air compressor for air brush

[oplholik]

First of all, I went to the local artist supply today and ended up getting a Paasche H-Set, as I decided, on this, I wanted to go with a known brand and if I have any problems, help is close. I have been thinking about getting the Harbor Frieght $50.00 compressor, and asked about this type of compressor. The store owner I was talking to recommended a compressor with a tank because the other type compressor fibrilates, or pulses. This makes me think that I may have trouble getting a smooth finish. I could I suppose, get one of those portable tanks and fill it from my air compressor in the shed, but think that's kinda inconvient each time I want to use the airbrush. So, is using one of these small compressoors really that much of a problem? By the way, this Paasche looks like a real nice set. Thanks.

Paul

 

[RexHea]

Paul, I started out with a Badger diaphram compressor and no tank and wasn't satisfied at all. I bought a tank/compressor from sears for $119 that had everything I needed plus the benefit of being able to use it for other tools, tires, etc. If you go this route, add a moisture trap in the air line.

 

[Laidoffsick]

That airbrush is great. It will work just fine with that compressor from HF. A tank is not need when you're only using between 15-35 psi depending on the type of paint you're spraying. I've used many airbrushes and compressors over the years, from the cheapest to the high end auto shut off compressors. Just make sure to install a water trap or 2 in-line.

 

[RGSfan]

A pressure regulator would probably be a good thing to have on it also. Mine shuts off at 110 psi. with a regulator you can turn the pressure down to the pressure level you need for your brush.

 

[Laidoffsick]

A pressure regulator is a MUST and some compressors come with one. If not, you will need to purchase one for sure. As I stated, different paint types require different pressures for optimal results.

I use 10-20psi for laquer based paints (Floquil 90% of the time, Dull-cote the other 10%) thinned 10%-90% depending on whether I'm painting or weathering.

Water based paints (which I hardly every use, and when I do I always say I will never do that again! ) I use 20-40 psi depending on how much I thin the paint and use either distilled water or 70% isopropyl for thinning.

Get a water trap(s), a regulator, and practice before you spray that 1st piece that you spent hours on getting just right. It sucks when you hit that trigger and the paint goes
"splat" all over that nice shell. Ask me how I know lol

 

[kenw]

It sucks when you hit that trigger and the paint goes
"splat" all over that nice shell. Ask me how I know lol

Never use an airbrush while holding it still. Constant movement is the key to smooth coverage.

the solution for that is to ALWAYS start and end your sweep beyond the object. IOW, press the trigger as you move towards the object and before you get to it, and let go when you have moved past it.

 

[MRLdave]

I agree a regulator is a must, and a water trap is a very good idea, but isn't really a neccesity unless you're using a tank compressor (water vapor can form in the tank). I use a dual tank compressor (my workbench is in the garage, so big and noisy aren't issues) with a pressure shutoff and a regulator and a water trap. I have the shut off set at 80 lbs and the regulator set at 10 -30.......so the tank feeds nice even pressure to the airbrush, and I can brush for 20 to 30 minutes before the pressure in the tanks drops to 80 psi and the pump kicks back on and fills the tanks back to 120 psi.

 

[oplholik]

Air compressor for airbrush

Thanks for all of your responses. I just noticed this morning that HF also has an airbrush compressor with a tank, regulator, and water trap. It's a little more expensive, but will be considering that one also.

Paul

 

[kenw]

I....., and a water trap is a very good idea, but isn't really a neccesity unless you're using a tank compressor (water vapor can form in the tank).

water can easily form in the air line itself. Happens all the time and is why I had to retrofit a decent moisture trap on my tankless/oilless compressor.