Compressor dilema

    I do I do,  I had to go to a aircompresser shop and get a smaller regulator and gauge in order to get it down to the very low setting but otherwise it works like a champ.     

    I'm happy                                                                                                                       Pvt Mutt

Hi David,

There are lots of people here who use the "garage" type compressor, and I'm one. They are very loud compared to a hobby compressor. I run a hose through the wall into my hobby room and my compressor is outdoors. It only bothers the neighbors that way!

24l tank is approximately 5 gallons which should give you 15-20 minutes of constant spraying before it'll kick back in. That is based on my time using a 3 gallon tank which refills when the pressure drops below 60 psi.

Make sure you get a regulator (mine cost me $10 at the local hardware store) to tame that thing to airbrush pressures, and a moisture trap. You want to mount the moisture trap as close to the airbrush as possible.

You might consider a 50' pneumatic hose to position the compressor away from you. The distance will alleviate the noise.

I would say go for it and save your money to pay for the airbrush!

Hi David,

It all depends on your useage style and space. The hardware store compressor would the best buy for several reasons. One would be what you mentioned about the noise, but the plus would be larger stoage capacity of air in the tank. The next thing that you would need would be a regulator to reduce the pressure down to 20 psi or lower. Also needed would a good moisture trap. Plus if you work on cars it would be a big plus. Hope this helpful.

 Tom

Use on the car was mentioned -- to check/fill the air in the tires.   Similar use for bicycles & motorbikes.

Plus the shop compressor can be used to power pneumatic tools: nailers, staplers, air die grinders and the like.   I also use the shop compressor to put a pressure on the pressure pot when I'm doing some resin casting.  

My shop compressor is a multi-tasker.  An airbrush compressor is a uni-tasker

Hi All

First and foremost a big thank you to all who replied to my posting. It looks as though the DIY/Garage compressor is the way I will go, especially as it comes with a 2 year warranty.

Looking at the pretty picture that was on the advertising flyer, this compressor seems to come with two gauges, a pressure regulator and quick connect fittings (which look huge). I assume the fact that it has two gauges is that one is for the tank pressure and the other for the outlet pressure but it does look like a water trap will be needed.

One last question, the airbrush, a Badger 100LG, has a small fitting and I have seen mentioned in posts from various members that they have quick connects. Would these be the same sort of size as come attached DIY/garage compressor?  In your collective experience how difficult has it been to either get adaptors, or change the fittings to match each other. Please bear in mind that obtaining specialised fittings from Badger or any of the on line suppliers is not really an option as postage and handling costs are exhorbitant.

Thanking you once again, this is a great forum with friendly, knowledgeable members who are not above passing on their experiences to newcomers.

David

The quick connects that come whith most "large" compressors are equally large! The quick connects most airbrushes have are much smaller and aren't interchangable. The majority of compressors (at least those sold in North America) come with 1/4 NPT threads which will mate up with the Badger braided hose. If you bought the vinyl hose you will need the 1/4" to 1/8" reducer, which is pretty common and should be even for Africa. Likely you'll find it at the hardware shop.

I have the heavy duty quick connects at the compressor, and on the "in house" end of the hose that is routed through the wall, but I don't use any at the airbrush end. It only takes a moment to spin off the airbrush.

Hi Bill

Thanks for the info.

The adaptor you have a picture of looks very much like the one I have/had on my old set up which connected an ancient badger brush to an equally ancient compressor, via a vinyl hose.

As mentioned I now have a new 100LG, your recommendations having a lot to do with that purchase thankyou, and I have ordered a 10' braided hose so with a little luck, all things being equal, I should be up and running this weekend.

Regards

David

DavidM wrote:

Hi All First and foremost a big thank you to all who replied to my posting. It looks as though the DIY/Garage compressor is the way I will go, especially as it comes with a 2 year warranty. Let us know how the garage compressor works out for you noise wise. It will be a good idea to ask the hardware store clerk to plug it in for you to hear before taking it home. Looking at the pretty picture that was on the advertising flyer, this compressor seems to come with two gauges, a pressure regulator and quick connect fittings (which look huge). I assume the fact that it has two gauges is that one is for the tank pressure and the other for the outlet pressure but it does look like a water trap will be needed. One last question, the airbrush, a Badger 100LG, has a small fitting and I have seen mentioned in posts from various members that they have quick connects. Would these be the same sort of size as come attached DIY/garage compressor?  In your collective experience how difficult has it been to either get adaptors, or change the fittings to match each other. Please bear in mind that obtaining specialised fittings from Badger or any of the on line suppliers is not really an option as postage and handling costs are exhorbitant. In the US, portable size compressor uses 1/4" quick couplers that are easy to get at every hardware store. Ask the people where you buy the compressor. If you use the compressor next to your workbench, don't forget to get a "Quick-Disconnect Plug to 1/4 NPT Male" adaptor where you buy the compressor. If it is like the US, it costs US$3-4. Most of the braised airbrush hose I saw has 1/4" NPT female on one end and the small AB connector on the other. If you use a long airhose to pipe the compressor from the garage to inside the house, you may need a "Quick-Disconnect Socket to 1/4 NPT Male" adaptor instead at the house end. Talk to the hardware store clerk to determine the sizes of the pieces.

Good luck with your new AB and compressor.

Hi David,

Since you opted for the braided hose, you should be fine connecting directly to either the compressor or to a pneumatic hose and then to your airbrush. As Keilau points out the brush comes with a female 1/4" NPT end and the 1/8" male end. Don't forget to pick up a roll of teflon tape and wrap the threads of all connections (except to the actual airbrush!) to eliminate air leaks. Air is a lot harder to stop from leaking then water!

You may need some Male to Male 1/4" NPT fittings as some industrial regulators and moisture traps only have female connections. Again the hardware store will have those, and they are relatively cheap.

I know you'll be happy with the 100LG as it's a fine brush, and much more capable than we modelers ask of it!

Cheers,

Bill

Hi All

To close out the saga, I purchased the DIY / Garage compressor, purely on price. I haven't as yet used it to spray anything but have hooked it up to my old Badger 200 to see if air actually came out.

The output pressure gauge really isn't as fine as I would like, but usable. My main criticism, besides the fact that it is a little loud, is that it shuts off at 8 bar and swithches on again at 6 bar. I would have preferrred it to switch on again at 4 bar but I am not going to tinker.  When it switches on it only takes 20 seconds to repressurise, which is good.

As suggested I purchased a selection of 1/4" NPT fittings, the most useful ones being the 1/4" NPT Male to Quick Connect, which works like a charm. In addition I also purchased a water trap. All I have to try and get now is a finer reading pressure gauge.

I would like to thank everyone who responded with ideas and suggestions. It made the whole purchase process a lot smoother as I was able to get everything I needed during the one shopping expedition. There is nothing worse than travelling 130km each way to discover that when you get back home, you should have bought this part or that part to make it go. All I have to do now is sort out the paint.

Thanks once again

David

David,

Thanks for the kind words and the update. I'm sure you'll get many years of enjoyment from your new tools.

Cheers,

Bill