Apologies if my question has already been asked and answered multiple times, I did try to Google it but to little avail.
I recently purchased a Sparmax TC-620X compressor. Very pleased with the unit so far. It is surprisingly quiet and fills up the tank very quickly.
My only question is around acceptable air leak. I left the tank under pressure for about 18 hours to see if there’s any air leak. The pressure gauge dropped down from 60 to about 56-57 PSI after about 18 hours. I guess that is within tolerance? I cannot hear any air leaking at all I just wanted to check my new tc-620x for issues.
I too have a sparmax compressor any air compressor no matter the name or quality will leak air it just happens if it is so much that it effects your painting then you have a problem If on the other hand you want your tank to stay at a certian PSI for long periods at a time well thats just not gonna happen Air tanks from a welding supply store will keep pressure more than any compressor will. any leakage is acceptible as long as it doesnt effect your paint job
1: is it OK to depressurise the compressive using the pressure relief valve (one with the ring in it)? I should probably use the tank drain valve instead?
2: Also, how often do you drain the compressor tank? Some people drain the tank after each use, some drain it daily, weekly, monthly etc. From what I’ve read so far it seems to me that no matter how often you drain the air tank, corrosion will happen and you’ll see yellowish drained water after draining the tank.
This is my first proper compressor and I want to take good care of it.
Hmm. Well my compressor holds air for weeks without aby noticeable drop in air as long as nothing is plugged into it ( airbrush, air tools etc). That said, it’s not a hobby compressor either. But that’s how I use it, aired up and I only plug it in when it requires air. With an 8 gal tank I can get a few paint sessions in before a recharge is needed. That said, I think most people drain their compressors after use anyway, 18 hours for a couple lb of drop seems acceptable but obviously the air is getting out someplace.
I drain my compressors as soon as I am done for the day… Out of every valve avialable.LOL – Air breeds moisture, and mosture breeds rust.I usaally just relieve my excess pressure as I clean my brush, BUT you should Always clear the relieve valve to remove excess water from your tank. I live in so cal and with the heat, the water in the tank isnt such a big deal But anytime you leave air in a compressed tank you are just asking for problems. corrosion is just gonna happen Drian and maintian your AirTank and you can put off having these problems no matter what size or brand tank you use
Air loss is normal, you’re probably losing back through the pump when it’s not running. As to draining, humidity plays the biggest part of buildup in the tank. If you’re in a really humid conditions, drain when done, dry desert conditions, you can get by with less. Also depends on length of run time.
I’d probably drain when done, and leave the drain open till the next use to let residual moisture evaporate.
On the pressure valve, I’d just cycle it once in a while to make sure it’s not stuck.
