Whelp, my compressor started making hissing noises, which I found strange since all my connections were tight and haven’t been move in ages. Regardless I did a Soapy water test and none of them bubbled, ! Well I turned the compressor over and lo and behold it was rusted through with a pin hole. I used to live in a very dry climate and never had to drain my compressor, I guess living in Houston now I shlould have know better.
anyway, I am in the market for a new compressor. Are the airbrush specific ones worth it? I would like something quiet if possible. Is there a better option I shoulD be considering?
I have an Iwata Power Jet Pro, and it is worth the money. Super reliable, 2 airbrush ports, a tank, and about as noisy as a fish tank when running. Highly recommended.
I prefer a larger, home DYI type compressor. I have one from Home Depot with an 8-gal tank and big compressor. I can use it with an airbrush or run air tools off it. It works for me.
I use a Paasche compressor with my Paasche airbrush. It is my 2nd one in 35 years. First one died because I had it sitting where it could pick up paint particles (don’t do that). Still works like a champ.
i have a 10 year old DeWalt contractor’s compressor with a 2 gallon tank. i think it was $110 bucks. without a receiver, the compressor continuously runs. maybe good/ maybe bad. but spraying around 20#, you can turn the switch “off” and spray for quite a while without the compressor kicking on.
if it’s possible, run an airline from your location of choice to your hobby room. that way you shouldn’t hear it at all.
If the compressor is a silent & expensive one it might be worth the effort to find a new tank or even get an “El Cheapo” noisy one (DIY store, tool shop etc) and sacrifice it to get the tank …
The shells from fire extinguishers (preferably the pulver/powder type) can also be used, requires some metal working and pipe fitting. I will be using 6 NOx containers (aluminium)
I used to run CO2 when I was into planted aquariums. What do you need for a regulator setup for airbrushing? Just a cheep dual stage? This might be the way to go!
How long will a cylinder last if I got a 5-10 pound one?
Get a 20 pound tank because they are a very common size when it comes to exchange.. I got a dual stage and took my airbrush hose with me when I got my tank. They had the fittings that matched my regulator and air hose. I am on my second year with my current tank. Your mileage will vary depending on use.
My thought is if the compressor is still working properly and unless you have your heart set on a new complete setup go with just the tank. You can get them small or you can get them big. Either way I would go with an aluminum tank seeing as you live in a moist environment. As some one mentioned the bleed valve may not be in the lowest section of the tank so what ever you get I would check that.
I live in FL and it is always humid so I got an Al tank and normally drain it every several uses. Better safe than sorry.
My tank was a cylinder lying on its side.
The drain plug fitting was welded into the middle of the bottom side.
The weld bead was visible on the outside AND the inside.
The inside weld raised the threshold for water to exit the drain plug
by about 1/8th of an inch.
There is oil mixed with the moisture in the compressed air but oil and
water doesn’t mix and the oil floats on top of the water.
I never found any oil or water in the oil/water trap though,
it all got caught in the tank …
! Well I turned the compressor over and lo and behold it was rusted through with a pin hole. I used to live in a very dry climate and never had to drain my compressor, I guess living in Houston now I shlould have know better.
