My little compressor wouldn't start earlier today, just as I have a bunch of orders to fullfil - typical. It's a Clarke 3hp with 25l tank. It tried to run, but then knocked out the overload.
On taking apart, everything turns ok, but he start capacitor has split and puked its guts. I found another start capacitor of similar spec on an old water pump, and connected this up. But still no joy. The motor turns very slowly, then stops, even without any air in the tank (so little resistance).
Is it goosed?
|
|
Look at the motor brushes.. worn?
|
As above does the pump turn on it's own freely not jammed like a seized piston?
Really a 25l is not worth spending a fortune on to get going when new the cheap ones were £49.00.
Check brushes and commutator for burning but the scrap heap may be the way for this little one.
|
It all turns freely, and I got it to work once after emptying the tank. But now it doesn't even with an empty tank. I'll pick another one up today and link the tanks together so I have a little extra reserve. I've had a quick look for a quality one, but they're all chinese. Even the more expensive ones, quoted as 'proffesional' look very similar to the cheap ones, but with a fancy cover.
The problem is, I bought a pukka Avdel rivet gun because I got sick of the chinky ones only lasting 3 months. But it contantly uses air to suck the pop rivet splint into the collector, as a result it gobbles air like there's no tomorrow. I really need a serious machine, but I have no 3ph socket in the vicinity.
|
>> I really need a serious machine, but I have no 3ph socket in the vicinity.
Use your generator?
|
This is similar to mine and works from a 3 pin plug 13a.
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SIP-Air-Compressor-/130615428341?pt=UK_Air_Tools_and_Compressors&hash=item1e694944f5
Works a treat plenty on e bay new/used and works a air gun no problem so will do your tool.
|
Well I went to the local DIT/Cheap crap emporium and got myself a 3hp, 2 cylinder, belt drive 100l jobby. At least then the motor or compressor can be replaced seperately. But it's not chinese crap - it's made in the PRC!
Like I said, I'll connect it up to the old tank so I get an extra 25l. Just got to get some new connectors as the swedish ones are different tot he english ones on the old compressor.
|
>> But it's not chinese crap - it's made in the PRC!
Peoples Republic of China... i.e. China :-) But that doesn't mean it's of poor quality (well it might be). A lot of things are made in China that are of good quality. It all depends on the control of quality. The iPhone is 'assembled' in China.
|
>> >> But it's not chinese crap - it's made in the PRC!
>>
>> Peoples Republic of China... i.e. China :-) But that doesn't mean it's of poor quality
>> (well it might be). A lot of things are made in China that are of
>> good quality. It all depends on the control of quality. The iPhone is 'assembled' in
>> China.
>>
That's true, the iPhone is assembled in China, But you are right, they DO make SOME decent stuff.... ;-)
|
Well the new compressor lasted all of 2 days.
I heard a loud Psssstttt, and went to investigate. The brass (well it should be brass) connector that screws into the tank inlet has snapped off, leaving the threaded part in the tank. Another great quality piece if chinese junk, and another half a day behind with work.
So back to the shop with it tomorrow, another 100km round trip, and no doubt an altercation with the staff about replace or repair. One things for sure, I will be leaving with either my money or a replacement.
I know some people like to believe that they can make good quality stuff, but as far as tools are concerned, they just make junk. And to make it worse, they've driven the better quality manufacturers out of business.
|
|
Can you not get something other than the Chinese compressors? I know they will cost more but this one has cost you more than the purchase price already.
|
>> So back to the shop with it tomorrow, another 100km round trip, and no doubt
>> an altercation with the staff about replace or repair. One things for sure, I will
>> be leaving with either my money or a replacement.
Might be a daft question Dave but was the compressor sold as being suitable for commercial use rather than domestic, or isn't there such a thing as a domestic compressor?
Just thinking about things like toasters - if you bought a normal domestic toaster from Argos for use in your cafe and it broke after a few days I guess you wouldn't technically be entitled to a refund?
|
There doesn't seem to be a distinction between pro and DIY use, so that's their problem. I guess they hope it makes it thro' the first year then they're home and dry.
They had some more expensive ones that said 'Made in Italy'. But on closer inspection the motor plate said made in China. So the cynic in me assumes an Italian company buys all the components from China and puts them together. The labour content of building a compressor must be about 1/2 hour. But then Italian stuff doeesn't exactly have a good reputation for quality.
|
www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/search/filter/airmaster-2/type/any/module/shopcategory/page/1
Chinese tosh strikes again...........
Buy British no really!!
We make some top quality tools and have done for years you will pay a bit more but it lasts.
When you buy airline fittings use PCL these are British standard as found in most garages in the uk so plenty of choice.
Remember to drain it the tank does collect moisture and i change the oil every 2 yrs in the pump as this also collects moisture.
|
Most of those compressors look uncanily similar to the chinese ones I've seen. Although they are painted a different colour. And one is exactly the same as my original busted one.
The PCL fittings are top notch, but can't find them here in Swedish spec. But TBH, the fittings are the least of my problems.
|
They all look the same as do batteries but it's what they made from that counts. :-)
I was looking at a tyre changer a few months back this company in Bradford offering Chinese made machine for £600.00 which is some £450.00 cheaper than the rest at starting price, went to look and was flimsy steel & switches it may have been ok for me as i don't do loads but id rather have a tough machine that will take the punishment i want tools to last 20 yrs plus.
|
They all look the same as they are the same, apart from the colour. Same motor, same pressure switch, same tank, same handle, even the same wheels.
I got the new one today with no quibbling. One of the connectors is a bit dodgy and blows out the hose if tugged a little, and then doesn't seal. But no bigshakes as I've got some better quick connects.
|
Compressor kapput - madf
