Compressor

[Wolfpack39]

Can anyone recommend a good compressor for a beginner?

[HauntedMyst]

My personal advice is to stay away from most hobby air compressors. You want a compressor able to produce between 25 and 70 psi because the newer acrylic paints require that much power to spray them. That usually means getting something in the ½ HP range instead of the typical 1/8 HP most hobby compressors have. The air compressor I use as a ½ hp airbrush compressor with a one gallon tank. That being said, were I to do it all over again, I’d go to Puma, Sears or Home Depot and get an all purpose air compressor, one that can fill car tires, drive a nail gun, etc. The good news is that these generic air compressors are more powerful then hobby compressors, cost less and with a $25.00 moisture trap and pressure regulator they spray just as nicely as any airbrush compressor, though they may be louder. You do need a moisture trap or moisture will accumulate in the compressor and spit out paint blobs! Many hobby air compressors do not come with a tank or reservoir, I highly recommend them because they even out the air flow and stop the spray from pulsing.

[Quietfly]

this is just my opinion, and I hate to go against the opinion of HM as he is pretty experinced with this stuff but, a good hobby compressor, can be a new airbrushers best friend. As long as you get a quality one they are usually ok. Fingernail airbrush artists, who are extremely vunerable to pulses as they work on such small fine detail items (nails) use good ones without tanks. i found the people at http://www.bearair.com/ very helpfull in determining what type of compressor to consider in regards to what type of paint you use.

-Chris

[Wolfpack39]

Can I buy a water trap later, if I get a compressor that doesn't come with one?

[Quietfly]

Can I buy a water trap later, if I get a compressor that doesn't come with one?

i would not do that, traps are usually only about 15-25 dollars, and they are very important in making sure that your paint "sticks" to your body well and does not peel or wrinkle.

-Chris

[rcski]

MY opinion for what its worth. well I got to side with H.M. If you got the room and the noise is no problem get a big one with a tank. But a little hobby compressor will work to. Ive got both whats nice with the little one I can take it places easier. takes up less room. Its a good idea to have a water trap, Ive got one on my big compressor, because the tank tends to build up water and the longer your air hose the more prone you'll be to water. To be honest on my little airbrush compressor, I've been using it for years without a water trap, Ive painted Tshirts, pumpkins, helmets, and other stuff and never had problems with water yet. maybe I've just been lucky

[Go Faster]

you can go to wal-mart and get one of these for $100. They are great!!!!!:D
http://wsphotofews.excite.com/029/qv/c5/H3/2z25699.jpg

[rc-dude]

I asked this in another post, but anyway, I own a big proboly 15+ gallon compresser, and wondering If there is an adapter that can hook one of those cheap air brushes(testors) onto it. It keeps a steedy 120psi in it.

[MAXXKILLER]

Would the Paasche D500 compressor be any good?

[WorkingWolf]

What does an air tank on a compressor do? What would you choose if it was between a compressor with a storage tank, or one with a water trap?

[bluesy]

WorkingWolf.....The biggest difference is that a compressor with no tank will give pulses in the air as it goes through the airbrush--->giving you pulses of paint onto the car. You can compensate for this by shooting many light layers of paint to minimize the effect of the pulsed paint.

Compressors with tanks have no pulses and typically can achieve a higher air pressure. The smaller, hobby types of compressors usually are quite underpowered (especially if you are using Parma FasKolors).

There are plenty of reasonably priced compressor/tank combos around (which have been previously mentioned).

Hope this helps clear up the questions.

Further, you should have a water (moisture) trap on either style==> especially if you live in a humid climate. The moisture trap has no effect on air pressure or the pulsing problem.

:cool: :cool:

[Go Faster]

MAXXKILLER>>>I had the D500 and I noticed it pulses alot. and was more expensive.

WorkingWolf>>>>the one with the tank. you get constant pressure and you can buy a water trap for it for around $12.

rc-dude>>>>I'm sure there is a adapter. If you cant find one at your LHS try Hobby Lobby they have alot of airbrush stuff.

[WorkingWolf]

Thanks everyone, its pretty much between a:
Puma
Our most popular model this is a 1/8 horsepower, 40 psi max 30 psi operating pressure and very quiet. It comes with and 8 foot hose, water filter with trap, air pressure gauge, pressure adjustment valve, on off switch, and vibration cup feet. It weighs 8 pounds and runs on 115 volts ac.

& the Campbell Hausfeld
The FP2003, 1 gallon, quiet operation air compressor is designed for homeowners looking for the perfect companion for inflation, brad nailing, stapling, air brushing and more. The compact design, easy to read gauges and retractable handle make this unit ideal for around-the-house chores. At 18 pounds it can be taken anywhere that has a 120 Volt plug. It's designed with an automatic on / off pump, a 'Flip Up' carrying handle, built-in tank pressure gauge and air line pressure gauge.


I can get both for around the same price, the first has the water trap, the second has the tank

[HauntedMyst]

Workingwolf,

I would get the Campbell Hausfeld and simply add a water trap too it. No doubt the minute I post this people will disagree, but I find 30 psi isn't enough pressure. Plus I imagine their about the same price so it really comes down to: quiet operation and limited ability vs. louder and more versitile. Either choice is fine if it meets your needs.

[WorkingWolf]

Thanks Haunted. Louder doesn't matter to me, but I would want to make sure I get the right water trap. Do you know the best one for that compressor, are water traps different? Are they all compatible with any compressor?

[Go Faster]

The cambell is just as quiet as the pasche d500, and dont forget you can blow off your car with the cambell when your done racing for the day!!!!!!!!!!

[WorkingWolf]

Does the Campbell need to be oiled? If so, whats the process with oiling compressors?

[Go Faster]

nope oilless!!!!!!!!

[ttweedle]

I just bought an aircompressor from sears yesterday! woohoo! It has a regulator and a 15 gallon tank! Now all I need is a water trap, and I will be able to air brush for ever....it is a little loud but once it gets full I can airbrush for hours before I need to refill it. The regulator range goes from 0-150 psi. I told my wife we should buy it so we can spray paint the new room I am finishing above the garage. and she went for it! :)