air compressor for tires a viable option?

Check the Sept 99 issue of FSM - good article there on conversion you are thinking about - the only change I would make is to not hook the compressor wire directly to a battery charger but to hook it to a 12v motorcycle battery and hook the charger to the battery also (seen enough electrical components get burned up by hooking a charger directly to them).

AirTanks from a welders supplier are probably a good option, However they might not be as cheap. Depends on what the Tank Lease includes, doesn't include, etc...

Some places will require a deposit for the equipment and any damages that might happen. Sometimes these can be next to nothing to rather hefty amounts.

Some companies believe it or not do not include refils in the lease agreement, or might only have a limited number of refils.

So there are some things to consider and check out...Dont call just one company though. We have 5 locally that offer this type of equipment here, and I got different terms/deals from all 5. To me in the end it was just worth owning a compressor so thats the route I took. Perhaps this might be the best option for you, might not be. Just do some homework and shopping around and Im sure you'll make a good decision based on what works best for you.

Good Luck,
Chris

QUOTE: Originally posted by Lufbery I wonder, though, what features a compressor would have that a more experienced air brusher would want. I understand a moisture trap and pressure regulator are desirable items, but I'm not sure why.

Drew,

A moisture trap is necessary because if any water gets into the line going to your airbrush it has the potential to spit it all over your nice paint you just sprayed on your model. The regulator is necessary to adjust the air pressure going to your airbrush to obtain the best pressure for what you are painting. If your compressor puts out 40 psi and you have no regulator, then you are going to have a hard time painting fine lines.

Mike

QUOTE: Originally posted by HistoryinScale The Testors seems like a viable option for someone with an in-expensive airbrush stepping up from canned air, and for someone who doesn't use their airbrush much.

That'd be me; pretty much anyway. I use an inexpensive single action, external mix air brush for most of my painting, but I only paint every few weeks.

QUOTE: I have never used it and am just relying on the review from ScaleHobby and what I have been told by someone who has one. Might turn out to be a great lil starter compressor.

I wonder, though, what features a compressor would have that a more experienced air brusher would want. I understand a moisture trap and pressure regulator are desirable items, but I'm not sure why. I'm personally thinking of going with the air-tank set up, as it looks like the most inexpensive -- and quiet -- way to go.

Regards,

-Drew

The Testors seems like a viable option for someone with an in-expensive airbrush stepping up from canned air, and for someone who doesnt use thier airbrush much.

I have never used it and am just relying on the review from ScaleHobby and what I have been told by someone who has one. Might turn out to be a great lil starter compressor.

The review on the Testors compressor sounds pretty good. A fellow I correspond with has also recommended them.

I'm using the canned air, and it really starting to annoy me.

Regards,

QUOTE: Originally posted by hungfarlow Thanks Mike, Looks like I'll be looking forward to getting a new compressor.

Glad I could help.
If you want an expert opinion then give Coast Airbrush a call and tell them what you are in need of in a compressor and ask about the models I mentioned to you. They may have an even better recommendation and they really know their stuff. In fact since they advocate Iwata products so much I would even bet that they may recommend the Iwata Sprint Jet or Smart Jet which are also quality units although they are a little louder in the 50 dB range.
Their web address is here: http://coastairbrush.com/ and their phone number is (714) 635-5557.

Mike

Thanks Mike,

Looks like I'll be looking forward to getting a new compressor.

Hi Mike,

I think my C-H is the quiet compressor and from reading what others had to say about it , I am indeed fortunate. At any rate, thanks for the input on the Sears Compressor. Next time I'm there, I'll be checking that jewel out.

John

Hi John.

It's good to hear you are having a good life from that C-H compressor so far. Is it the "Quiet Compressor" model? If so then you are fortunate.
I thought I heard someone say on the airbrush forum that I attend that C-H has improved that little compressor but I can't confirm that.

