I apologize if this question is posted in the wrong forum. I have started weathering my rolling stock and currently have a badger single action airbrush with propellent as my air supply. This as many of you know is quite costly. I am going to buy a air compressor but I do not know which one to buy. I want to limit the cost to $100 and under.
What should I be looking for? What do you gentlemen reccomend? Lastly, how much psi will I need to use water based colors only? Thanks
i haven’t bought a new compressor in years so i don’t know what is available now but i will make a couple of suggestions.
two things you want to look at are run time and reservoir capacity. i built my compressor using an old york auto air conditioning compressor and an empty freon tank. it is driven with a 1/2 hp capacitor start washing machine motor. the control is set up to maintain 90 psi in the reservoir and i use about 25 lbs of line pressure with most solvent based paints. you need more pressure to push water based paint than you do with lacquer etc. easily adjustable with a regulator. having a reservoir prevents surging or pumping and results in a smoother air flow. it also means the compressor does not have to labor all the time.
no doubt, someone will come up with a suggestion based on their recent experience. i would consider taking a look at the set ups sold by the big box stores for nail guns etc. just make sure you use a dryer/filter to keep the air clean.
grizlump
If you do a search on this board for threads on the subject, you should find some good advise already covered. Click this link and this one for a start.
If you are shopping for an all purpose compressor with a tank you would also use for other purposes like inflating tires, nailing and painting, you should add a moisture trap and make sure it has an adjustable regulator. These compressors typically put out over 100 lbs but you shouldn’t need more than 25 lbs of pressure and that is on the high side. This is why you need the adustable regulator. I’ve got a Craftsman 1.75 horsepower compressor w/ a 25 gallon tank from Sears that has worked well for me.
If you are limited on space, you can get a small compressor designed specifically for air brushing. Some of these are tankless. Keep an eye out for sales and coupons in the newspaper for art supply stores like Michaels and Joann’s. You might also check out Micromark. It looks like they have a couple on sale right now.
Check for used. I bought a 20 Gal. 2 horse power. Campbell Hausfeld (SP?) for $75.00. It was like new.
It is the most used tool in my workshop. I plan on running a hose through the crawlspace to my Train workbench when I get a paint sprayer.
Brent