Hi, I apologize in advance if this topic has already been covered. I am getting ready to upgrade my air compressor, and have narrowed it down to two choices from Airbrush City. One is their mini-compressor with air tank with auto-on at 57psi, the other compressor is their 1/8hp with off, auto, and continuous on. I mostly spray thinned acrylics through a Badger 200 single action and a Badger 100 dual action. Anyone ahve any experiences with either of these compressors or comparable ones? TIA.
I like the idea of having an air tank to keep a supply of pressure, but wasn’t sure if the “mini” could handle my airbrushes. Sounds like this compressor may be the way to go. DOes anyone out there have any experience with the automatic compressors? I called airbrush city the other day to inquire, and they said the unit only comes on when you press the trigger on the brush. I asked if there was any delay, and they said no. How does that work? Wouldn’t there be a slight delay while it builds up enough pressure to deliver the air you need? I really don’t know anything about them, since the unit I’ve been using is a continous on type. Guess I want to hear the facts from the people here, in case the manufacturer is just telling me what I want to hear to sell their product.
Daywalker, I sell air compressors for a living. I say go with the one with a tank. I will admit, that I don’t have experience with tankless compressors. The important thing is air storage, or you may get paint splatter. For example, I have two comps, one that is 20 gallon tank for large areas, the 1/72 Gato sub for one, and a small 2 gallon for everything else. But the one who has the last word is your wallet. Buy the best you can afford. Remember, pressure is secondary, volume is the key.
LOL “Airbrush” compressors won’t come with a 20 gallon tank. I’m pretty sure Supraman is referring to a Craftsman or “garage” type compressor. The only real issues with using those kinds is size and noise. Apartment dwellers need not apply. I use one myself, but have it outside with a line running into the house. I can barely hear it, but my neighbors might tell you different!
Modern day good “garage” compressors are pretty much noiseless. Noise is similar to noice of refrigerator, which is not much, is it? Of course, size is still an issue.
Incidentally, I’ve made a compressor from old
refrigerator’s pump (I’ve found it in a dump) and a tank from a piece of thick pipe:
I had to add a number of bits and pieces I had already in my basement (or expropriated/redistributed from those, who didn’t really need them (i.e. were looking the other way when I was around.)) As you see, there is no problem for us apartment dwellers with such compressor. As a matter of fact, it works so quiet, sometimes I forget to turn it off! Air goes through my airbrush with much more noice than compressor makes. Good thing I was able to expropriate appropriate circuit breaker, which turns off the compressor when pressure in tank is good.
Mind you, I’m not sure if my pressure regulator is precise. While everyone insist that working pressure for airbrush is 15-30 psi (I can get up to 60psi), my airbrush sprays acrilics jolly good on 4-5 psi, and problems starts when I up the pressure to 10. What the world have came to, you can’t even redistribute reliable hardware anymore!
Bgrigg, yes, I will admit it is a little loud. But, Before I bought my 2 gal. I filled the 20 in June, and I am STILL using the air from then. The motor hasn’t yet turned back on. And that hull is freaking huge!! 53" longand about 6" in the middle. Just to let you know I acually used a Paint gun for cars, not an airbrush, because of the size.[:O]
A’men to that Bill! I have an 8 gallon compressor, and its a brute!
I have the Compressor with a tank from airbrush city, (121 I think) its a real good compressor, I use a Badger 175 dual action and it does fine. Jhande recommeded that one to me, and it was a great purchase!
The only garage style compressors that I haven’t heard are either the ones that are in the off mode or I just got so used to humming a tune with them for years I don’t notice it so much anymore… Nah… I still hear the buggers!
This is the exact compressor I purchased for my modeling - Airbrush Depots ABD TC-20T
It’s small, nice and quite, does a great job for all the families hobby spraying needs. If it ever burns out, I’d probably buy another one.
I save my big noisy expensive to run compressor for the real cars and BIG projects. [;)]
I’ve never had a compressor before - the little airbrush work I did was with Badger cans of compressed air. For building plastic models, do you generally need that regulator/water trap attachment?
Well, mine is about the same as Jim’s compressor, and mine is very quite.
You do need the water trap and regulator to, you will be suprised how much water it will catch, and water and paint dont mix! The reulator will keep your air pressure in check, to much and you will have a horrible time trying to paint, to little and you wont be able to paint at all!
