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What air compressor should I get?

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  • Member since
    October 2009
  • From: Oil City, PA
What air compressor should I get?
Posted by greentracker98 on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 1:04 PM

I need a new compressor, I was wondering, if I get a little airbrush compressor with the tank, will I be able to use it to air up tires on the car?

I only need a compressor to do things like tires every once in a while and the airbrush too of course.

Thanks

A.K.A. Ken                Making Modeling Great Again

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Far Northern CA
Posted by mrmike on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 1:58 PM

Short answer is no. The hobby compressors won't make enough air or pressure to inflate tires, or do any other chores that one might use a compressor for in the 1:1 world. For the same money you can get a small (3HP plus or minus) with a tank that will build 100-120 psi. The down side is that the small diaphram type compressors are noisy, plus side is that the tank holds enough air that you won't be running it constantly while you use the AB. Hope this helps you to decide.

Mike

  • Member since
    October 2009
  • From: Oil City, PA
Posted by greentracker98 on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 2:26 PM

Thanks mike, yes that helps.

I've been looking at this little dewalt. Anyone know what there like? It says it's 0.33 HP. Is that enough HP?

http://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-1-gal-Portable-Electric-Trim-Air-Compressor-D55140/202019874

A.K.A. Ken                Making Modeling Great Again

  • Member since
    December 2009
  • From: Laurel, MD
Posted by Tucohoward on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 2:29 PM

Actually it will work for putting air in tires, just not that quickly. They make cordless compressors that sometimes come in cordless drill kits that have next to no volume, but they still work for tires, it just takes several minutes to do so.

Jay

The Mighty Mo says no.

  • Member since
    May 2008
  • From: Wyoming Michigan
Posted by ejhammer on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 7:32 PM
quote I've been looking at this little dewalt. Anyone know what there like? It says it's 0.33 HP. Is that enough HP? http://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-1-gal-Portable-Electric-Trim-Air-Compressor-D55140/202019874 quote

I have two of these. They are construction trade quality compressors. I use them when building custom cabinet work and finish trim in homes. Compact and easy to carry. Work great with Pinners, brad guns and smaller finish nailers, although I do use it on occasion with my nail gun when needed. Down side is they are a bit noisy, but they will supply all the air you need for airbrushing and then some, and will easily fill tires and do other tasks.

I am not familiar with the compressors sold with airbrush equipment, as I use a piston / tank type compressor, 1/2 HP with a 7 gallon tank. The blower on my airbrush spray boot is noisier than it is.

EJ

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
    January 2013
Posted by BlackSheepTwoOneFour on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 9:26 PM

You can find a compressor for less than $150 plus. I got mine for less than $100 at tcpglobal.com

  • Member since
    May 2008
  • From: Wyoming Michigan
Posted by ejhammer on Thursday, February 26, 2015 7:40 AM
Harbor Freight has a piston type w/ 8 gal tank for $120.00, and a diaphragm type w/3 gallon tank for $60.00. Will give you more air than you will ever need. EJ

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
    November 2009
Posted by artworks2 on Thursday, February 26, 2015 3:28 PM

Emglo is a tried and true but for less a Badger whirl wind works nice...

  • Member since
    January 2014
  • From: Nampa, Idaho
Posted by jelliott523 on Tuesday, March 3, 2015 2:17 PM

BlackSheepTwoOneFour

You can find a compressor for less than $150 plus. I got mine for less than $100 at tcpglobal.com

I also purchased mine from TCP Global, paid less than $100 and it has a tank, is super quiet and works like a dream.

On the Bench:  Lots of unfinished projects!  Smile

  • Member since
    January 2005
  • From: PA
Posted by daveinthehat on Friday, March 20, 2015 3:18 PM

Compressors in the $100 range have a life expectancy of about 1000 hours. I've had 4 of them. A while ago I got a compressor made by California Air. I love it. It's no where near as loud as other compressors, has a really fast recovery time and a longer longer life expectancy. The price is a little more but well worth it.

  • Member since
    September 2012
Posted by GMorrison on Friday, March 20, 2015 3:30 PM

1. Price

2. NOISE

3. Pressure gauge and regulator.

I have a shop compressor for tires, tools, clean up and painting big stuff with the gun. But no way I would run that baby at night, when I model. Neighbors would KILL me.

I have a Testors compressor for the a/b's. Less than $ 150.00 and its lasted me ten years of a lot of use.

 Modeling is an excuse to buy books.

 

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