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Compressor accessory question

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  • Member since
    February 2015
Compressor accessory question
Posted by acctingman on Friday, June 16, 2017 9:59 PM

Looking to buy this at Harbor Freight

https://www.harborfreight.com/3-gal-13-hp-100-psi-oilless-pancake-air-compressor-61615.html

Any idea what other accessories I should be getting?

Is there a better compressor you'd recommend. I'd like to keep it under $70ish.

Thank you

  • Member since
    January 2013
Posted by BlackSheepTwoOneFour on Friday, June 16, 2017 10:27 PM

Harbor Freight compressors are garbage and noisy. I'd get what I use from tcpglobal:

http://www.tcpglobal.com/ABD-TC-20_2.html#.WUShQYWcGAg

The price is just right too.

If you need an adapter for your airbrush hose, they have them here as well.

  • Member since
    December 2013
  • From: Orlando Florida
Posted by route62 on Friday, June 16, 2017 11:03 PM

I have the HF cylinder tank version compressor similar to the pancake.  I have it tee off to two airbrush hoses.  I run a moisture trap and a second regulator per airbrush hose.

I set the main built in regulator to double the pressure I will need, usually 30-40 psi and set the second to the psi I will be spraying at.  This keeps any pressure surges or drops at bay as the compressor cycles on and off.

It is noisy but works great, delivers clean dry steady air. I have been running this setup for over 2 years with no issues.  With a 20% off coupon I can buy 2-3 of these for every one name brand airbrush compressor.

  • Member since
    August 2013
Posted by Jay Jay on Saturday, June 17, 2017 6:45 AM

I have the HF 8 gallon comp. . Since I am a carpenter ,I use it for more than airbrushing and needed the rig on wheels.  I've had absolutely no trouble with it and it's been running fine for 2 years now. I got it with a coupon for less than 100 bucks. I added their airdryer and digital in-line pressure guage and it airbrushes just fine. I did have to teflon tape all the joints but since I did that it holds pressure for like 6 hours.

 

 

 

 

 

 I'm finally retired. Now time I got, money I don't.

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: Twin Cities of Minnesota
Posted by Don Stauffer on Saturday, June 17, 2017 9:26 AM

I used a very similar compressor for several years before I got tired of the noise.  I used no accessories, though if you live in a really humid area you may want a water trap.

 

Don Stauffer in Minnesota

  • Member since
    May 2008
  • From: Wyoming Michigan
Posted by ejhammer on Saturday, June 17, 2017 9:50 AM
Noise is always a factor. I solved mine by putting the compressor in the laundry room and running a pipe to the spray booth, along with a switch in the spray area controlling the electrical receptacle in the laundry room for the compressor. Now it's no louder to me than the washer or dryer.

Completed - 1/525 Round Two Lindberg repop of T2A tanker done as USS MATTAPONI, USS ESSEX 1/700 Hasegawa Dec 1942, USS Yorktown 1/700 Trumpeter 1943. In The Yards - USS ESSEX 1/700 Hasegawa 1945, USS ESSEX 1/700 Dragon 1944, USS ESSEX 1/700 Trumpeter 1945, USS ESSEX 1/540 Revell (vintage) 1962, USS ESSEX 1/350 Trumpeter 1942, USS ESSEX LHD-2 as commissioned, converted from USS Wasp kit Gallery Models. Plus 35 other plastic and wood ship kits.

  • Member since
    February 2015
Posted by acctingman on Saturday, June 17, 2017 10:06 AM

Thank you guys.

Going to pick one up this weekend.

  • Member since
    December 2013
  • From: Orlando Florida
Posted by route62 on Sunday, June 18, 2017 10:45 PM

Figured a couple of pics may help.  I have three water traps since I am in Florida.  One before the tee and one for each side after the tee.

  • Member since
    August 2014
  • From: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Posted by goldhammer on Tuesday, June 20, 2017 9:20 AM

I run the guage and a red "pumpkin" filter (from HF) on the AB hose.  The guage, filter, hose on a quick disconnect fitting.  I can then use it at home as well as at work.  At the body shop I work at we have a couple of high end filter systems, and still can get some water in the hoses at times.  Painter uses the red pumpkins on every gun he has in addition to the big system with desicant crystals.  Will post a pic later.

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Central Florida
Posted by plasticjunkie on Wednesday, June 21, 2017 4:27 PM

I'm in Florida and 3 traps are an overkill. For the last 40+ years I've been using one only and about 5 years ago it broke and got one at HF for aBout $10 and works just fine. 

Dont forget to purge the tank.

 GIFMaker.org_jy_Ayj_O

 

 

Too many models to build, not enough time in a lifetime!!

  • Member since
    August 2014
  • From: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Posted by goldhammer on Saturday, June 24, 2017 5:16 PM

Finally got around to downloading the camera.  I just plug this into an air line at the shop, or the compressor at home.

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