The most important specification of a compressor is often over looked. It is the Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) rating. That is the Volume of air it can supply to your tools. Most of the "hobby" compressors are rated at around 0.7 CFM At 25psi. That is about the minimum amount for a Hobby airbrush (an Iwata Eclipse HP-CS is a air hungry airbrush and would be about the most a 0.7CFM compressor can handle.) Notice to that there is a PSI part to that rating. As you raise the pressure to the tool, the CFM that the compressor can supply decreases. The above Eclipse airbrush would work fine at up to about 30 maybe 35 PSI with the hobby compressor but at 45 psi or more the compressor would not likely be able to keep up.
Sorry, one more: I once used an (Italian?) oil-filled compressor, which was VERY quiet. It had a small tank and worked very well for normal use. It did not spit oil through the hose. The compressor itself looked a bit like those compressors used in freezers and fridges.
Been running an ROK 1.6gal shop compressor (0.7HP, 90psi @ 1.3 CFM) for about 10 years now. Quiet as a mouse (about 45db) and super reliable. Moved to Canada from NY state and needed to replace my Badger silentaire. This one did the trick for about $200.
Have had 4 over the last few years. Option 1 overheats and ends up spitting water across my work after 20 minutes. Option 2 is fine for 1-2 hours of spraying and quiet enough for late nights. Option 3 is so loud it causes PTSD Option 4 is best. Have a 9L tank and spray all day with it. Mine is just under 60db. Refilling the tank only takes 30 seconds.
Hello, I have an airbrush compressor that my brother lent me. He was talking about how he didn’t know how to use it (obviously due to the lack of research from his part) and the airbrush gun my husband had to restore with mineral spirits thinner as it was so clogged and with dried paint all over it. So, I bought an inexpensive set of needles to try until I decide if this is something I would like to do as a serious hobby. His gun and compressor are from the Paasche brand, airbrush gun VL model is double action and siphon feed. Compressor: Paasche Model: D500 Motor: 1/5HP Volt/Hz: 110-120V/60Hz Airflow: .5CFM Speed: 1750 RPM Automatic Shut-off Feature OFF: 57 PSI ON: 43 PSI I knew that he literally hadn’t done any research when I found out that you need a regulator with moisture trap and preferably a tank (I think) as his model has auto/off feature. I bought a regular Hyper Though brand regulator with moisture trap at Walmart and found the pertinent adapters to make it work. However, the problem is it just keeps turning on and off constantly. I set it to about 30psi and it drops down to zero while pressing the trigger just to blow out air (don’t know if this is normal), haven’t even tried it with paint yet. Moisture builds up fast also. Don’t know if I’m doing something wrong, like the PSI setting or something else. Maybe I need the tank d/t the auto shut off feature? I’m still Kind of lost with the compressors over here even though your videos are by far the very best explaining the difference and how compressors work. Keep the great videos coming. Thanks for your help! ☺️
Regarding moisture build up. In my case, depending on the time of year. 15 - 20 mins and I have moisture in the hose. I purchased another water trap and fittings and placed this near my paint station. This trap works much better. I think ( do not know if true) it’s because air trap is not getting heated up by the air compressor. Which is the case with the air trap that is attached to the air compressor.
@@glassofcherywinethe questions to ask yourself are. 1. when you air brush how long do you do it for? If hours, then most likely. 2. How important is quality to your artwork? Does your airbrushing need to be exact? Are airbrushing mistakes ok? My current airbrush is tankless. When I airbrush I do it for 2 to 3 hours. I paint wargaming miniatures. I can afford mistakes. But My next air compressor will be a quiet air compressor ( option 4 in the video). I expect this will give me better control of airflow and improve my air rushing quality
Most airbrushes recommend 30-50psi. I find that the low end of that causes splatter. It’s not enough pressure for me. I spray 50-60psi. But my micron allows me to adjust that pressure at the airbrush level for more control. It depends on your airbrush & the thickness of the paint.
These are very expensive compressors, that most beginners or hobbyists aren’t willing to spend. They are hard to find as well, being in Canada my options were limited. And the price point was too much.
The Iwata compressors are very pricey considering they’re not much different than the Chinese made ones. The components are likely better made. But the PSI range is limited.
The most important specification of a compressor is often over looked. It is the Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) rating. That is the Volume of air it can supply to your tools. Most of the "hobby" compressors are rated at around 0.7 CFM At 25psi. That is about the minimum amount for a Hobby airbrush (an Iwata Eclipse HP-CS is a air hungry airbrush and would be about the most a 0.7CFM compressor can handle.) Notice to that there is a PSI part to that rating. As you raise the pressure to the tool, the CFM that the compressor can supply decreases. The above Eclipse airbrush would work fine at up to about 30 maybe 35 PSI with the hobby compressor but at 45 psi or more the compressor would not likely be able to keep up.
Great advice! Thank you!
