An all round air compressor?

[lee1980]

Is there one that can do it all? I am after one for air brushing my tamiyas and staitc models. Also to use for spraying larger items real motorcycle etc and to get some air tools as well.

I did a compressor search but nothing specific came up.

Or is best to get one for each job? I plan on keeping it in garage that is part of our house.

[speedy_w_beans]

If it's staying in your garage then I suggest getting a reasonably big compressor with tank (25-30 gallons), dryer, regulator, and assorted fittings/adapters. A small diaphragm compressor will only be (somewhat) useful for airbrushing, not painting large areas or running air tools.

The large compressor is noisy, but it provides a consistent supply of air regardless of a broad range of pressure and flow. A cheap diaphragm compressor is not particulary consistent or will keep up with demand, affecting paint consistency. I have both types and really value the tank; I typically have the regulator set at 80-90 psi for air tools; the tank ramps between 100 and 130 psi periodically, but the output from the regulator is consistent. Airbrush pressures are about a third of this pressure with much lower flow rates.

If you do get a diaphragm compressor (for noise reasons), you will want to add a small tank (a few gallons), dryer, and regulator to even out the pressure spikes for the airbrush. However, you will not be able to run air tools or use a big spray gun with this setup.

[lee1980]

Thanks Speedy, sounds like a lot to consider and as to what I want to mainly use it for!

When you say 25-30 gallons do you mean litres?

I was hoping something like in this link be suitable for for all I wanted, as its not to huge or pricey, not sure about noise though!

http://aircompressors.co.uk/Product/Workshop_Compressors/Zephyr_Oil_Lubricated/Zephyr_2_24_Oil_Free

[speedy_w_beans]

I'm suggesting something like this: http://www.portercable.com/products/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=28969

Noise is a factor... If you have a closet or shed to put it in, and run an air line to your garage, then you have all the benefits of the bigger setup but with much less noise.

[Tamiyabigstuff]

I have a V-twin Sealey compressor with a 50 litre tank - cost about £160 I think a couple of years ago - far too big & noisy to have in the house but great for running stuff like air tools.

TBH, for an air brush I would get a smaller compressor - I got a really nice Sparmax one from Hobbycraft in the sales at the beginning of the year for only £20 - marked down from over £100 ! May have been a mistake - just wish I'd got the other 3 they had at the same price.

[bromvw]

IMO your better off buying two . One to run the full size spray gun / air tools and one for the air brush . The big problem you will get with water build up on the full size unit will ruin air brush work . Better to buy a mid range garage unit and a decent air brush compressor .

[Wooders28]

Bigger the better for running air tools etc, but depends on the amount of use it will get.

I run a 3HP-150 ltr in the garage for the 1:1 projects, but is a faff trying to set up to spray the RC bodies, once its set up though, i can spray a full body without it kicking in again.

Saying that I ended up getting a tin of compressed air for a couple of quid, so can spray the RC stuff in the spare room, its warmer and less debris in the air.

If you are not planning a lot of heavy use then a 24 ltr would be fine,something like Aldi has on offer from time to time ( http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/2-5hp-air-compressor-79-99-aldi-895964 )

Just never know when its going to be in!

[lee1980]

Thanks guys think, I will at first get a smaller one for spraying models etc for now, even maybe the likes of tamiyas own spray work or similar.

So for around £150 whats a good starter compressor and air brush set to begin with?

Did see one in Lidls a while back wish I got it now doh!

[vrs55]

I have one of these and find it great http://www.wargamestore.com/Expo-Airbrush-and-Compressor-p-20975.html

[Wooders28]

Just a heads up for this Thursday:-

https://www.aldi.co.uk/en/specialbuys/thursday-13th-march/product-detail/ps/p/25hp-air-compressor/

[lee1980]

Just a heads up for this Thursday:-

https://www.aldi.co.uk/en/specialbuys/thursday-13th-march/product-detail/ps/p/25hp-air-compressor/

Thanks, did get this in email, looks like be ok for what i want it for, bit of spraying, nail gun to do feather edge fence boards sorted!! Do wonder how quick sell out. Find aldi/lidl varies some times things sell out other times not!