Prioritizing Big Purchases (Air Compressor, Steamer, etc) - What would you do?
- Thread starter ahheck01
- Start date
Accumulator
Well-known member
Ahheck01 said:
IMO the extractor and steamer are so totally different that you can't really say that having one makes up for not having the other.
The steamer heats/emulsifies stuff and can "blast stuff away" with pressure. It imparts relatively little moisture if you get a good one and use it properly.
The extractor sprays water/detergent mix/rinse agent (yeah, that *can* also do the emulsification thing, but it's different...much more moisture and far less pressure) and sucks stuff up as per a wet vac.
If there's a need to spray and/or suck up water/liquid/moisture, a steamer just isn't gonna get it done.
If there's a need to blast [crap] out of some inaccessible area, or to melt some gooey stuff (especially doing so without imparting a whole lot of moisture), an extractor isn't gonna get *that* done.
Gotta determine which one *you* need the most. For *me* it's an extractor; I use mine quite frequently whereas I don't use my steamers all that often. But when I do need a steamer, well...I need it.
Ah, Accumulator, the seasoned voice of reason 
Always a pleasure to hear from you, sir.
So my other job just took a $1300 a month hit, so I need to ramp this up more quickly than I had planned. Unfortunately that also means I don't have the luxury of saving up for the dream versions of each item on the list.
So, my parents have an inexpensive pressure washer that they'll lend me. Check that off the list for now. So, my list of what I should get up-front to be able to crank out quality jobs:
- Air Compressor
...... something inexpensive, but capable of an impact wrench for lug nuts, and focused-air blower for getting water out of nooks and crannies, and blowing out stubborn stuff under seats etc. in the interior.
- Paint Thickness Gauge
...... the last thing I need off the bat is an insurance claim. The cheap ones $150-$200, will they work? Any specific recommendation of one around there that isn't just a waste of money?
- Hot Water Extractor
...... okay, this one scares me as far as expense. What am I looking at for the best bang-for-the-buck option? I want to do a great job right away, but if I can save signficant money by forgoing the run-for-80-year quality for now, I'd go that route for cost savings.
- Steamer
...... Is there any point in getting a inexpensive (<$500) steamer? I'm really uncertain on whether this would add much value, or if I should just hold off on the steamer until I can get a 'real' one.
I would love specific recommendations for all of the above! Thank you!
Always a pleasure to hear from you, sir.So my other job just took a $1300 a month hit, so I need to ramp this up more quickly than I had planned. Unfortunately that also means I don't have the luxury of saving up for the dream versions of each item on the list.
So, my parents have an inexpensive pressure washer that they'll lend me. Check that off the list for now. So, my list of what I should get up-front to be able to crank out quality jobs:
- Air Compressor
...... something inexpensive, but capable of an impact wrench for lug nuts, and focused-air blower for getting water out of nooks and crannies, and blowing out stubborn stuff under seats etc. in the interior.
- Paint Thickness Gauge
...... the last thing I need off the bat is an insurance claim. The cheap ones $150-$200, will they work? Any specific recommendation of one around there that isn't just a waste of money?
- Hot Water Extractor
...... okay, this one scares me as far as expense. What am I looking at for the best bang-for-the-buck option? I want to do a great job right away, but if I can save signficant money by forgoing the run-for-80-year quality for now, I'd go that route for cost savings.
- Steamer
...... Is there any point in getting a inexpensive (<$500) steamer? I'm really uncertain on whether this would add much value, or if I should just hold off on the steamer until I can get a 'real' one.
I would love specific recommendations for all of the above! Thank you!
I would suggest at least a 20 gallon air compressor with enough CFM to power a Tornador.
IMO, a good hot water extractor for not a lot of money is the Mytee Lite II. Its around $800 I think. If feel you have to have a steamer I would go with the VX5000 or comparable. I have tried all the options...high end extractor and no steamer, high end steamer and cheap extractor, mid level extractor and mid level steamer... if I had to buy replacement equipment right now I would go with the Mytee Lite II and VX5000. You can get both for under $1500 I think.
