Air compressor for mobile detailing?

[Joshua Centanni]

I'm currently looking into buying an air compressor to use for mobile detailing. It would be primarily used to blow dirt out of areas that are virtually impossible to vacuum (i.e. between the front seats and the center console...). I'd also like to have the option of running Meguiar's new rotary air tool as well.

Right now I'm looking at either a Makita MAC2400 Big Bore 2.5 HP, or an Ingersoll Rand P1/U-A9 Hand Carry Twinstack 2 HP.

Does anyone have any suggestions on a good compressor to purchase?

[ANeat]

Re: Air compressor for mobile detailing?

Im not sure if either would run air tools. Look at youre highest expected CFM need and compare that to what the compressor puts out.

Seems like with the proper vacuum attatchment you can reach about any area

[photoadjuster]

Re: Air compressor for mobile detailing?

The Mac2400 will not do it. I tried one for a day and returned it. I picked up the Mac5200 to replace it. The labeling on most, if not all air compression is phony.

I tested the 5200 and it does produce a true 6.5 cfm @ 90psi. I plumbed it into a second 25 gallon tank. It does an OK job of running the orbital sander, but it struggles with the air polisher with a foam pad. It does better with a wool pad.

30 days ago Meguiars showed some new tools that reportly use less air. I have asked several times for the results of someone testing them against the CP tools that came in the original kits. No answer.

3M came out with new tools about 2 months ago that claimed to use less air. I tested them with the 3M rep and they use 30% more air, not less.

I word like to test M's new tools, but don't want to buy them until proven.

Regards