the piston group.
The manufacturer increased the resource of the unit by installing cast iron cylinders instead of aluminum ones. On the bottom of the receiver there is a drain valve that allows you to quickly get rid of condensate, and the receiver itself is covered with paint to prevent corrosion. The compressor weighs 40 kg and has a handle and two wheels for transporting it. According to reviews, it turns on infrequently, pumps up quickly, which means it will work for a long time. Of the minuses, the inconvenience of changing the oil and the insufficient length of the supply cable were indicated.
2 Aurora GALE-50
Initially, I wanted to call this compressor the best in terms of performance - after all, an impressive figure of 412 l / min is declared in the characteristics. But, unfortunately, at the output, it drops to 288, and this is the average value in this category. However, the majority of users are still interested in the unit, since its inherent set of characteristics (operating pressure 8 bar, 50-liter air accumulator and notorious performance) allows it to be successfully used for painting a car in a service station. Moreover, the model is praised for its reliability - it was bought several years ago, and all this time it worked flawlessly (subject to a timely oil change).
The device is equipped with an air filter to protect the internal components from dust penetration, the welded seams of the receiver, the casting of the cylinders and the engine itself are of very high quality. The appearance of the unit does not in any way betray its Chinese origin - the elements are fitted well, there is no backlash or siphonite anywhere. The design provides for universal outputs of the "rapid" type for simultaneous connection of 2 consumers. Contrary to advertisements, the compressor weighing 48 kg and dimensions 76.5x34x71.5 cm (SHVG) cannot be called either light or compact, but the presence of a handle and two wheels make it much easier to transport.
1 ELITECH KPM 200/50
The air compressor is designed to provide compressed atmospheric air for equipment, apparatus and tools. Using a compressor can significantly save energy as well as increase operating efficiency.
Visual control of pressure in the receiver and at the outlet (manometers). Adjusting the outlet pressure. Visual inspection of the oil in the compressor (sight glass). Electromechanical receiver pressure control unit. High pressure mechanical safety valve. Drain valve for draining condensate. Quick-detachable tool connector. Convenient handle for moving the compressor. Replaceable air filter.
The best compressors for professional use
4 Remeza SB4 / C-200.LB40
СБ4 / С-200.LB40 Air compressor 200 liter of the СБ4 LB40 series from the Remeza plant with a capacity of 580 liters per minute and a pressure of 10 bar, excellently suited for supplying compressed air to pneumatic tools, for example, spray guns, blow guns, wrenches, drills, hammers , pneumatic staplers. It is equipped with a powerful 3 kW electric motor. And it works from a three-phase network providing a stable start and operation of the compressor.
The receiver of 200 liters stores compressed air, reduces pressure fluctuations and at the same time serves as a compressor housing. A drain valve is installed in its lower part to drain the accumulated condensate. The receiver has a ½ ”valve for direct connection to the pneumatic line or tool bypassing the air pressure reducer for greater flow capacity.
Equipped with wheels and a handle for ease of movement
3 ABAC 6000/270 CT 7.5
In the line of the professional series of compressor equipment from ABAC, we have highlighted the model 6000/270 CT 7.5. It is notable for its reasonable price in relation to technical characteristics and the ability to create an air flow of 827 l / min. under a working pressure of 11 bar. The design of the piston unit consists of two cylinders of different diameters, providing 2-stage air compression. This solution, in comparison with single-stage compressors, provides several advantages: economical energy consumption, high performance and effective heat dissipation, which increases the service life.
The device is suitable for professional car painting, crushing, nut tightening, sandblasting and other semi-industrial tasks. Its reliability and durability are combined with a high level of comfort - there is a clear indication of the oil level, a regulator with a pressure gauge is installed for quick and accurate adjustment of the outlet pressure, a well-thought-out transport unit from two rear wheels and a front swivel. Operational safety is ensured by an automatic unit, the function of which is to turn off the compressor when the maximum pressure is reached and turn it on when it drops to the minimum specified.
2 Fubag B5200B / 200 CT4
The Fubag B5200B / 200 CT4 compressor is a belt driven piston oil tool. The equipment is equipped with a 200 liter receiver and a pressure gauge. The device operates at a productivity of 530 l / min and a power of up to 3000 W. The unit has dimensions of 47x93x145.5 cm.
The Fubag B5200B / 200 CT4 equipment can be used at a pressure of 10 bar with the possibility of its regulation from a network of 380 V. There is an effective protection of the motor against overheating. The device is supplemented with a re-autostart system. The design is complemented by small wheels and a convenient handle for transportation.
1 FIAC AB 100-360
The AB series of single-stage oil compressors are specially designed for intensive (up to 8 hours / day) operation in small industries. The compressor group of the AB 100-360 model produces a capacity of 252 l / min., Supplemented with a 100-liter receiver and consists of two honed cylinders, as a result of which the oil is better retained on the walls and is less consumed. A specially developed Fast Valve design has also been introduced, which provides a minimum operating noise (74 dB) and is considered more reliable than conventional valves.
The Italian manufacturer FIAC has long been known in Russia and has a wide network of specialized service centers. They work closely with Italian engineers, maintain warehouses with a full range of spare parts and quickly solve various technical problems. This is confirmed by the reviews - no one complains about the shortage or long delivery of consumables and parts. In general, the compressor is characterized as a high-performance, safe and durable machine, however, in order to maximize the resource, it is worth adhering to the recommended operating mode - 5 minutes and 5 minutes of rest.
