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Upgrading compressor...suggestions?

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  • Member since
    January 2004
  • From: Philomath, OR, USA
Posted by knight667 on Tuesday, September 6, 2005 4:38 PM
Just a little update. I finally got my new compressor last Friday and it's great. I ordered one from Harbor Freight for $69.99 and got the extended warranty on it as well (why take chances, right?). Anyway, takes a while to fill (2 gal.) but it works great, and I think it's actually quieter than my old diaphram compressor. This is the one I got:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=47407
John "The only easy day was yesterday." - US Navy SEALs "Improvise. Adapt. Overcome." - US Marine Corp. "I live each day/Like it's my last/...I never look back" - from "I'm A Rocker" by Judas Priest
  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: SETX. USA
Posted by tho9900 on Thursday, August 25, 2005 8:40 PM
John - no, no decrease in pressure. I can get it up to 50psi when cleaning with a twist of the wrist. As far as ear protection I don't think you need it. My modeling cave is actually our spare bedroom and even with the door closed it isn't THAT loud.. . in fact like I said it isn't real noticable anymore. As far as consistent pressure there is no prob, any pulsation etc is absorbed by the tank..

As far as brands I wouldn't worry too much, all the compressors in the $65 to $75 range are essentially the same... 2 gal tank, lots of fittings you wont use for modelling and an instruction manual. Make sure you buy an extra 1/4 inch male to male coupling for the regulator and another one for the regulator to airbrush hose connection...

Good luck!

---Tom--- O' brave new world, That has such people in it!
  • Member since
    January 2004
  • From: Philomath, OR, USA
Posted by knight667 on Thursday, August 25, 2005 6:17 PM
Thanks for the info Tom! Do you notice any decrease in pressure with a tanked compressor, or is it pretty consistent? Is there a particular model or type I should look for?

I work in my garage, so noise isn't an issue for anyone else but myself...I'm already wearing a labcoat (to protect my clothes), 2-stage respirator and my glasses, I don't want to have to add hearing protection as well!
John "The only easy day was yesterday." - US Navy SEALs "Improvise. Adapt. Overcome." - US Marine Corp. "I live each day/Like it's my last/...I never look back" - from "I'm A Rocker" by Judas Priest
  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: SETX. USA
Posted by tho9900 on Thursday, August 25, 2005 6:11 PM
John - I use a $65.00 compressor from Lowe's with a 2 gal tank and it works fine for me. It's not terribly noisy, once you've used it for a bit you don't even notice when it turns on to fill the tank. My wife says it doesn't bother her either, my modeling cave is at the back of the house and usually she is in one of the living areas so I don't think the sound carries much. For the money I spent it has more than payed for itself.

It probably won't come with a regulator when you get it so you'll need that and a watertrap, but as you already have a compressor I am sure you can use the ones off your old compressor. If the regulator is made into the compressor you can go one of two ways, either buy the commerical style regulator fromt he hardware store along with a moisture trap, or order one from www.dixieart.com or somewhere like that. A lot of the ones on thier site will come as one usnit with the moisture trap interated into the regulator.

Good luck!
---Tom--- O' brave new world, That has such people in it!
  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Southern California, USA
Posted by ABARNE on Thursday, August 25, 2005 2:37 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by knight667
Also, off the cuff, anybody know why "airbrush-specific" compressors (made by airbrush companies) are so stinking expensive, when a "normal" compressor which (from what I understand) works just fine is much less?


I think airbush compressors usually pulsate less and are quieter. At least that's what I heard. If my Badger 180-1 ever dies, I don't know that I'll buy another one, and might go the Home Depot route instead.
  • Member since
    January 2004
  • From: Philomath, OR, USA
Upgrading compressor...suggestions?
Posted by knight667 on Thursday, August 25, 2005 11:41 AM
I've currently got a Paasche D500SR compressor that works well, but is very noisy and heats up very fast. I'm considering upgrading to a tanked compressor (since this one is a diaphram-type) because it'll be quieter and cheaper. Does anyone have any suggestions? I was thinking about going over to Home Depot and looking there, but would those be appropriate for an airbrush?

Also, off the cuff, anybody know why "airbrush-specific" compressors (made by airbrush companies) are so stinking expensive, when a "normal" compressor which (from what I understand) works just fine is much less?
John "The only easy day was yesterday." - US Navy SEALs "Improvise. Adapt. Overcome." - US Marine Corp. "I live each day/Like it's my last/...I never look back" - from "I'm A Rocker" by Judas Priest
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