Air Compressors in General

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I am finally considering getting an air compressor for hobby use, but have a question:

There are small units, such as a Badger Cyclone, which run at 30 psi (max) and there are larger(but still compact) general use ones, such as the Campbell-Hausfeld 100psi (max) with a 2 gallon tank that are generally used for nailers and other small workshop uses.

I have a woodworking hobby as well and would find the larger unit handy in the shop.

Is such a larger capacity unit also suitable for scale painting?

If the larger unit is okay, then I would be better off buying it for dual use, as described above.

Any advice is appreciated- as always.

Cedarwoodron

2

Yes.

But keep in mind you’ll need the appropriate regulator, water/oil filters (maybe), gauges, etc.

Ed

3

I have a ‘pancake’ style small compressor and it works fine for airbrushing and in the shop. It is limited in what larger tools it can run.

As was recommended above, get a water trap. I also added a second pressure regulator mounted right on top of my spray booth for convenience.

Dave

4

I, too, use the large compressor I got for the power nailer. It works just fine for the airbrush. You do need a good regulator.

5

I also have a larger compressor (with a 6 gal tank) and added a second regulator and water trap as mentioned above.

For your second regulator, get one made for air brushing as it will regulate at the lower pressures needed better. You should also get a pressure gauge with it. That way you will know what pressure you are spraying at. Some regulators come with them and some don’t, so be sure to check.

6

I have a 5 HP 150 PSI 100 gallon tank Compressor and will work fine for a air brush with the regulator I use.

Ken

7

i also have a woodworking shop. i bought a compressor at Lowe’s ( don’t know the size right off) but it will operate a nail gun or air brush and it is on wheels. The handiest tool i have bought in some time. Get a nail gun to go with it for woodwork. The best thing since sliced bread.

jerrold

8

Most commericial air compressors use 1/4" fittings. You’ll most likely need an adapter for your 1/8" airbrush. They are hard to find.

9

I use about a 33 gallon compressor on transfer wheels, 120 volts(nominal). It does better with the almost dedicated electrical feed I have due to starting amps. I use the regulator that came with it and added a separator, dryer and filter also added an approx 30 foot hose and hose ends with quick connects. The air works great for airbrushing, impact wrench, nailer, stapler, auto painting, tire fills, etc. One of the most used items in my garage, especially when the kids/wife use it to fill the bike tires. Also, it has enough umph to clean and dry with a nozzle. Mine’s a Craftsman.

Richard

10

Gandydancer

Thanks for the detail about the second regulator being geared towards airbrush use. That is what I have. It has much finer adjustment than the one on the compressor, and it ovecomes the issue raised about having to go from 1/4 inch to 1/8 inch line size. The input for the regulator has a 1/4 inch quick connect and the output is set up to receive the airbrush hose directly.

Dave