Ok, i just brought home a 2 gallon compressor from lowes. plugged it in, made sure everything was connected, and even connected the airbrush to it just to make sure everything runs smoothly. compressor ran fine for about 45 seconds, when it started “chocking” on something and it stopped, now when i turn it on, the on switch won’t even light. it seems like somehting’s bouncing around inside the airtank or something when you try to shake it. I doubt that it overheated in 45 seconds so i don’t know what I might’ve done on my part to cause this.
what was really interesting was that even though I wasn’t pressing the trigger on the airbrush, it still kept shooting air, even though there wasn’t too much pressure, (about 20 psi) . is this normal??? (well i think i know the answer to that one)
it’s an airtech something made by midwest air or something to that effect. Not the best out there but just a starter. I exchanged it, and my friend hooked me up with a trap/regulator, which is a little easier to adjust than the one on the compressor. i now realized that when i first tested it, i plugged it to an extension cord rated @7 guage, when it needs to be at least 12, so maybe that also was a factor at issue.
as far as the airbrush goes, I think the trigger wasn’t on properly and was leaving the valve open at all times, I think i got that straightened out.
It’s possible the extension cord may have ruined the first compressor. You lose voltage along an electrical cord, the longer it is the more voltage you lose and that’s bad for some electric motors.
I would highly recommend plugging the compressor directly into the wall and buying a longer airhose to get to your work area. That way you won’t have to worry about the comressor going out on you again. The airhose is probably cheaper than a heavy gauge extension cord too!
Thanks for the help, I bought a 12 awg cord, and it works fine. Just need to take some measurements and cut some plywood to seal the work area off the rest of the closet and I’ll be ready to go! yohoooooo
