Campbel-Hausfeld compressor

C/H compressors are JUNK- Don't waist your money. I had one 15 years ago, and it lasted 2 years. Noisy as hell too. I bought a Sears compressor after that one died, 1/2 horse job, that I could also use around the house filling kids bike tires, car tires, etc. I have completly abused the compressor, replaced 3 fans, (the fan does'nt like cords or hoses), and it has NEVER let me down. Best 200 bux I ever spent. I will buy another one when, (if), this one quits.

Steve
www.thunderboltgallery.com

Saltydog,
The compressor motor I have is 700 watts which works out to almost 1 hp if I calculated correctly. So far in my testing I am able to fill up my 4gal. tank to 85lbs in a few minutes. I have a check valve 'one way valve' installed which takes the pressure off the motor , this has a different function than a pressure relief valve which relieves pressure at a set limit. I do have a oil removing filter in the line exiting the compressor before the air enters the tank. An oil removing filter is different than a moister/water trap type filter. Depending on my test I might add one more oil removing filter to the line exiting the tank. So far so good though. For a beginner a compressor with a small tank like the ones mentioned would be best as they are more economical but loud. Like most things there are +'s and -'s.
John

One more thing, for modeling use, don't leave it on during your painting session. Just have the compression pump that tank up full then turn the thing off. When you are down to only 20 psi, turn the compressor back on and fill the tank full then go back to your modeling. This will be easier on the motor and on your ears too.

i think i going to buy an Iwata Sprint or Smart jet. I saw one at Dixiarts site. it looks very good.

QUOTE: Originally posted by tropical modeler So your t shirt people might be talking about the old version but i have had no problems with this one.

That could be, but then again T-shirt painting is harder on a compressor than modeling by far as they are sprayed at between 60-80 psi which would work that little compressor to death.
Airbrushing at low pressures for modeling may result in a longer life with that new and improved version.

Mike

tropical modeller, i bought mine from a thrift shop for $40 bucks and it has (or did have) the little fan to cool the motor as it ran. it would still over heat. but hey, for $40 bucks i didnt complain that much!! the larger C&H compressors are fine, im just talking about the little compressor that couldn't, couldn't keep up with my airbrushing needs. the fellow ask for a fair review, and i gave him my very real experience with said compressor. later.

QUOTE: Originally posted by goldenretriver Do not buy this compressor unless you enjoy frequent shopping for replacements. This compressor is not for a serious modeler since it wears out very quickly. I know. I have gone through more than one of these until I got smart and bought an Iwata Sprint Jet compressor which I really like. Mike McShea

Which one? the CH or Husky?

Where did you buy the Iwata? How much?

Do not buy this compressor unless you enjoy frequent shopping for replacements. This compressor is not for a serious modeler since it wears out very quickly. I know. I have gone through more than one of these until I got smart and bought an Iwata Sprint Jet compressor which I really like.

Mike McShea

AMCFayden,
you got a deal. Me and my old man just bought a "Husky" from home depot
The easy air 1.5 gallon for $99. I think it's great. It only weights 26lbs ( I think, maybe less). It's not that loud and only runs when the tank gets low. I keep in my room at my work table to clean with the blow gun, and carry it into the
garage when i want to airbrush. I has a max psi of 135. Even though you have a larger tank and was $20 bucks cheaper. My compressor is perfect.
Just my Cheers!!!!

Greetings,

Just bought a "Husky" compressor, looks very much like a re-badged CH, model number FP204700. On sale at local Home Depot for $79. Three(3) gallon tank.

This is my first compressor, so far I'm thrilled. Painted a large (>30inch span) RC model at 15-20 psi, no issues, motor didn't seem to run that often (20% of the time?) or be that noisy when it is on (can just hear it with the sliding glass door closed). Of course, I'm also spraying outside (w/ the unit) and have no idea what a really "quiet" compressor would sound like.

Anyway, my point was that this might be a viable alternative. If someone knows otherwise, let me know so I can take it back
Disclaimer: long-term reliability report not yet in.

Regards,
Andre

I see where the problem is here. The one pictured is the old version...that maybe why it's only 60 bucks. I paid 110 bucks for mine a year ago and it says on it new and improved. Also says thermaly protected motor. There is a built in fan that kicks on rarely to cool down the motor after refilling the tank 7 or 8 times in a row from painting a hull other wise never comes on. So your t shirt people might be talking about the old version but i have had no problems with this one.

Although some people have had no problems with this compressor, there are many more who have. This compressor has been discussed many times at the airbrush forum I go to and there have been numerous reports of it's early death from several people including some of the top T-shirt artists in the country. Try one if you like but the concensus is that it is not very reliable.

