Compressor advice (for the nth time, I suppose)

Oil-less require less maintenance and are usually cheaper, but tend to be less reliable.

Oil-lube require more maintenence, cost more, but are more reliable. There is also the (small) possiblility of oil contaminating the airflow, which is really bad for paint. A proper oil filter eliminates the problem handily.

FYI I use a oil-less one, and it's been running with no problems for four years now. Works great.

kbuzz01 wrote:

I would like a unit that can perform uses other than airbrushing, and am considering a couple of Craftsman (Sears) 125 PSI compressors, providing about 3 SCFM @ 40 PSI.

No sure what you other uses are. "3 SCFM @ 40 PSI" is good for inflating auto tires, but may be too low a pressure for most other household jobs. (Unless you don't mind waiting a few seconds inbetween each nail or staple when using an air gun.) Sears has several compressors with 1-HP oiled motor that can provide 2.4 SCFM @ 90 PSI for less than $200. I got mine for $100 at one of their sales. They are more practical for small re-modeling works around the house.

Don't buy any cheap brand oilless compressor such as those sold at Walmart. They are too noisy for airbrush and have too little power for other practical uses.

My primary question is - what are the pros and cons of oil-lube vs oil-less units regarding their use in airbrushing?  (I do understand that I will need accessories such as filters, water traps, etc.)  Additionally, are there any inherent reliability problems between the two types?  It will be used in a garage and/or outdoor environment.

I tried a Dewalt 55140 oilless compressor once. It did everything well for airbrushing and have enough air for half a dozen airbrushs. It is even quiet enough that I can put it in the next room when I airbrushed and was not bothered by the noise. But the 0.6 SCFM is not very convenient for other uses. When I looked at oilless compressor that have enough power for household works, I found several by Dewalt, Maxus and Senco. But the price tab of $300 is too much for occasional use. I settled for an Paasche DA400 compressor for airbrush and a Sears oiled compressor for household uses. Total is almost $300 for both, but I like the convenience of this arrangement.

I don't feel comfortable using an oiled compressor for airbrushing and never tried it. I will let others who does to offer their put to such use.

Oil lubed compressors tend to be used for continuous operation. Airbrushing is an on and off application so you can do with an oil less one. If this compressor is strickly for airbrushing then a small compact hobby compress is suitable. If you are going to us it for other hobby/craft applications...brad nailers, filling tires, impact tools...etc. you'll need to look at something larger.

There are a lot of compressors out there and you need to avoid the bad ones. Some compressors have tail light warranties, as soon as the tail lights on your car fade from view from the store where you purchased it, so does the warranty.

The compressor sold by the various AB mfrs are suitable and reliable. Get the most capacity your budget can afford.

I like my Passche unit which is a tank mounted unit.

Thanks for your good info, guys.  I'm still thinking on it, but guess I'm leaning toward an oil less, multi-purpose unit.

Ken

kbuzz01 wrote:

Thanks for your good info, guys.  I'm still thinking on it, but guess I'm leaning toward an oil less, multi-purpose unit. Ken

Don't cut corners. Spend the money to get one that is quiet enough for in room use and powerful enough for other purposes. Oilless compressor is usually noisier and lower power than oiled unit of the same price. Good quality oilless compressor usually costs 2-3 times more than oiled one of similar spec. Care to mention what other jobs you have in mind for the compressor?

Stay away from Harbor Freight or Walmart. Make sure that the store has good return policy so that you can return it if it turns out to be too loud. Ideally, you want something with a noise level of 59 dB or below for in room use. Super quiet compressor is nice, but way too expensive for most modelers. Let us know what you find and how you like it.

This Maxus oilless compressor should be powerful enough for most household job, but not quite quiet enough for inside use. Check around before you buy.