IMO, a good hot water extractor for not a lot of money is the Mytee Lite II. Its around $800 I think. If feel you have to have a steamer I would go with the VX5000 or comparable. I have tried all the options...high end extractor and no steamer, high end steamer and cheap extractor, mid level extractor and mid level steamer... if I had to buy replacement equipment right now I would go with the Mytee Lite II and VX5000. You can get both for under $1500 I think.
So I think I'll lock in the 2nd Gen HighLine PTG for $249. It seems a bit silly to spend 25% more for larger numbers, fewer needed batteries, and numbers that flip, but here's hoping the newer model might have better resale when upgrading down the road.
I'm still really torn on steamer vs. extractor. I've read a good deal online where people are using steamers for all but the most heavily of soiled carpet. For the numerous other uses of the steamer, and the fact that either device is going to start at $800 for a good one, I'm starting to lean that direction, but I welcome the experience of users of both to talk some sense into me.
As for air compressors, I'm super overwhelmed at the wealth of variables and options. I know I'm looking for 20+ gal, 10+cfm, and just looking for the best bang for the buck with those specs. I would love some more specific recommendations, either on the used or new market!
I'm still really torn on steamer vs. extractor. I've read a good deal online where people are using steamers for all but the most heavily of soiled carpet. For the numerous other uses of the steamer, and the fact that either device is going to start at $800 for a good one, I'm starting to lean that direction, but I welcome the experience of users of both to talk some sense into me.
As for air compressors, I'm super overwhelmed at the wealth of variables and options. I know I'm looking for 20+ gal, 10+cfm, and just looking for the best bang for the buck with those specs. I would love some more specific recommendations, either on the used or new market!
In regards to steamer vs. extractor my opinion is that you can handle nearly any job (upholstery and carpet cleaning) with an extractor but only about 50% with a steamer. Sure, the steamer can do a few things that an extractor can't but if I had to choose one I'm going with an extractor all day long and twice on Sundays.
Just my opinion.
Just my opinion.
C. Charles Hahn
CCH Auto Appearance, LLC
chefwong said:
Totally agreed; I love the injection feature especially for exterior and engine cleaning.
Envious Eric
New member
mytee lite II extractor is a good entry model, the HP 100 is better with more lift and hotter water - get a good cleaning agent to pre-treat and rinse out. The chemical is doing most of the work here, the extractor is just aiding in the breakdown and removal. you can get the stain 75% out with just the chemical, but getting the rest is the job of the extractor.
steamer is nice, but spray some APC and use a brush to get into the crevices WILL work, but might take a bit longer.
Lift.... - why? do you do under carriage work? if not, it takes <10 min to jack up a car and throw some stands under it. If so, get a scissor lift installed vs a two post. I work in a shop sometimes and working around a two post is a pain sometimes.
PTG - the highline has been serving me well for the last few years. you need overall readings. If you are working on the carbon fiber exotics all day long, then a $2500 PTG is necessary. If you are working on metal cars, then the highline will give you good readings. It wont show you layers, but it will show you overall thickness.
My order: correction work
PTG
air compressor
extractor
steamer
My order: volume (assuming one step polishing only at most)
extractor
air compressor
steamer
PTG
I am about to open up a shop as well, and will need to pick up a few items listed - air compressor, extractor, steamer. I am buying the AC and the ext first, then the steamer as profits roll in. I already have all the other stuff for higher end correction work!
steamer is nice, but spray some APC and use a brush to get into the crevices WILL work, but might take a bit longer.
Lift.... - why? do you do under carriage work? if not, it takes <10 min to jack up a car and throw some stands under it. If so, get a scissor lift installed vs a two post. I work in a shop sometimes and working around a two post is a pain sometimes.
PTG - the highline has been serving me well for the last few years. you need overall readings. If you are working on the carbon fiber exotics all day long, then a $2500 PTG is necessary. If you are working on metal cars, then the highline will give you good readings. It wont show you layers, but it will show you overall thickness.
My order: correction work
PTG
air compressor
extractor
steamer
My order: volume (assuming one step polishing only at most)
extractor
air compressor
steamer
PTG
I am about to open up a shop as well, and will need to pick up a few items listed - air compressor, extractor, steamer. I am buying the AC and the ext first, then the steamer as profits roll in. I already have all the other stuff for higher end correction work!
