I have a Silentaire scorpion II compresser http://www.silentaire.com/silentaire/scorpion.asp
And I was wondering, I has no tank/resevoir. what are the advantages of adding a tank? can I add just any old tank between the compresser and regulator? are there any hidden gotchas?
-?
If the compressor is doing it’s job and you are pleased with it then leave it as it is.
The main advantage to an air tank is that the compressor gets a rest from running as it has a reserve of air on hand.
Does that Scorpion run all the time it is on or does it come on only when you press the airbrush trigger?
No; it appears to work as advertised, I am very pleased with it actually… but it is loud. I can turn it on, it will pessurize the hose (about 10’) so I can paint for about a minute before the compressor comes back on (usually startling me), I’m just wondering if “any old tank” will increase my working time beteween “shocks”.
What I do notice is a very slight pressure drop (about 10%-15%) when the trigger is pressed… but it is pretty trivial…
-sean
Sean,
All compressors loose a little pressure between being static and when the trigger is pressed and that is not even a factor in the outcome of the spray. I always set mine at 15-20 psi static pressure and just go at it.
A tank will lessen the amount of time your compressor runs but to be efficient you will need to install a pressure switch along with a tank which means you have to do some wiring.
If it is too loud can you find a way to move it further away or maybe build a box with a fan over it?
I added a tank to my Iwata Smart Jet and am glad I did. The thing would run all the time you were using it just as it was supposed to but I found it annoying. With the tank it takes it about 95 seconds to fill on start up and then only runs about 20-25 seconds every minute or so while I use it. Pressure stays up because the tank pressure is around 50 and I regulate it down to about 12. Sometimes the thing never kicks on at all when I do small stuff like props and gear.
No matter what you do you will get a slight decrease in line pressure whenever you pull the trigger. Set your working pressure with the regulator while the trigger is depressed.
I’m a tank advocate and recommend it whenever possible thought it’s definately not a requirement.
Edit to add: Just like Mike says, you need one that kicks on and off automatically like the Smart Jet does. By the way you describe it it sounds like your does too. I’ve never seen or used that particular compressor so have no idea.
About the only “gotcha” is you need to have a way to drain off accumulated moisture from the tank. Having a tank increases the volume of air and condensation is more likely.
? the compressor has a pressure switch… it maintains a line pressure of 55lb.
I’m just wondering if “any old tank will work” i.e. http://www.nextag.com/air-tank/search-html
Any tank designed to hold compressed gasses will do just fine. Portable air tank, old R12 freon tank, maybe even plastic. Ebay “air tank” and you will find many. Install inline, regulate after the tank, before the brush. I got my 2 gal tank off of ebay for $20. I wanted a 1 gal but got outbid on it at $20. Use a small one or you’ll find your comp has to run for a half hour to fill it and run longer to catch up when you use it.