I've been running the 2 gallon Fortress for a while and it's been amazing.
Sorry, one more: I once used an (Italian?) oil-filled compressor, which was VERY quiet. It had a small tank and worked very well for normal use. It did not spit oil through the hose. The compressor itself looked a bit like those compressors used in freezers and fridges.
Been running an ROK 1.6gal shop compressor (0.7HP, 90psi @ 1.3 CFM) for about 10 years now. Quiet as a mouse (about 45db) and super reliable. Moved to Canada from NY state and needed to replace my Badger silentaire. This one did the trick for about $200.
Thank you so much for always sharing amazing tips. I always appreciate you taking the time to do very thorough research and experimenting!
Have had 4 over the last few years.
Option 1 overheats and ends up spitting water across my work after 20 minutes. Option 2 is fine for 1-2 hours of spraying and quiet enough for late nights.
Option 3 is so loud it causes PTSD
Option 4 is best. Have a 9L tank and spray all day with it. Mine is just under 60db. Refilling the tank only takes 30 seconds.
Yep! Option 4 is definitely the best. I love mine.
Silentaire makes the best air compressors imo. Especially for a home studio environment.
Yes, but there are expensive & tricky to import into Canada.
I like the way, how you store your paint (I saw the picture of your studio in the background). Can you tell us more about it, please?
Hello, I have an airbrush compressor that my brother lent me. He was talking about how he didn’t know how to use it (obviously due to the lack of research from his part) and the airbrush gun my husband had to restore with mineral spirits thinner as it was so clogged and with dried paint all over it. So, I bought an inexpensive set of needles to try until I decide if this is something I would like to do as a serious hobby. His gun and compressor are from the Paasche brand, airbrush gun VL model is double action and siphon feed.
Compressor: Paasche
Model: D500
Motor: 1/5HP
Volt/Hz: 110-120V/60Hz
Airflow: .5CFM
Speed: 1750 RPM
Automatic Shut-off Feature
OFF: 57 PSI
ON: 43 PSI
I knew that he literally hadn’t done any research when I found out that you need a regulator with moisture trap and preferably a tank (I think) as his model has auto/off feature. I bought a regular
Hyper Though brand regulator with moisture trap at Walmart and found the pertinent adapters to make it work. However, the problem is it just keeps turning on and off constantly. I set it to about 30psi and it drops down to zero while pressing the trigger just to blow out air (don’t know if this is normal), haven’t even tried it with paint yet. Moisture builds up fast also. Don’t know if I’m doing something wrong, like the PSI setting or something else. Maybe I need the tank d/t the auto shut off feature? I’m still Kind of lost with the compressors over here even though your videos are by far the very best explaining the difference and how compressors work. Keep the great videos coming. Thanks for your help! ☺️
As an artist that works in canvas. Do i really need an air tank?
Regarding moisture build up. In my case, depending on the time of year. 15 - 20 mins and I have moisture in the hose. I purchased another water trap and fittings and placed this near my paint station. This trap works much better. I think ( do not know if true) it’s because air trap is not getting heated up by the air compressor. Which is the case with the air trap that is attached to the air compressor.
@@glassofcherywinethe questions to ask yourself are. 1. when you air brush how long do you do it for? If hours, then most likely. 2. How important is quality to your artwork? Does your airbrushing need to be exact? Are airbrushing mistakes ok? My current airbrush is tankless. When I airbrush I do it for 2 to 3 hours. I paint wargaming miniatures. I can afford mistakes. But My next air compressor will be a quiet air compressor ( option 4 in the video). I expect this will give me better control of airflow and improve my air rushing quality
What pressure would you airbrush details? Like thin lines…or small areas. You need to be close to the surface with the brush….Thanks
Most airbrushes recommend 30-50psi. I find that the low end of that causes splatter. It’s not enough pressure for me. I spray 50-60psi. But my micron allows me to adjust that pressure at the airbrush level for more control. It depends on your airbrush & the thickness of the paint.
Is the Sparmax TC-610H Plus a good compressor?
thank you
You're welcome
Werther Sil-Air, silent as a fridge.. 😉
These are very expensive compressors, that most beginners or hobbyists aren’t willing to spend. They are hard to find as well, being in Canada my options were limited. And the price point was too much.
"0.7 is not quite 1, it's like half" lol
Urrrk.
The same Chinese made compressors allover the internet. I wish i could afford an Iwata now.
The Iwata compressors are very pricey considering they’re not much different than the Chinese made ones. The components are likely better made. But the PSI range is limited.
@@DeeJayBeStudios Price to established lifespan ratio. If you check that, the Chinese hardware is often more expensive in the long run.
A engine runs on fuel, a motor runs on electricity. Just thought I would correct you 😅don’t be mad at me
Makes sense, oops
Pretty and creative! Made learning much easier lol. Thanks for the information here...appreciate your time!
Thank you!!!