I am not familiar with the Home Depot compressor but it may or may not be good quality, it depends on who builds them.
I have never heard any negatives about any of the Sears compressors except maybe for being noisy which all industrial compressors pretty much are. I have a Craftsman oiless 1.5 hp model with a 12 gallon tank that I have had for nearly 10 years and it has performed flawlessly despite using it at 60-80 psi for several hours a day at times. The bigger models that are great for running impact guns and such around the home seem to last a long time due to the fact that they run very little for airbrush use with such large tanks on them. But if you prefer a smaller compressor then the little one I mentioned before will probably suit your needs well. It is this one:



It has a 1 year warranty which you could extend for another year for $18 if you want, although I have never had or heard of problems with the Craftsman line of compressors, but that does not guarantee it will last.
It does have a fairly small 2 gallon tank which is going to cause the motor to run a little more often than a bigger compressor, but at the lower pressures we spray at with airbrushes it will probably only come on once or twice during a painting session.

This one for $169 might be a good choice too as it has a 4-gallon tank with a 2 hp motor, but then you are starting to get into the price range of quieter airbrush compressors like the Scorpion II and others.



One thing nice though if you can stand the noise is that these compressors can be used around the house to fill car and truck tires, run an impact gun a limited time, a nail gun, or whatever else you may need it for.
I don't know who builds the Craftsman compressors but I believe my older model was built by DeVilbiss for Sears and they have a good history as a manufacturer of quality compressors.

I hope this helps somewhat.

Mike

MikeV, I've got one of those C-H Walmart purchased compressors and have used it without fail for two years now. It does seem to be a little louder then I recall but it's still kicking strong. When it goes, and I'm sure it will, I want something very much like it but with a history of reliability. Like you, I've read about the problems with the C-H hobby compressors. Anyway, I was reading through a couple of your posts the other day in another thread regarding the Sears compressor and a Home Depot job; what are your feelings on these two compressors? Anyone else have comments?

Thanks,

John

QUOTE: Originally posted by laxman6986 wow, so many choices, so little money :( but thanks for helping with all this info on compressors. Now i really know what to look for besides price. Thanks guys

Another possible choice for the time being is looking into renting a 20 lb. CO2 tank and regulator from a welding supply. It is clean, dry air and you don't need a moisture filter.

Mike

wow, so many choices, so little money :( but thanks for helping with all this info on compressors. Now i really know what to look for besides price. Thanks guys

QUOTE: Originally posted by hungfarlow So Mike, which of those two compressors do you recommend? Which one is quieter? I'm going to be moving into an apartment pretty soon and can't use my 1/2 compressor in that environment.

The Intruder 2000 has a better warranty at 24 months in comparison to the Scorpion II which only has a 6 month warranty.
They are both great compressors for modelling, but since you are in an apartment and need the quietest one possible then I would choose the Silentaire Scorpion II. The Scorpion II is rated at 30 dB and the Intruder 2000 is rated at 55 dB which is quite a bit louder. The Scorpion is so quiet at 30dB that you could run it with people asleep and not bother them.
Also as to life of the compressor, the Intruder 2000 is rated at 5,000 hours of service and the Scorpion II is rated at 2,000 hours of service.
Both have their pluses and minuses so you have to decide what better fits your needs.

Mike

The Single action "free" brushes aren't badgers.....but cheap very cheap knock offs of it! LOL

The same ones they sell at harbor freight and a few other places that import tools. I bought one cheap(paid 1.00) for it at the flea market and it wasnt worth a quarter LOL. Don't get me wrong I used it once...tip clogged every 5 seconds no matter how thin the paint was...When I bought it I figured hey if it will do car bodies I'll be happy...LOL Won't even do that! I just recently re-discovered it in the garage and it went in the garbage can.

A note about Airbrush City and thier "deals"...from what Ive heard Customer Service from them is non-existent, during a sale. So I would hate to think what it would be like when you have a warranty problem....Plus MikeV is right, paying shipping for something that might have a 2yr warranty every few months is gonna get pricey and old quick.

I bought a compressor from Sears.....got the extended warranty on it. Anything happens I take it back! Covered for 5 yrs with free replacement. You do get what you pay for! I know of someone who used to be a regular here who bought an Airbrush City Compressor about month and half ago.....Now its making noise and getting louder....a sure sign that something will be letting go soon!

