Having filled the compressor, I left it plugged in and switched on, but when the air in the tank went down it tried to start, but wouldn't kick in. Then it made a rude smell, and a faint smear of smoke, but not sure where from. Now it won't start.
Is this fatal? It's never been up to much from new.

Alan Partington, March 2011

Burnt motor as BB says.
I would also be interested in the name of the online company you bought the machine from, and cheap no doubt.

Arthur, March 2011

Sounds like the motor's burnt out but would be interested as to where you purchased it especially if the W in Wolf is with a broken W like \\/ as I believe these tools although cheap and are made in third world and not very well made as your description states.
I would be very interested as to where you purchase it.

I'm in UK and there is only one company that seems to sell Wolf tools with the broken W and there cheap.

Post using the answer to your own question form From whom you purchased the compressor if the logo Wolf has the broken W.
I had bought a weeder with this Wolf logo and it was imported. It lasted only 36 hours over a years gardening season.. gears were plastic and one was stripped of its teeth, no spares available no company either they went bust.

BB, March 2011