Compressor Question

The real benefit of a tank on the compressor is the tank takes the load off the compressor when you are not actually spraying. My compressor has a tank but the compressor will kick on shortly after I start spraying and will normally run until I stop spraying. So it really just takes off the wear and tear of having the compressor always running until you turn the compressor off.

It also gives you a redundant compressed air supply because your air compressor is compressing the air in the tank and your tank is providing a constant reduced pressure to your airbrush so you may get a little better controlled air at the airbrush. If you have a good compressor I don't think you get any real benefit out of the tank other than automatic compressor shutdown when the tank reaches its set psi. I'm glad I bought one with a tank because I do like the automatic shutdown when I take a short break. It also should help in reducing heat build up because it shuts down when pressurized.

My two cents, hope this helps.

charlie

Nhorton wrote:

I've noticed there are a few compressors out there with a holding tank. This makes a lot of sense to use already compressed air as opposed to air compressed on the fly, at least to me. I'd think it would deliver a smoother supply of air. Am I wrong? I'm very new to modeling and looking at the Paasche H airbrush and probably one of their compressors with tank, like the D3000SR.

The airbrush compressor has improved a lot in the last few years. A more powerful motor and a storage tank are good elements of a good system, and in that order. Some good examples are

(1)  The Iwata Power Jet Pro.

(2)  The Sparmax TC-5000.

(3)  Revell 39138 Compressor "master class".

If the above choices do not fit your budget, opt for a more powerful motor than a weak motor with tank. Therefore the Passche DA400SR will be a better choice than the D3000SR. You can find more review of compressor in th July 2008 issue of FSM.

A good compressor must have an auto-on/off switch so that it will not be running when you are not airbrushing. The storage tank makes the duty cycle longer, thus less noise, but is not longer needed for a stable flow.

Good luck. Come back and let us know what you decide on and why.

You're right, a tank beats having a compressor running all the time trying to keep up with your painting.  This is the rig I use.  I fill it when I need to from an 8 hp 25 gallon compressor I have in the garage.

 Tom S.

keilau wrote:

Some good examples are (1)  The Iwata Power Jet Pro. (2)  The Sparmax TC-5000. (3)  Revell 39138 Compressor "master class".

Don't forget the Badger Million Air

MikeV wrote:

Don't forget the Badger Million Air

The Badger MillionAir is a HIGHER class of silent compressors than those cheaper ones that I showed. I would love to have a compressor like the MillionAir, but it costs 4 times more than the Paasche DA400 that I have. At that price point, we should mention the SilentAir range of compressor too. Well, someone is just luckier.

keilau wrote:

MikeV wrote: Don't forget the Badger Million Air The Badger MillionAir is a HIGHER class of silent compressors than those cheaper ones that I showed. I would love to have a compressor like the MillionAir, but it costs 4 times more than the Paasche DA400 that I have. At that price point, we should mention the SilentAir range of compressor too. Well, someone is just luckier.

Nhorton wrote:

Of those you presented I like the Sparmax TC5000. It's only twice the price of the compressor i was looking at. ;)

It seems to be a good price at Dixie Art because shipping is free.

http://dixieart.com/Stealth_5000_Compressor_from_Sparmax.html

Chicago Airbrush used to have the lowest price, but they no longer carry Sparmax. BearAir replaced the Sparmax brand with a house brand at lower price. Not sure where they source their new line of compressors.

http://www.bearair.com/prodinfo.asp?number=120320