Wildrice Posted December 13, 2006 Share Posted December 13, 2006 My mother in law is getting me an Air Brush for Christmas. Not sure what brand or type yet. What air compressor would you recommend no matter what airbrush. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MonoPed Posted December 13, 2006 Share Posted December 13, 2006 I use a 12 gallon Craftsman compressor that I have for the garage. I used a tankless compressor before that, but that thing hasn't seen the light of day for a couple years...not even sure where it is...lol! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crispy Posted December 13, 2006 Share Posted December 13, 2006 You should be able to utilize most air compressors out their. As long as it has a pressure regulator and a moisture bowl/trap. Since I do all my stuff in the house I bought a silentaire compressor. It is tank-less and runs only when needed. It has auto shutoff and makes nary any noise. I've also heard of guys just filling air tanks and bringing them in the house. Same rules apply, pressure regulator with moisture trap. By the way, that's a nice MIL you have. Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jairus Posted December 13, 2006 Share Posted December 13, 2006 Bobby, I started out with a tank less system as well in the beginning. Of course my airbrushing was more for illustration than painting models. Anyway, I graduated to a 22-gallon 220volt compressor and I was hooked in a big way! The reason is that I can pump up the tank and paint for a long time... days even, without having to fire up the noisy compressor again. I can listen to music and paint to my hearts content for a long time before having to fill the tank. I am on my second system. The compressor and tank this time is in the garage while I have the air piped into my studio via a 1/2-inch hard line. It's a good system, but one you have to be ready to pay at least a hundred bucks for a nice Craftsman compressor. Unless you watch the sales flyers that is.... :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ismaelg Posted December 13, 2006 Share Posted December 13, 2006 Because I paint late at night I use a portable air tank (7 gallons / Pep Boys) with a regulator. I fill it with my big noisy compressor during the day to 100 psi. Regulated at 20 psi, it usually lasts more than 1 night. It can even be filled at a gas station since I left the tire valve system. I can take pictures of the modifications I did to the tank (regulator,hose connector etc). Let me know if those would help. Thanks, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIGTRUCK Posted December 13, 2006 Share Posted December 13, 2006 Craftsman 25 gallon, with a regulator set up for [2] lines , thats why you see the two gauges ...but it sounds like a Panzer attack when its running... .since bought a 2 gallon for 50 bucks , it works nice and its more compact , run only 1 line with a plastic water trap filter... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve D. Posted December 13, 2006 Share Posted December 13, 2006 Almost all the major hardware chains now carry the small compressors with a small tank on the bottom . Home depot, Lowes ,Sears,True value , Ace , even Walmart has them . I have a Campbell Hausfeld that cost less than 90 bucks new . Just purchase a moisture trap and a fitting that will match your airbrush and your off . These compressors are great because you can fill the tank and have enough air for two to three models before you have to fire it up again . Silence is golden ( especially late at night when the tykes are sleeping ...and the old lady for that matter ) A big plus from buying from a major supplier is if anything goes wrong with it you can return it . I had a problem with mine after 10 months and walmart replaced it with a new one , no problem . Five years and half a million models later it still works like a champ . (Oh boy I hope I didn't curse it!!!!) Take care and see you around the clubhouse , Steve D. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MonoPed Posted December 14, 2006 Share Posted December 14, 2006 Craftsman 25 gallon, with a regulator set up for [2] lines , thats why you see the two gauges ...but it sounds like a Panzer attack when its running... .since bought a 2 gallon for 50 bucks , it works nice and its more compact , run only 1 line with a plastic water trap filter... Mine is an older unit that has a seperate motor and belt driven pump, not nearly as loud as the newer oil-less type pumps. As said above, wahtever type of compressor you get, be sure to get a regulator and a moisture trap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wildrice Posted December 14, 2006 Author Share Posted December 14, 2006 I thank all of you for your info. Sounds like I might have to make a trip to Home Depot. If I ask my Mom nice enough she might get it for me for Christmas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jairus Posted December 14, 2006 Share Posted December 14, 2006 Bobby, There are others who have build a compressor for airbrushing using an old refrigerator compressor. I don't know what is needed personally but I do know that there are other modelers who use this method. The cost is very low except that there will not be a tank... unless I am very wrong. Hopefully someone out there can help and post a link... anybody? :? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wildrice Posted December 15, 2006 Author Share Posted December 15, 2006 If I can find one with a small tank for around $100 that will work fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hot_Rod_Bob Posted December 15, 2006 Share Posted December 15, 2006 Check out Air brush city, I picked up one from there a month ago, It's very small has a 1 gallon tank, and is very quiet. I usually get up between 2 & 4 am, and come down to the basement to work on building. no one up stairs has ever heard me painting in the wee hours of the morning Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wildrice Posted December 16, 2006 Author Share Posted December 16, 2006 My Mom got my a compressor at WalMart tonight. 1 gallon for $68.00. I will pick up a moisture trap tomorrow or Monday. Now to get my Christmas present open and start practicing. LOL. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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