Harbor frt. compressor for airbrush?

I have it and I love it.

Scott Smith

Now found a coupon on the pancake 3gallon 100psi for $39 at HF. Any other comments on these compressors?

I have had mine for 2 or 3 years now with no problems at all.

The only suggestion I can make is make sure it's fairly quiet.  My old Miller compressor almost had me running out of the garage it was so loud.  I don't have a compressor from HF but everything else I've bought there has held up.

 

That's a good price, I recently bought a compressor from Airbrush Depot and spent $70.  It's very quiet, but I haven't put it thru an actual paint job yet.

It will work just fine, but its probably pretty loud. I used a Dewalt compressor for year until I switched to a small, light weight, silent type compressor from the Air Brush Depot. Well worth tje extra money.

Be sure it is the oil-free kind. You can always install a trap in the air line, but it's better to avoid oil-lubricated compressors in the first place if your main use is airbrushing. (You will still need a water trap if the compressor doesn't come with one.)

 

If the compressor is too loud and it's not convenient to put it outside when it's running (my compressor lives next to a door), you can build a blimp for it. Take a cardboard carton larger than the compressor and glue some thick foam or fiberglass insulation, whatever you've got lying around, on the inside (fiberglass is probably the best). Cut a slot for the hose and cord, drop it in place, and "Voila!" - you've got a blimp. Make sure the blimp is quite a bit bigger than the compressor so it doesn't overheat. You could also put some air holes on one side and face that side away from you. 

 

You can also use ear protectors while you're spraying, but that's kind of uncomfortable.

I have one of the HF 3 gallon compresssors.   I have been using it for almost 2 years.   I like it a lot.   Yes it is a little loud, but the tank is big enough that once it fills, the compressore shuts off until the tank drops below the 80 PSI.    so I can usually paint for about 10 minutes for every 5 minutes it runs.   I can also paint while it is running.    I use 30-35 PSI for painting which probably on the high side.  

 

This compress comes with a built in regulator too so you can set the output to whatever PSI you want to use.   I think the tank normally runs between 80 and 100.   It kicks on at 80 psi and shuts off automatically at 100 PSI.   

 

the instructions say to run it for 30 minutes with no load.   That is with the output valve open just pump air into the air for breakin before using it.   I did that and some reviews on it said it is inmportant to do that.   

 

To sum up, I think it is great for air brushing, and the price is reight, I got mine for 39 too.

 

At the time I could get the pancake or the more traditiaonal one for the same price.   The pancake sits on 3 rubber legs vs the other one, so adjusts to uneven floors better.    I liked the look better.

Agreed. For the price I can deal with a little noise once in a while. Of course I use mine in the garage and not the workshop though.

I truly hate the noise of a modern compressor.  I do not mind the sound of those older compressors that look like converted Harley engines -thump, thump, thump.  But that loud GRRR of the new stuff sends me up a tree.  I use a Bell & Gossett, but wish I had bought a turbine.

A similar compressor that was purchased from Pep Boys.  Noted selling point seems to be oil-less.  This compressor does require oil.  Purchase of Quick-attachment couplers, hose, and a good water trap quickly double the cost of the air compressor.

 

I thought the pressure from these air compressors are so powerful it could blow a Big Boy right off the track as if it were a feather. At one time I thought about getting one to dust off my layout but the effect would be like an F5 tornado so I decided against it.

 

You need to use a regulator and moisture trap no matter what compressor you use.

 

Green item is a very good water separator.  The knob to the left adjust hose air pressure.  Pretty tough to get a functional air compressor with out a pop-off valve and regulator, both safety features.   Quick attachment hose ends shown.

 

 

 

The one I just got (on sale) was the TC-20, they have a TC-20T (tank) also:

 

http://www.tcpglobal.com/Airbr...plies/Compressors_4/

 

Here's a photo of my old Miller compressor:

 

 

 

That thing will rattle your teeth, but it's been going since the early 70s.

 

here's my new one:

 

 

 

I already had an adapter for my Badger Crescendo 175 airbrush so I'm good to go (as soon as I get some B&O paint to paint an old Railking round-roof boxcar).

I have this one:

 

 

TC-828  I was doing the same thing Malcolm, that's why I switched to this one. Not to mention my 75lb version was breaking my back moving it around.

Thanks Doug.