Looking to buy this at Harbor Freight
https://www.harborfreight.com/3-gal-13-hp-100-psi-oilless-pancake-air-compressor-61615.html
Any idea what other accessories I should be getting?
Is there a better compressor you’d recommend. I’d like to keep it under $70ish.
Thank you
Harbor Freight compressors are garbage and noisy. I’d get what I use from tcpglobal:
http://www.tcpglobal.com/ABD-TC-20_2.html#.WUShQYWcGAg
The price is just right too.
If you need an adapter for your airbrush hose, they have them here as well.
I have the HF cylinder tank version compressor similar to the pancake. I have it tee off to two airbrush hoses. I run a moisture trap and a second regulator per airbrush hose.
I set the main built in regulator to double the pressure I will need, usually 30-40 psi and set the second to the psi I will be spraying at. This keeps any pressure surges or drops at bay as the compressor cycles on and off.
It is noisy but works great, delivers clean dry steady air. I have been running this setup for over 2 years with no issues. With a 20% off coupon I can buy 2-3 of these for every one name brand airbrush compressor.
I have the HF 8 gallon comp. . Since I am a carpenter ,I use it for more than airbrushing and needed the rig on wheels. I’ve had absolutely no trouble with it and it’s been running fine for 2 years now. I got it with a coupon for less than 100 bucks. I added their airdryer and digital in-line pressure guage and it airbrushes just fine. I did have to teflon tape all the joints but since I did that it holds pressure for like 6 hours.
I used a very similar compressor for several years before I got tired of the noise. I used no accessories, though if you live in a really humid area you may want a water trap.
Noise is always a factor. I solved mine by putting the compressor in the laundry room and running a pipe to the spray booth, along with a switch in the spray area controlling the electrical receptacle in the laundry room for the compressor. Now it’s no louder to me than the washer or dryer.
Thank you guys.
Going to pick one up this weekend.
Figured a couple of pics may help. I have three water traps since I am in Florida. One before the tee and one for each side after the tee.
I run the guage and a red “pumpkin” filter (from HF) on the AB hose. The guage, filter, hose on a quick disconnect fitting. I can then use it at home as well as at work. At the body shop I work at we have a couple of high end filter systems, and still can get some water in the hoses at times. Painter uses the red pumpkins on every gun he has in addition to the big system with desicant crystals. Will post a pic later.
I’m in Florida and 3 traps are an overkill. For the last 40+ years I’ve been using one only and about 5 years ago it broke and got one at HF for aBout $10 and works just fine.
Dont forget to purge the tank.
Finally got around to downloading the camera. I just plug this into an air line at the shop, or the compressor at home.
