Some advice on compressors

[RedAl]

I'm about to replace my tired old compressor with a new one with a tank but i'm a little confused on the specifics of how these work.

My current compressor doesn't have a pressure operated cutout so is either on or off with the pressure at the brush adjusted by adjusting a sprung valve in the bottom of the moisture filter.

I'm considering the AS196 listed here.
http://www.everythingairbrush.com/acatalog/AS_Series.html

This states that the compressor will run until it reaches 57 psi before automatically switching off.

My question is when I want to work at lower pressures how do you adjust the pressure down? Is it a case of using a similar regulator and wasting the excess air or can the pressure at the brush be regulated another way ?

[coleman758]

That has a pressure regulator on the output, Basically the tank will fill until 57psi, but the regulator will only let the pressure out at the psi you set it at.

[eyeayen]

What he said.

I've used one of these they're okay but they don't produce a lot of air and for these paints you need a decent pressure all the time, so it'll be working hard to keep up with you. Have you got any more budget so you can get a bigger one ?

[RedAl]

I could stretch the budget. Is there something you'd recommend ?

[AnthonyL]

For model-making (airfix type of thing) I use my trusty Iwata sprintjet compressor as I only need around 15-20psi for relatively short periods. Not surprisingly, it couldn't cope with the higher prolonged pressures the bodyshell paints required (40-50psi) so I acquired one of these ....

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/shhh-air-compressor-324

Probably a bit over-kill, but it certainly does the job!

[RedAl]

I'm happy to stretch the budget, but £500+ was a bit more than I had in mind!

[jonmiller]

something like this then if noise isn't too much of an issue

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/tigger

[RedAl]

It's for use in the house, if I wheel that in my missus will be having a bonfire of my stuff on the lawn 😳

I'm looking for something nice and quiet, of a reasonable size that is up to the job inside about £350.

Is there anything that fits the bill ?

[jonmiller]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p5197.m570.l1313&_nkw=silent+air+compressor&_sacat=See-All-Categories

[eyeayen]

The Jon has linked to above are ace, those bambi ones run from essentially a fridge motor so they're as noisey as a fridge, ideal for in the house.

They do a budget range too if you look for their sellers on line, I don't know what area you're in but the first six on that link are perfect for your needs !

You could look in some of these links

http://www.aircomps.co.uk/category/products/bambi-compressors/bambi-budget/

http://www.airsupplies.co.uk/air-compressors/silent-air-compressors/lubricated-silent-air-compressors-bambi-budget-range.html

[Bosscat]

How do you guys get to spray in the house?? I get earache if I use too much motor spray Can you recomend a decent regulator suitable for an airbrush??

[eyeayen]

There are some on this page, ideally you want the ones with the black dial you can turn on the top to adjust the pressure and the clear bowl underneath which is your water trap.

http://www.everythingairbrush.com/acatalog/Regulators.html

[U1timate PigDog]

Personally I dont but theyre are quite a few compressors that offer silent running so to speak (though they are a little more expensive), if your spraying inside the house make sure the room is closed off from the rest of the house and make sure you wearing a respirator and adequate ventilation.