Which PCP Compressor to get? - Recommendations?

[Chris3j]

Hi,

I'm thinking that due to my bottles coming up for testing, it might be time to invest in a compressor.

I've read both very good & very bad reviews on the "cheaper" ones.

Does anyone here own / have any experience with pcp compressors? And can recommend / advise to stay away from any particular ones?

As all of us - I'd like a bargain or reasonably priced one - Which does the job reliably.

Thanks in advance

Chris

[Ca_Varminter]

Hi Chris,
Well with High Pressure Air(HPA)...
Always respect it's potential..
Use Brands that Specialize in HPA compressors!!
Now let's talk applications...
If you are just filling the bottle or tube on your PCP... the smaller unit will do fine.
Hills is the one I use to top off my PCP!
I have about 50 hours without a problem....

Now if you are wanting to fill a Scuba Tank..or any Large tank to 4500psi-250bar ..
A Full size SCUBA tank Compressor should be used!
Well know brands should be used, ie..Bauer and Alkins
I have an Alkins W32 to fill my tanks


hth, Stuart

[Chris3j]

Thankyou for replying.

It would be ideal if you lived next door to me - I wouldn't need one. Lol

The idea is to get a compressor to replace the divers / air bottles.

What ere the recommended ones of that type & What sort of price.

One friend has a Chinese one, about £350 & it works as it should- Bloody noisy though!.
While another friend had a Chinese one & had nothing but trouble with it.

While other branded ones are £1000

Is there a compromise / a good value one?

Thanks in advance again

[Ca_Varminter]

Even though I am Chinese......Don't hold against Me!!!
               
The quality and "So Called Specs" of some of the compressors
It is a scary thing letting them pressure up to 4K psi and above....
It like having a bomb next to you!!

That is why you want to stick to the Major Name in the industry!!
I don't know what it is like on the other wide of the Pond..
But here in the US, you can find a good used Bauer Junior II (most popular)
pretty Cheap!!

Good luck,
Stuart

[Tim_B]

If I was starting again with a compressor and was in your position, I'd go Hills.  Not only a respected brand, they also have good videos on their website showing how to service the machine - parts are also readily available.

I currently own an Omega Turbo Charger with about 150 hours on the clock. Its been serviced once in that life time and has been a workhorse - topping off a 12L carbon cylinder most weeks.  If I were buying again and had to fill a 12L weekly then I would go Colitri - not cheap, but made for the job and is pretty much what a lot of shops use.

I also have a Vevor thing in the shed as a back up  - bought a while ago but never used.  Its basically the same as a Tuxing or Air Venturi Nomad - small, self contained unit.  A lot of people use these direct to the gun.  I believe they are quite cheap on Amazon at the moment.....cheap for a reason....buy spares :-)

The cheap ying tongs I would keep away from (personally) - you need a lot of filtration with them and its such a faff to set up and run through cold water constantly.  A lot of people like them though.

I think an ideal set up is a Hills with a 3L Carbon bottle - that way you have the best of  both worlds :-)

[MartinTTR2]

I bought a CX-GX4... love it to bits and so quiet.
I think is was about £500

[angrybear]

I've got one of the cheap water-cooled Chinese compressors, and I have to say so far I'm impressed with it.

To be fully open & honest it's one of the batch that sold for £37    & they were later recalled (which I ignored) for failing electrical safety checks, because the water pump plug/socket has the male pins live not the female socket, but once you know that if there are no children about it's not a problem.
It does have a very minor oil weep but again I don't consider that a problem.
Takes a couple of minutes to fill a 280cc bottle maybe 5 to fill a 400cc, after a fill I always leave the water pump running until the temp is back down to ambient.

[Chris3j]

Thankyou for the replies, I will take them all on board when looking / deciding.

Angrybear - I like a bargain, and thankyou, but my balls aren't big enough to pump 3000 psi with a £37 compressor that has been recalled due to an electrical safety issue. 
Fair play to you. lol

My friend's chinese one doesn't have to be water fed - It's fan cooled.


I'm currently on hold with the compressor right now - As I had planned to sell some guns and they must know & Don't want to go. As they have decided to play up.. 


Technical post coming soon. 

Thanks again for all replies
Chris