12V Compressors

May 06, 2004 3 Replies

Hi, I am new in airbrushing. I have read the post about compressors, but in country I live it is very difficult to get compressor for reasonable price. My question is can I use 12V air compressor that is used for car tires until I will get my self another one ? I noticed some of them have tanks.



Thanks


To use a small tire compressor use it to inflate a tire to about 60-80psi (ensure the tire is good). The small 12V tire compressors will wear out very quickly unless they are good quality (when I burnt out my "good" unit I went through another 4 cheaper models very quickly).

You could look for compressors from 4X4's used to inflate the air suspension. I used one for about 18months without problem and it is still good. Just don't run it too long as it will get very hot.

The best solution is a small garage style compressor. It may be noisier than you want but it will last forever and is much cheaper than most airbrush compressors.

will get my self another one ? I noticed some of them have tanks>>

You can, but I don't think I would unless that is your only choice. Small compressors like that usually create pulses in the air flow--you need the air to be a smooth steady flow or you'll get an uneven paint job. Where are you? Surely there is an industrial supply for welding equipment or a business that handles soda (Pepsi, Coke, etc) dispensers. Try to find a CO2 or Nitrogen tank with appropriate fittings and gauges. Damn it's good to live in the US.

Hey Osama, check your six

My suggestion on this is to get a tubeless car tyre then drill another valve hole and insert a second valve for the compressor connection hose, (let the air out first or else things might get a bit exciting when to break through). You can then use one of these fairly cheap compressors easily without getting the air pulsing.

You should use one with a pressure cut out and you will have to manually switch the compressor back on when the pressure gets too low. But, it is a good cheap effective way of getting a compressor and tank.

It worked for me.

Regards

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