compressor question

Grendels

Grendels

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Nov 24, 2009
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I have started teaching Bibi how to use an airbrush and she loves to sit and just play with it for hours. (I don't really know how much I am teaching her vs her just playing with it. She is 5 years old.)

The problem is that I am using a basic Paasche compressor and it will overheat while she does her sessions. It does have a thermal cut off switch, so it will shut down if it gets too hot, but I am pretty sure that over time, it will just eat up the compressor and I will have to replace it. Not to mention that Bibi is not done with the airbrush when this happens.

So is there a model of compressor that can run for an extended period of time without overheating?
 
Some of the new air brush compressors have a built in on off pressure switch. When you press the airbrush trigger the compressor turns on. Once the pressure switch sences the back pressure from the airbrush trigger no longer being depressed, the compressor shuts back off. But... in all honesty it sounds like a better choice for you would be a compressor with an attached air tank, as the prementioned could still have over heating issues if runconstantly. A compressor with an attached air tank would allow for a storage of air and should have a higher cfm rating allowing them to keep up with a low pressure device like an air brush. The only draw back to a unit such as that is added cost of the compressor, a bit more noise, and you will need a regulator to lower the output air pressure for use with the air brush. You need to look for one with a 6 to 8 gallon storage tank, and something with about 1.5 to 5 cfm at at least 90 psi to keep up with your airbrush. A compressor like that could have plenty of other uses around the house as well and should cure your over heating problems.

Here is a link to Badgers Air Brush Compressor with the trigger activated start stop. This is on my to get list personaly. ;D http://www.badgerairbrush.com/Images/Compressors/compressorcatalog-3.jpg

And here is a compressor with a built in air tank.something like this Hitachi would work well for what your doing, but you will need adapters, quick disconnects, and an air regulator preferably one with a gauge. And they are not quiet, though they can be more useful around the house.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_368388-67702-EC510_4294795218__?productId=3550670&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1
 
My compressor does have the intermittent switch so that if you stop spraying, the compressor motor will shut down.

But when my daughter uses it, she sprays constantly. (She is using ink on paper right now to get a good feel for how it works.) Which heats up the motor quite a bit.

I can't do a large compressor, not enough room in my hobby room for one. And my hobby room is on the second floor of the house, so if I did get a big one, the whole house will hear it if it runs.

Now the TC910 in your link looks good. Does anyone have any experience with it?
 
I have an iwata smart jet pro which I have used in very long sessions in very hot weather without a hitch. The little guy has around 6 years and still going strong (though I bet many of the people here paints more in a year than I have in 7 ;D)
 
The smart jet is the other one I have been thinking about. The only thing keeping me away from it is that it is a bit on the pricey side.
 
I've had my smart jet for a year now and I absolutely love it. The on/off capability only works if you are spraying at 30 psi though unless you get a different pressure regulator duodnumn thingy-ma-jig. But it is very quiet. I live with 3 other people and when I have it on in my room with the door shut no one can hear it especially if someone is watching TV or the AC is running. I would say it is about as loud as a microwave oven.
 
John- Here's my advice;

I'd recommend a compressor with a tank. I went from a tankless Badger compressor to my Iwata (has a tank) and I was amazed how much less the compressor ran. The tank creates a nice buffer of air, and gives the compressor some time to cool down. The problem with any of the Iwata compressors is cost (mine was almost $500 CAD on sale). Don't get me wrong; I love my compressor, it's got a great range of pressure , two regulators and moisture traps and the main selling feature it's the quietest compressor I could afford, but it did cost more...

When I was at the art store looking at the compressor, the sales guy showed me some very nice Paasche and Badger compressors with tanks. Sunsanvil has a great review of the Badger compressor that Scott just bought. Below is a link for the Paasche.

http://www.paascheairbrush.com/products/Compressors/Compressors/D3000R
Paasche also makes a cabinet style similar to Scotts Badger, but it's not listed on the website.

Here's a link to the art supply where I got my Iwata. They have the cabinet style Paasche compressor.
http://www.artistsupplies.com/store/product_info.php/cPath/92_17_136/products_id/50474

Just my two cents.
Jason
 
Thanks all, from what I have been reading I think a compressor with a tank would be best. So Elm city, the Harder and Steenbeck is out.

I have been looking and the Iwata smart jet does not have a tank. But it does have a quite a few good reviews.

I am still bouncing around on this and we will see where I go. I really need something that can run for long extended times.

Looking at the Iwata Power jets...

Does anyone have any experience with this company:

http://www.tcpglobal.com/airbrushdepot/compress.aspx#abd_tc80

The air brush depot brand? I have ordered from TCP Global before and don't have a problem with them.
 
I bought a TC88 from TCPglobal about a year ago, So far I have been pretty pleased with it, although I did have to buy a in line dryer. It is convenient to have two airbrush out puts, I have mine set up for my Paasche brushes and the other set up for Badger and Iwata brushes. the compressor is quiet enough that you can hold a conversation or listen to music, at a comfortable volume. Something the multitude of compressors I have used in the past have failed to do. I recommend this compressor, I have had experience with the next level up (my friend Stephen recently bought one) and TCP global, I had my compressor order with in a day or two.
 
Grendels said:
Thanks all, from what I have been reading I think a compressor with a tank would be best. So Elm city, the Harder and Steenbeck is out.

I have been looking and the Iwata smart jet does not have a tank. But it does have a quite a few good reviews.

I am still bouncing around on this and we will see where I go. I really need something that can run for long extended times.

Looking at the Iwata Power jets...

Does anyone have any experience with this company:

http://www.tcpglobal.com/airbrushdepot/compress.aspx#abd_tc80

The air brush depot brand? I have ordered from TCP Global before and don't have a problem with them.
Click to expand...

H&S do make some with tanks similar to the Badger and Iwata ones. They are generally overkill for the average modeler so I don't know how many of them my supplier has on hand at a time. I could find out and see what the prices are.

http://www.harder-airbrush.eu/eurotec/index.php
 
Well last night I decided to finish up the super Zinger Semi with a clear coat and while spraying on a clear coat, there was a loud pop and my compressor no longer works.

This made me come to a decision a bit faster than I wanted to. So I went and ordered this:

pro_hardware1.jpg


Here is a link to the compressor:

http://www.iwata-medea.com/index.php/products/power_jet_pro

This one should be able to keep up with Bibi.

Thanks Scott, but I don't want to be without a compressor for long so I went ahead and purchased one today at my local hobby shop. They didn't have it in stock but will have it by the end of the week.
 
MrNatural said:
Nice! Congratulations!
Click to expand...

Thanks to you JMac and Ravhin I decided that the Iwata was the way to go. And with this one, I can let Bibi play while I do my work as well.
 
Good choice. :) I have the same compressor here at home and am very happy with the purchase. Happy painting.
 
Thanks, it is a nice one. Blacksheep1 would like a video review, and I plan on getting to one in the next few days.
 
If you look at my YouTube channel and go a few videos back. You can find the video of Bibi with the airbrush.
 

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