Thomas Compressor

CrypticModel wrote:

Well, I recently recieved my first compressor as a gift, it is a Thomas.  I havent really heard much about this particular brand, so does anyone here know more than I do??   I suppose that it isn't terribly loud, but then again I have nothing to compare it to, it looks like an heavy duty compressor though, it emits 30psi, I am not sure if that is even enough.  I do not yet have a braided hose for it so I am a little concerned as to whether I can actually use my airbrush with it.  Hopefully someone can help.  P.S. When did FSM get a make over, I had like 2 stars before.

Thomas compressors have been around for a long time. I use a Model 600-13 and it is similar looking to the one posted. I attached a regulator with a water filter to mine and it works great. Any fitting that you will need can be purchased at Lowes or Home Depot, that's where I got mine. The 30 psi is more then enough to operate an airbrush. I do not know if your model has a automatic shutoff, that turns off the compressor when the airbrush is not operating. Mine did not so I attached a power strip to it and turn if off manually when I stop painting. The compressor will get hot, so that is why I did that. It is quiet and I don't miss the noise of my 2 gal compressor. It is also light weight so it can carry it outside to paint.
Mickey

CM - do you have the hose your airbrush came with?  that should work... most airbrush hoses connect to a 1/4 NPT connector fine.. if not either get the right hose for your airbrush, or look for an adapter at the hardware store that will either reduce or enlarge the connector to fit correctly to your airbrush...

 

which airbrush do you have?

     My compressor is very similar, in fact most likely it is the same except that mine is gray and the one advertised in the link was red.  It came with a vinyl hose but I cannot connect it to my AB.  Even though the max psi on my model is 30 I still think that I should try to find a regulator that will connect to it.  Is there a specific psi that enamels like Testors and Model Masters should be sprayed at?

                            Thanks again

Is it this model?

http://www.toolpeddler.com/900.htm

30psi isn't really all that powerful, but is quite adequate for an airbrush. You don't "need" a braided hose. In fact, I've stopped using a braided one in favor of a vinyl hose, which is much lighter to use.

I've been using a similar style compressor for a while now, and just upgraded to a 2 gallon garage style that I've parked outside in a box. MUCH quieter just having the extraction fan and airbrush making noise!

FSM changed it's forum software a couple weeks back. New look, no more stars (though you might notice I have some in my signature, I liked the stars!), some grumbling, but it's more or less the same as before.