Accumulator
Well-known member
Ahheck01- On the ETG, if possible, actually *use* the one you're considering. I got a PhaseII that oughta be all that, but I simply *HATE* using the thing and I have a *really* hard time getting consistent readings. Even sent it back to 'em for a checking out, couldn't believe it was working properly (it was). I've used others that were *so* easy...wish I'd bought one of those instead.
On the compressor, see if you can find the recent thread where Ron Ketcham talked about them. Ketch had some very good advice. I just spent plenty at Sears and while my setup works fine for me I bet I couldn't gotten more for less $. My previous/commercial setup was a huge old tank of a thing that I got (very!) used for peanuts, and that monster was the [stuff].
On the lift, I had one at that previous shop, and while it was nice I'm doing OK without it. Note that I put vehicles up to do the undercarriage at almost *every* wash, so yeah...it might be nice but I have my system figured out (multiple floorjacks, lots of stands) and I don't want the lift eating up shop space when there's nothing on it. If somebody's *certain* that a lift is right for them, OK, but I'd sure make certain. Just don't buy "so cheap it's junk" as I've had cheapie ones scald me but good when they broke.
You mentioned running an impact wrench with the compressor, right? I'd go with a 18v recheargable one instead.
I'm hard-pressed to say whether a cheaper steamer is worth buying or not
I want to say "no, wait and get a really good one" but that's just *my* take on it and plenty of people are happy with ones that wouldn't/didn't satisfy me. Check the specs! While the really pricey ones have the "good" specs, I bet that if you're willing to settle for lesser performance you'll find *big* diffs in prices between various offerings (there are some pricey ones whose specs aren't all that hot, you could get something equivalent a lot cheaper).
On the compressor, see if you can find the recent thread where Ron Ketcham talked about them. Ketch had some very good advice. I just spent plenty at Sears and while my setup works fine for me I bet I couldn't gotten more for less $. My previous/commercial setup was a huge old tank of a thing that I got (very!) used for peanuts, and that monster was the [stuff].
On the lift, I had one at that previous shop, and while it was nice I'm doing OK without it. Note that I put vehicles up to do the undercarriage at almost *every* wash, so yeah...it might be nice but I have my system figured out (multiple floorjacks, lots of stands) and I don't want the lift eating up shop space when there's nothing on it. If somebody's *certain* that a lift is right for them, OK, but I'd sure make certain. Just don't buy "so cheap it's junk" as I've had cheapie ones scald me but good when they broke.
You mentioned running an impact wrench with the compressor, right? I'd go with a 18v recheargable one instead.
I'm hard-pressed to say whether a cheaper steamer is worth buying or not
I want to say "no, wait and get a really good one" but that's just *my* take on it and plenty of people are happy with ones that wouldn't/didn't satisfy me. Check the specs! While the really pricey ones have the "good" specs, I bet that if you're willing to settle for lesser performance you'll find *big* diffs in prices between various offerings (there are some pricey ones whose specs aren't all that hot, you could get something equivalent a lot cheaper).Ron Ketcham
Active member
I added some new photos of my work shop to my Gallery photos today.
There is a shot of the Puma compressor next to my media blast cabinet.
I also put a shot of the basic air tools needed if one is going to do any body work.
Oh, and my shop is a "working" shop, so things are not nice and neat.
There is also a picture of the type of pedestal dual wheel buffer if you want to polish metals, as well as one of the various other air polishing tools in the tool chest.
Grumpy
There is a shot of the Puma compressor next to my media blast cabinet.
I also put a shot of the basic air tools needed if one is going to do any body work.
Oh, and my shop is a "working" shop, so things are not nice and neat.
There is also a picture of the type of pedestal dual wheel buffer if you want to polish metals, as well as one of the various other air polishing tools in the tool chest.
Grumpy
C. Charles Hahn
CCH Auto Appearance, LLC
Ron Ketcham said:
Looks like a pretty good arsenal, Ron!
C. Charles Hahn
CCH Auto Appearance, LLC
Ahheck01 said:
Craigslist.
Accumulator
Well-known member
Ahheck01 said:
Maybe somebody with something they like will chime in.
I'd rather not be tethered to the air hose, but that's just me.