I am slowly building up all of the items I need to properly airbrush. I currently have a 2 gallon air compressor that will be fine for the job after I add a regulator/moisture trap. I was just wondering about how much airbrushing can you do with a full 2 gallon tank of air? Noise is an issue and should not be a problem if I can fill up my tank and paint for a decent amount of time. The problem would be if the compressor has to run every 5 min. I am wondering if I should stick with this or just purchase an airbrush specific compressor?
From what I’ve heard, the compressors with the tanks are the way to go. You always have a constant psi operation and a good supply of air. I don’t know how long two gallons will last but I’m sure you will get plenty of paint time with it. The regulator and moisture trap is a good idea. I would say you are good to go. Just wear your iPod when you paint! [;)]
Andy
If noise is an issue, and you have the spare change, you may want to look into a ‘quiet’ air compressor like those offered by Iwata.
With a two gallon tank at 120 psi you should be able to paint for about 10-15 minutes (Not constant) before pressure starts to drop in the tank and you need to turn the regulator up.
If noise is an issue, you will need something else because a 2 gallons tank will not last long enough for a typical AB session and needs several refilling. You can get a 7 or 10 gallons portable tank. If you get a good quality, oil lubricated type compressor, it should not take very long to fill the tank to 120-140 psi, which should give you a good time for AB. If you have one of those cheap oilless type compressor, it may take too long to fill the tank to be practical. A good portable garage compressor should have 2-4 SCFM at 90 psi or better.
Personally, I prefer the convinence of a airbrush compressor. You don’t need the $600 super quiet type. Iwata, Paasche and Sparmax has some model with tank for about $300. Or you can get the house brand from Airbrush Depot or BearAir for even cheaper. There are some models without tank for under $150, which are good enough for most modelers. They typically have a noise level of 56-59 dbA, good enough to hold a conversation without raising your voice. Make sure to get a model with with the auto 0n-off feature, which keeps the noise down and prolong the life of the compressor. Remember the good old saying: buy cheap, buy twice.
You may look into getting a Co2 tank and regulator from your lacal weld supply, thay last for years. Purchase may be a hassel in you state, we are not allowed to own tanks in Calif you have to lease them from the supplyer.
Are you sure about that? Coast Airbrush in Anaheim, CA sells them:
AC Moore had a couple of airbrush compressors last time I was there. I think they had a Badger and a Paasche. Anybody know if the 50% off coupons from the Sunday paper will work with them?
I was talking about the welding supply the make you buy there tanks so you can exchang it on refill, You can buy your own tank and an have it filled at beverage supply, paintball store maybe scuba supply fire extingiusher supply, have call ahead Welding supply only take there tanks, some tank say they are not cirtefied.