Air Compressors

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hi,

I’m in the market for a new air compressor. I want to power an abrasive blasting cabinet, so I need at least a 5 scfm compressor.

I find that this limits me to an oil-lube type (as compared to the oil free type).

How will this type of compressor affect the use of my air brush?

I have read that you can get an oil filter to attach at the end of the compressor hose. Would this make much of a difference regarding air brushing?

2

Hello Blaine,

Just set your compressor and filters up properly and you’ll be fine. Your filter or filters (depending on your compressor’s size and output) should be on the outlet pipe that comes out of the compressor which would then be followed by a copper or brass nipple (threaded pipe) on which you would screw your coupler on to so that you may connect/disconnect your air hose. It’s quite easy.

My large compressor is down for now, so I’m using my smaller suitcase compressor for my airbrush jobs, pictured here.

However, I prefer the larger, oil-lubed compressors simply because:

  1. They’re quieter.

  2. For airbrush jobs the 10, 20, 30, 60, 80, or 120 gallon tanks hold air for a very long time. So you also save money in electricity since the unit does not have to kick in so often to fill the tank.

  3. Large compressors with cast iron/steel motors last years! (Aluminum units are cheaper, but once they burnout…that’s it. Turn that thing into a boat anchor)

Check out this thread of a typical oil-lube setup for a home. The only thing I would do differently is to run the pipe out from the compressor a few inches, then downward via an elbow to the filter(s) as this helps even more with oil/moisture trapping.

http://honda-tech.com/showthread.php?t=2825745

3

You are suing your air compresser??? LOL

4

[:P]

Thanks for catching my “suing” typo, lol [(-D]. I changed it to “using”.

5

Everyone’s suing everyone else, nowadays…

6

Blaine,

Was the info helpful and did you have any other questions. Just curious, but what compressor will you be buying (brand, model, horsepower, tank capacity) ?

7

Hi,

I bought a Campbell Hausfeld 2 HP, 20 gallon cast iron compressor, model # VT6290. It pumps 5.5 SCFP. It is an oil-lube model, quieter than the one I now have up for sale. This is the most powerful CH compressor that still uses 120 V.

I got it on sale at Canadian Tire for $289.95, half price! Good dollar value, just the way I like to buy things.