Hi,
could one use a standard compressor used for construction ( like nailing) ?
thx
itz
Yes, I used a pancake tank compressor for quite awhile, putting up with its terrible noise. I wore headphones (the ear covering type) plugged into a radio to listen to music and deaden the noise. I finally got tired of that and bought a quiet compressor. The GP compressor actually worked a little better than my made-for-airbrushing compressor (a somewhat higher pressure available if I wanted it). However, I so seldom used such high pressures that I felt it was not worth the discomfort. I did use an outboard dryer-filter, which I do not need to use with my tankless compressor.
I recently bought the California Air Tools compressor, Model 1610A, twin piston, extremely happy with it. Very quiet, 70 seconds to full pressure, it supplies a second 6 gallon tank, when that one is full I turn the compressor off. I spray at 12-18 lbs, that second tank lasts for several minutes, so I only turn the compressor on when I run low in tank supplying the airbrush. Heat is the enemy to most implements regarding service life, so not letting it run any longer than needed should help in making it last.
Having said that, a major consideration is cost. The industrial types are generally pricier, mine was
US $170, freight to house included, bought at Home Depot online. Prior to that I used three different compressors, Binks, Coleman, can’t remember the first. All gave good, long service, but I just couldn’t stand the noise once I wore hearing devices.
With this latest purchase, I wish I had made the move years ago. Wife still hears well, she doesn’t even know when it’s running, one wall away from my garage shop. I think our cat makes almost as much noise while purring.
Patrick
How about compatibility with air brushes? Lines, fittings, ect. Could I plug my Aztek straight into it?
I did for a long time. I just got adaptors to fit my airbrush. Then I used a %50 off coupon at harbor freight for a tiny airbrush compressor. Quietest little thing, and has worked forever. http://www.harborfreight.com/1-6-hp-40-psi-oilless-airbrush-compressor-93657.html