Air Compressor Buyer’s Guide

Whether you’re getting ready to buy your first compressor or you’re looking to upgrade to a new model, the Air Compressor Buyer’s Guide 2005 is your one-stop source for answers. We’ve gathered all the stats on the hottest compressors on the market and compiled them in an eosy-to-read, head-to-head comparison to help you get the most splash for your cosh. But before you buy, there are several factors you should consider.
WHAT YOU NEED FROM YOUR COMPRESSOR
The work you do determines your compressor choice. Kustom painters, T-shirt artists, illustrators, cake decorators, etc., require different air force and energy demands.
The type of compressor you buy is also determined by how many brushes you use. The more horsepower your compressor has, the more airbrushes you can power simultaneously with it. If you use a spray gun, you’ll need a compressor with greater cubic feet per minute (CFM), because the higher the air pressure needed, the higher the CFM requirement.
Conversely, cake decorators require much lower air pressure, or pounds per square inch (PSI), and would probably seek a diaphragm or slightly larger compressor. (I’m sure you’re getting the idea).
Compressors con range in price from under $100 for the most basic model to $3,000 for high-power industrial models (this would be overkill on steroids, unless, of course, you’re a highly extravagant person). Regardless your budget, try to buy the best compressor you con possibly afford. Many beginners don’t realize that, quite often, your airbrush work may only be as good as your compressor. The durability of a quality compressor more than justifies the price. Also, try to project your future volume of work so you can further grow into your compressor without having to buy a higher capacity unit later. It may cost you more now, but it’ll save you lots of time and money later.
DIAPHRAGM COMPRESSORS
The diaphragm compressor is a good choice for many beginning airbrushers. It’s a small, reliable, and relatively inexpensive air source that’s portabe and light weight, usually between 5- to 15-lbs. It’s also able to generate a variety of air pressures using a shaft that presses against a diaphragm to force air into the airbrush. The drawbacks to these compressors ore that they’re louder and produce more vibration than other models, and they lack the power to give you more than 30-PSI at best. Because they generate a lot of heat, the diaphragm compressor can easily be damaged if it does not have a cooling system. Heat build-up also begets moisture, so it’s highly recommended that you work no longer than 20 minutes at a time at low pressure.
SILENT COMPRESSORS
While the price tag on a “silent” compressor tends to be higher, the added features justify the price. Using a piston to move air through the airbrush, the silent compressor creates less noise and lower vibration levels than its diaphragm counterpart. Silent compressors use smaller motors immersed in a bath of oil, which creates a dampening effect, allowing the machine a longer life span, provided it’s properly maintained. They use holding tanks, so they operate just long enough to keep the pressure in the tank at a constant level. Silent compressors also feature automatic shutoff switches and replaceable air intake filters.
OILLESS COMPRESSORS
Noisier than its “silent” partner, the oilless piston compressor can achieve a much higher air pressure than diaphragm models, and much less vibration. These compressors usually feature a cooling system, holding tank, and on/off switch. Oilless compressors ore less costly than the silent models, and they are obnoxiously louder.
ACCESSORIES
Here’s some nifty options for your compressor: A moisture trap helps keep moisture from infiltrating your airbrush, point, and most important, your artwork. The moisture trap features a clear plastic or gloss tube that can be drained when necessary. Some traps connect directly to the compressor, and others are installed along the hose line.
A regulator enables precise air control (PSI) through the airbrush, regardless the compressor’s air output.
Replaceable air filters can help extend your compressor’s life and enhance its functionality by keeping the device free of dust, paint particles, and other impurities.
OTHER AIR OPTIONS
For artists working outdoors or away from a power source, an air compressor will not do the job. If you can t use a compressor, CO2 (carbon dioxide) is the next best thing. You con rent or buy a CO2 tank for under, and a 50-pound tank will provide more than 30 hours of spraying time before you need a refill from your local welding supply company—use times vary depending upon your air pressure levels; the higher the pressure (PSI), the shorter the lifespan of the CO2. When using a CO2 tank, you need an air regulator for pressure control and an air gauge to let you know when you’re running low on gas. To avoid guoge and line freeze-up problems be sure to request CO2 tanks without dip tubes.
Your artistic needs and your wallet weigh heavily in deciding your air source. Hopefully, this Buyer’s Guide will eliminate the guesswork and help you make an educated decision. If you hove any questions that aren’t addressed here, call the manufacturers or surf their web sites. They’d be happy to provide any information you need.