Adding tank to tankless compressor

Bardack wrote:

I recently received a Paasche H model as a gift.  I've been using a Testors AC700 compressor for about 3 years without a lot of issues, however the Paasche seems to be a little more air hungry.  I can only sustain 10-15 PSI with it, even though the compressor peaks in the 50ish range.  Would it be feasible to add a tank and seperate regulator inline with this setup to get around the rapid loss of pressure?  If so, where could I find a suitable tank?

I was going to do that for my Paasche double action airbrush. I have a Wagner 1/2 horsepower tankless aircompressor. My friend told me to just get a regulator w/ moisture trap. It worked. I didn't have to buy a tank. My compressor has to run constantly though.

I don't think adding a tank to your compressor will do you any good. I believe the ac700 is a diaphram type of compressor adn if so, the type wont be able to build much over the 20psi it's rated at. Blocking the air with a tank and allowing the pressure to rise may also damage the compressor, especially without some sort of automatic shut off.

I'd skip the idea, were it my compressor, and upgrade to a better model, either with a tank or one that I could add a tank to. I got my Iwata Smart Jet off of ebay cheap. Also got an airtank cheap on ebay. Combined the two and it works great. Pumps up to about 50psi and shuts off, kicks on when the pressure goes below 35psi. 

Gave the extra regulator a whirl, and now I have a much more stable drop to 10psi, however it still drops to 10 psi rather quickly.  Thanks for the input though.

I've really been trying to avoid getting a new compressor, and was hoping to find a decent temp fix until that was a more feasible option.  If I do end up replacing it with a tank compatible compressor, what would be a decent tank size to look for?

Bardack,

I,too, have a Paasche H, and it is definately a workhound. I had bought a blue testors compressor from Hobby Lobby, and it would not push the airbrush. And don't consider canned air, it is acomplete waste. You nailed it when you said these need alot of air. I run mine at about 25 psi, and it works well. What i had to do was go to Lowe's(Home Depot or Wal Mart will work as well), and I picked up a 2 gallon twin stack with hose, brad nailer and accessories for $80, but that was on sale. They normally go for $100.

Wal Mart has a 1 1/2 or 2 gallon WITH A REGULATOR for $65 or $70, has accessories and hose too. I did not connect the hose to mine, just ran the braided line directly to the compressor, and it has worked beautifully. It's alittle noisy, but with a 2 gallon tank, it is not always running. The things I would reccomend are a regulator, and as long as it is oiless, you do not need a filter. Best of luck to you.

Bardack wrote:

I recently received a Paasche H model as a gift.  I've been using a Testors AC700 compressor for about 3 years without a lot of issues, however the Paasche seems to be a little more air hungry.  I can only sustain 10-15 PSI with it, even though the compressor peaks in the 50ish range.  Would it be feasible to add a tank and seperate regulator inline with this setup to get around the rapid loss of pressure?  If so, where could I find a suitable tank?

The AC700 is capable of 20 psi at no flow. It will be marginally workable with an internal mix, gravity feed airbrush using well thinned out paint. Paasche H is too much for it. You will find many posts on this topic if you do a search on "Paasche H" on this forum.

The AC700 will take forever to fill even a 1/2 gallon tank and your idea won't work. What you need is either a more powerful compressor, the Paasche DA400 or the DA3000 come to mind, or a better airbrush.

It sounds illogical, but it is true that the cheaper airbrush needs a more expensive compressor. But the better airbrush can get by with a marginal compressor.

If you use an airbrush regularly and want to improve skill, I recommend getting an Iwata Eclipse HP-CS or equivalent and keep the compressor for now. Upgrade the compressor when you can afford a better one.