looking for compressor advice

[dab]

I am planning on purchasing a compressor for home use. I am desireous of having something that is portable, however I would like it to be as versatile as possible. Most of my diving is in the Great Lakes, and I would like to be able to take it to some remote locations. I dive mostly with doubles, currently do not do my own mixing, but may in the future. I am looking for help from experienced compressor owners out there who can comment on the following:
1. Gas or electric? I do have a yamaha 2500 generator that is pretty portable. In the long run, for home use am I better to stay with a single phase electric motor and take a generator on the road, or would a gas engine be more practical?
2. Size -- is something in the mid 4 scf/m sufficient or should I consider something bigger and loose some portability
I realize that there are going to sacrifices, either on the partability side or home use side. I am trying to get the right balance. The main reason for the purchase is the portability issue, I have my own boat and just need the air access at times. But, that said, if I am going to get one I would like to get a lot of use out of it at home, possibly for nitrox and he mixing down the road. Any opinions or help out there? Thanks in advance.

 

[dab]

any help here?

 

[Rick Murchison]

Your own boat...
You gonna take a generator *and* compressor on the boat?
I think you want gas power.
Other than that, I'd go look at 'em and get the biggest thing that suits my definition of "portable." Mine's a little 3 CFM and it's plenty heavy for this old bod
Rick

 

[mike_s]

1. Gas or electric? I do have a yamaha 2500 generator that is pretty portable. In the long run, for home use am I better to stay with a single phase electric motor and take a generator on the road, or would a gas engine be more practical?

I'm no compressor expert by any means, but most of the smaller ones I've
seen that are electric are 30amp 220v single phase.

I don't think a 2500watt generator will be able to run it.....

2500 watts @ 115-120volts is only about 21-22 amps.

to get 30amps at 220volts, you'll want a minimum of 6600 watts. (continous)
The compressor startup will definately surge the generator, so I'm
guessing you'd need a larger one to run it effciently.

 

[dab]

Your own boat...
You gonna take a generator *and* compressor on the boat?
I think you want gas power.
Other than that, I'd go look at 'em and get the biggest thing that suits my definition of "portable." Mine's a little 3 CFM and it's plenty heavy for this old bod
Rick

I can carry enough tanks on board, the compressor will be used to refill for the next day. But we may need to fill a couple sets of doubles and a few singles in the evening.

 

[daniel f aleman]

Bauer Compressors

I have an Oceanus, Gasoline. The Junior II Gasoline may fit your needs.

 

[dab]

Bauer Compressors

I have an Oceanus, Gasoline. The Junior II Gasoline may fit your needs.

How happy have you been with your unit? Any problems? Would you buy the same unit again? Thanks.

 

[Scuba Cowboy]

I used a gas powered compressor for about 2 years & liked it a lot. For portability it was the best. Check out www.americanairworks.com . I bought the 5cfm model, wanted a little more speed than the small compressors. It would run for about 2 hours on a tank of gas & would fill about 10 alum. 80's in that time. Another place to look at is www.nuvair.com , got my newest compressor through them.

 

[dab]

I used a gas powered compressor for about 2 years & liked it a lot. For portability it was the best. Check out www.americanairworks.com . I bought the 5cfm model, wanted a little more speed than the small compressors. It would run for about 2 hours on a tank of gas & would fill about 10 alum. 80's in that time. Another place to look at is www.nuvair.com , got my newest compressor through them.

Thanks.

 

[dab]

Can anyone recommend good sources for Bauer compressors? I have already talked to Breathing air specialties in Ohio. Any other sources for good prices?