What is the difference in having a tank with the compressor for an airbrush? I see many types of airbrush compressors offered without a tank and would like to know weather a tank is worth the investment.
A compressor with a tank is always better. You’re receiving a steady stream of air from the tank, not in pulses from the compressor. The tank keeps the flow even and uniform. Household compressors with tanks, gauges and regulators are really cheap these days at hardware stores.
Bob Boudreau
Also the tank will help take the moisture out of the air. If it’s very humid you can get little drops of water in the paint and on the surface of the model. A water trap is also a must in my opinion.
Also the tank will help take the moisture out of the air. If it’s very humid you can get little drops of water in the paint and on the surface of the model. A water trap is also a must in my opinion.
Additionaly, the compressor is not constantly running, so you don’t always have to listen to that. Aside from that, with a larger compressor with a tank, you could also use it for other household chores and auto maintenance.
Right now Sears has their 3 gallon on sale for $99. I know there are cheaper compressors out there, but Sears compressors are pretty nice.
A tank is a must, not only do you get steady pressure but you can choose how much pressure you want to use up to your tank’s max, say 140PSI. Not that you would ever use that much for airbrushing, but you can also use it to inflate your tires or power tools like a nail gun. I paid about $100 for mine with a 2 gallon tank. After it pressurises, the airbrush will run off of the tank for a while with the compressor off, nice and quiet.
If one is painting a mass quantities of stuff a continually running air compressor can overheat. As the others have indicated a tank will allow the compressor to turn off and help eliminate the overheating problem. It is also nice not to have to turn it on and off and on and off all the time. Just don’t overlook some simple solutions like using an automobile spare tire or just an intertube for a tank.
Ditto. The tank type compressor is the way to go.
I’ve used tankless compressors in the past. They don’t keep up a steady supply, rather it pulses.
I have a tankless airbrush compressor - yes, it runs constantly, and yes, you can just barely feel the pulses. And, yes, it lays down a perfectly good paint job.
So much for the ‘must haves’.
BTW - a tank has nothing to do with water removal. If anything, it gives it a place to condense and accumulate. A water trap will remove the water.
If you’re thinking about going with a tankless compressor, one thing to consider is motor life. A tankless compressor is probably going to be one of the cheaper hobby-type units, and they are not that well constructed…you may save money now, but in a year or two, you’ll be buying another one because you’ve burned up the motor.
I have a Craftsman compressor with a 15 gal. tank - I charge it once, it takes less than 5 minutes, and I can paint off that one tankful all day long. Compare that 5 minutes running time per painting day to having one running constantly and you can see which one is going to last longer.
W/ tank you will just have more control with your airbrush, but they can be much more expensive.
I have a small compressor from testors for my light airbrushing tasks and it works EXCELLENT!
Raptor55
Good Luck!!
I feel the same way!!!
I have a tankless compressor and it works just fine for what i use it for (weathering, figures, buildings)
Raptor55
Unless you are painting a car or real train, a tankless airbrush will do you fine. -beegle55