air compressor for airbrush

[bgoatsw]

my current air compressor looks like its going to die on me. Its just a 1/10 hp compressor for model trains etc. Do i need to get one like it or can i get one from like Home Depot? any other suggestions for replacements would be great also , thanks G

[waltr]

The only requirements of an air compressor for airbrushing is:
1- Adjustable to the pressure range required. Typically 10 to 30psi.
2- The compressor can deliver enough air volume so the pressure does drop when the airbrush trigger is engaged. This is usually only on issue with the small cheap compressors.
3- The compressed air is clean and dry. Very important.
Other than that any air compressor will work. If one from HD is cheap enough but doesn't have a good regulator and water trap then these can be added to the air line before the airbrush. If the compressor is some distance away (like in the garage and piped to the house) then a second regulator and water trap is recommended.

Other considerations are:
Noise of the compressor, like its used inside the house.


Here are some links that discuss air brush compressors:
https://sites.google.com/site/donsairbrushtips/
http://airbrushtechnique.com/f498/
http://cs.finescale.com/fsm/tools_te...ials/f/18.aspx

[bgoatsw]

thanks for info. thats a big help, I am not familiar with all the specific needs. what about fittings for the airbrush hose hooking to air compressor?

Thanks G

[waltr]

There are a few different fittings on airbrushes and their hoses. Most air compressors have a standard NPT on the regulator output. NPT adapters are easy to get (plumbing dept of HD should have them).

What is the fitting on the compressor you currently have?
A picture with the male fitting over a rule would help us determine its size.

[AllenB]

Not to hijack the thread...but I noticed my compressor when you hit it,..starts out very strong then drops to a lower pressure. Is this normal or should it remain a constant? I always have to purge it first to get a steady pressure.

[MRLdave]

I use a small dual tank compressor. It had a regulator that worked fine, so I added a female quick connect on the output, then bought a water collector and put a male connector on the input and a female on the output, and finally added a male connector to my airbrush hose. When I need to airbrush, I plug in the collector to the compressor,and the airbrush into the collector, set the regulator and I'm ready. And when I'm not using it for that, I have an airhose I can plug in ti the compressor and run air tools, fill tires.ect. The tanks are big enough that the compressor seldom runs while I'm painting, so pressure varies very little.

[blvdbuzzard]

If you get a small one, they are some times noisy, but they work pretty well for an airbrush.

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-too...sor-97080.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-too...sor-95275.html

I picked up one like this on sale for $80.00

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-too...sor-67501.html

not ear shattering but would not want to work next to it all day without ear plugs.


Buzz.

[Mark R.]

If you don't mind, spend a few extra dollars, get a compressor with a tank. The tank will not only ensure an even steady pressure, but will smooth out the pulses you will experience with a "one-lunger" without a tank .... plus your compressor won't be running ALL the time.

AllenB - What you are experiencing is backpressure build-up. I'm guessing you don't have a regulator on your compressor. (?) The compressor is building up pressure against the closed valve of your airbrush - which will be higher than the normal running pressure. When you hit the valve, that excess pressure is relived in a burst until regular line pressure is re-achieved.

blvdbuzzard - How long have you been using your Harbor Freight compressor ? The law of averages doesn't seem to play in favor of Harbor Freight's products .... especially anything with a motor in it ! I've heard WAY too many stories of their products giving up after a year or less operating time. Some people do get lucky, but with the number of bad ones I've heard about, I wouldn't be recommending them any time soon.


Mark.

[UPBigBoy]

If you're buying new get the biggest and most certainly a popular brand - Devilbis is a good one, even the Sears is better than a Harbour Freight, a Campbell/Husvarna (SP) is also good. What you want is a compressor that is powerful enough so that it doesn't run continuously when painting - in other words the compressor has to have the ability to surpass the required output of the paint gun you are using.

I use a DeVilbis 10HP 30Gal tanked compressor which is direct feed from the motor - no pulleys and is also classified as oil less which means you don't have to keep checking the oil and adding as required. This compressor was about $450.00 at the time but it has performed flawlessly for 8 years running all sizes of paint guns, impact guns, filling tires, operating nail guns and more so in the long run it has more than paid for itself.

Jim

[DianneB]

Has anybody tried one of the small airbrush compressors aimed at salons, cake decorating, etc.? They are small, inexpensive, and presumably very quiet.

Eg. http://www.ebay.ca/sch/Airbrushing-/...ush+compressor

If they are any good, it would seem like they would be easier to live with than a larger, noisier, high pressure unit.