Mike

ok you know there is always some one who likes something that every one is dogging...

I have the CH compressor that every one is talking about sitting right here next to me. I live in a one bedroom apartment with my wife. I converted the pantry into a small office with a desk my computer and my modeling supplies. I run the thing all day and night and it has never over heated. It also never wakes my wife or the neighbors up either. I spray at all pressures up to 50 psi when i need to blow carpet fiber from my desk after putting rug into an auto model.I have had no problems and the reason it seems to run often is because it has an auto refill at 75lbs. Also lets face it a compressor using 15 to 20 psi is the same for each brand. A sears will not last longer than a CH if they both have a 2 gallon tank. If you look at alot of auto shops take a look at their in house compressor and you will see a CH on it.

one last thing to remember...for the 3 guys on here going on about the compressor i can find you 3 that don't like craftsman and 3 that don't like any other brand. If all you have is 60 bucks then it's not a bad buy especially since the compressor is normaly 110 bucks.

It is very loud. I got one for temporary use. It is cheap and if you don't mind the noise then it is fine. You will have to spend a lot more money for a compressor with a tank so this is a bargain. If you only do airbrushing then the motor should last a while.

hey john, what horse is the fridge motor that you have? my fridge motors were given to me and i don't think they had quite enough umph to get the job done. they wouldnt pump enough cfm to work the pressure relief valve therefore it wouldn't take the pressure off the piston and the compressor would just stall. i had to manually switch it off when it tried to kick back on and airbrush until i drained the pressure down to around 30psi tank pressure before it would start up without dragging. plus, the motors pumped all the oil out of themselves through all my lines and through 2 filters and eventually began affecting my painting sessions. it made quite a mess as well. maybe i just had the wrong equipment. i solved it buy purchasing a factory compressor and putting it way out under the carport so i cant hear it. my neighbors probably appreciate it too. later.

As soon as I get my Fridge compressor done I'll post some info. I am almost done I just have to adjust my pressure switch. I wouldn't recommend building one unless you are handy with mechanicle/electricle stuff.
John

i have found dixie to be very competitive with prices. ive never tried a gunze compressor. later.

QUOTE: Originally posted by roosterfish Listen to Saltydog. I've heard mixed review of the cheap CH compressor. I've seen it but never tried it. If it is the one I'm thinking of that is sold by Wal-Mart then I'd run away from it quickly. It has a plastic cover that looks like a motor but that cover is hiding the real motor. The real motor would be smaller and live a very hot and short-lived live under the plastic cover. Of course, Reg, without a picture or description of the compressor you are talking about I could be picking at the wrong compressor. http://www.epinions.com/hmgd-Shop_Tools-All-Campbell_Hausfeld_Quiet_Air_Portable_Air_Compressor_with_Tank_and_built_in_gauges_Model_FP2003

Yup. This is the one i saw at wal-mart. How about the Gunze compressors? My friend said it was good. Have you tried dixie art? are their prices competitive?

can anyone help me hook up a fridge compressor to work with airbrushes? thanks for the help.

the compressor in rooter's post is exactly the one im harpin' on. run and dont look back!! save another $60 bucks and go buy a real compressor unless you only plan to have short spray sessions (around 30 minutes or so). i converted my C&H compressor like that to a silent compressor with a fridge motor. when i became dissatisfied with that set up, i went and bought the one i have now. it has a 8 gallon tank and only comes on once and a while. later.

Listen to Saltydog. I've heard mixed review of the cheap CH compressor. I've seen it but never tried it. If it is the one I'm thinking of that is sold by Wal-Mart then I'd run away from it quickly.

It has a plastic cover that looks like a motor but that cover is hiding the real motor. The real motor would be smaller and live a very hot and short-lived live under the plastic cover.

Of course, Reg, without a picture or description of the compressor you are talking about I could be picking at the wrong compressor.

http://www.epinions.com/hmgd-Shop_Tools-All-Campbell_Hausfeld_Quiet_Air_Portable_Air_Compressor_with_Tank_and_built_in_gauges_Model_FP2003

reggie, i cant see a photo but is it the 2 gallon tank quiet compressor? if it is, itsnot as quiet as you may think. its slow to fill the tank and can over heat at times under heavy use. if you airbrush around 15 psi it does ok but it will constantly run. personally, i would opt for something that has atleast a 5 gallon tank and a minimum of 3 hp. i bought one from sears not long ago and paid $125 or so and it does just fine out under my carport far from where im airbrushing. its nowwhere near quiet!! later.