Every professional air tool user knows that HVLP-style compressor guns are the best for coating and painting jobs.
They are cost effective too as the same air supply is used for myriad tools.
A common mistake made by most professionals is the use of any compressor for painting jobs.
How is this a mistake?
This is wrong as painting gradually strains the compressor thereby reducing its durability.
This is why it is necessary to understand the kind of job you would be carrying out before you purchase a compressor.
Before you purchase your first compressor, there is various information you should have at your fingertips.
Compressors can be used for various activities ranging from pumping tires, paint spraying, and nailing.
But Wait – There’s more!!
It is also used by water damage restoration professionals or air purifiers.
You should be aware of certain characteristics such as PSI, motor ratings, design, connections, and CFM.
In this review, you will learn;
- Why you shouldn’t use this device without protecting your ear
- Why it isn’t recommended to use two paint guns simultaneously
- The pros and cons of this machine
The Rolair VT25BIG has a power output of 90 pounds per square inches at a CFM of 6.5.
Its duty-cycle motor is rated 100% which implies it can work consistently for hours without developing any fault.
It is also a single stage direct drive compressor that can recover 5.3-gallon tank to 13psi within 75 minutes and draw 13.8 amps.
How can you beat that?
The Rolair VT25BIG compressor has 2 disconnect couplers to run gauges and hoses; each for the tank and regulated pressure.
The cylinder also has a ball and safety valve that frees up air that is not in use.
Pros
- The Rolair VT25BIG is relatively affordable for newbies.
Most newbies who have just started pain might make the wrong choice of going for a cheap pancake compressor.
In the process of using them, they realize that it cant keep up with the spray gun. This brand costs about $350 but it’s all you need to get a single gun working.
- The output of this compressor is 90psi and its CFM is 6.5.
Conventional spray guns usually have an output of 40 – 50 pounds per square inches.
- This brand is a 100% duty motor and this implies that’s its 6.5 CFM gives more than enough power.
If you couple it with tools as powerful as 5.5 CFM, there wouldn’t be an issue.
- This compressor boasts a 3400 rpm and a 2.5HP motor.
The fact that it is industrial grade doesn’t imply that it cannot be used for household activities.
This is why it is a popular choice for both contractors and newbies alike.
- It has some smart features such as the automatic overload protection which protects it from packing up.
- Its single stage pump is made of strong materials which ensure that it requires minimal maintenance.
- Apart from its start/stop button, it possesses a regulator which can be used to control its pressure.
- Its portability implies that it can be used both indoors and outdoors.
- It functions very well during winter and can be trusted to last for years.
Cons
- As earlier stated, this device is heavy duty meaning that it is quite heavy.
It is difficult for one person to lift this device and more difficult to lift it into a truck.
- It is only possible to run a paint gun on this compressor if its CFM is rated less than 6.
It is not recommended to use 2 paint guns simultaneously unless they are less than 2.5 CFM.
- This brand makes noise as high as 86decibels. It is not advisable to use this machine in close proximity.
The California Air Tools 5510SE is a brand that is very quiet.
- It is manufactured in Taiwan.
There hasn’t been any issue with this yet but it is difficult for most users to trust a device manufactured outside the USA.
Let’s see what other customers have said about the VT25BIG
Over the years, I have made use of various compressors for various reasons. This brand has been outstanding. It works quite fast and it is strong. I attempted overrunning its CFM with large and continuous nailing but it was impossible. I would recommend this brand to any user.
Click here to see the original testimonial from Nic
This is the best air compressor I have ever used. I am a contractor in the carpentry industry and I have been exposed to almost every compressor available. I have always loved the Rolair brand and I have used it severally for framing of homes. I purchased this particular product for a trimming job. It was brought to replace a strong compressor which lasted for about 2 years. It has done a good job so far as I have framed basements with multiple guns without any issue.
Click here to see the original testimonial from srfc
I have always had one problem or the other with this compressor especially with respect to it flipping breakers. Most recently, it has been quite difficult to turn on and I have had to use the reset button several times. Less than 18 months into its purchase, the machine has packed up. Its bolts have fallen off the handle and the tires are no longer in place. I initially thought I purchased a very good brand but I am highly disappointed and would have to revert to Dewalt compressors.
Click here to see the original testimonial from M. Cardillo
Conclusion
This product is highly recommended as a result of its 43 positive testimonials.
Even though it has just 4 negative testimonials, this issue can be dealt with.
The main negative review was about its poor durability and weak body parts.
If you cannot cope with this issue, I would recommend the California Air Tools 10020CAD which is quite similar to Rolair VT25BIG and in the same price range.
If you are in search of a heavy-duty compressor that can withstand a wide range of jobs, this is your answer.
The Rolair VT25BIG is a powerful compressor that boasts a 2.5HP output.
When coupled with a direct drive motor, it still has the capability of producing an impressive air flow.
Its efficiency and durability are not rivaled either.
This compressor weighs 49Kg and its weight is balanced on an attractive and well-structured frame that makes movement easier.
By purchasing this Rolair compressor, you are sure to get absolute value for your cash.
The Rolair VT25BIG costs less than $400 and this translates into a 100% duty motor and an outstanding quality.
Its wheels are strong and are not manufactured from substandard materials, making mobility straightforward.
The main problem with this machine is its noise.
You can solve this problem by getting a long hose and operating the compressor far away.
With its wonderful build quality, efficiency and design, I would recommend this product to anyone.