As far as testors blue compressor check out this review...here:http://www.scalehobby.com/product_reviews_info.php?products_id=2329&reviews_id=14

Yea i kinda figured i never will use them i just bought it for the compressor they say that the brushes are badgers.

Stick to using that tire compressor for what it's designed for. Pumping tires! But since money is an issue, pick up a spare tire for free and use that as your source of air. Badger makes a tire adaptor for their hose. That was how I started "airbrushing" withe the Badger spray gun and a tire. Actually, after a couple of cans of propellant I had no more lunch money to spare and had to find a cheap source of air fast. I remember as a preteen rolling a tire half a mile to the nearest gas station to get air for air brushing.

Did that for a couple of years until grandmom gave me money to get a compressor. Got a 1/2 HP compressor which was not really suitable for airbrush use, too loud, too hot and not auto shut off. After leaving the hobby for a while, I got an air tank to use with it, and I'm still using this setup. Takes less than 5 minutes to get up to 85psi which is enough for a couple of working sessions.

So Mike, which of those two compressors do you recommend? Which one is quieter? I'm going to be moving into an apartment pretty soon and can't use my 1/2 compressor in that environment.

I use a small husky compressor for mine , which I have been very happy with , it was cheaply priced, 80 bucks, and very quiet

That is a cheap deal Modelkid but you know the old saying, "You get what you pay for" don't you?

Those airbrushes are absolute garbage and I would rather use an Aztek if you can believe that.
The compressor may or may not last. That is the same compressor that Harbor Freight sells under the Central Machinery line they sell.
It does have a 2-year warranty but if it dies in 2 months and you need to send it back then guess who pays the shipping? If you had to return it twice during the two year warranty and shipping was $15 each time, then that $100 purchase just cost you another 30% more. I would save another $85 and get this set from Dixie Art which blows that cheaper stuff away: http://dixieart.com/TC2000.html

This Scorpion II is another great compressor from Dixie for about the same price: http://dixieart.com/Silentaire_Scorpion_Compressors.html

Of course if you are really strapped for cash and need a compressor now you can try one of the cheaper models and it may work out for you.
It's your call.

Mike

I tell ya what you can do. Buy a compressor form Air Brush City that comes with two air brushes. Iam not sure how great the brushes are because I never used them when I bought mine you can get the whole set for 79.99=about 20.00 shipping probably better deal than the testors. Here is a link to one of the auctions.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2369612348&category=28111

Good luck keep modeling

QUOTE: Although you could buy one of those small portable airtanks and fill it with that 12v pump and use the tank that way.

Yea that works.
I've got a small compressor and a $17 tank with a moisture trap and a regulator on it.
I can get 60lbs in the tank with the little compressor, altho it takes about an hour.
If I need more air I just take the tank to a gas station and fill it from thier compressor.

I am not familiar with the Testors compressor although I have heard some people on these forums say it was alright.
It is best to spend about $150 or so and get something that will last and be reliable. I have heard many stories of people buying the cheap $99 C-H "Quiet compressor" amd others like it only to have ot die anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 months after they bought it.

Your cheapest bet right now is to either find an airtank like I mentioned and fill it either at a gas station or with that 12v pump you have, or keep an eye on places like Ebay where you can get a great deal at times.
I could have bought at least 10 Werther silent compressors off Ebay a year or so back for $150 each and passed on them. I regret that now as they are worth at least $500 each.

Here's a great one on Ebay right now, although it will probably sell for a bit more than you want to spend right now. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2369781946&category=28111

Mike

rats, and i was hoping it would too. oh well, thanks for the info mikev. guess i'll have to save some dough and buy one. Another question, how does that testor's mini compressor in the blue plastic case rank, i saw it for around 84 at squadron. thanks

Those won't really work for airbrushing, sorry.
Those ratings they put on those mini-compressors are so over exagerated too. 225 psi? You couldn't get 225 psi from a 6 hp 80 gal tank Sears compressor.
Although you could buy one of those small portable airtanks and fill it with that 12v pump and use the tank that way.

Mike