Airbrush compressor info needed

I'm NOT familiar with that particular compressor, but they come in mainly three types.
1) Run ALL the time, controlled by a manual switch. Usually these will overheat after a while if allowed to run against a 'stall' condition (no air flow).
2) Run ALL the time, with air pressure controlled by a 'bleeder' valve (internal or external), really just a controlled 'leak' that lets some air flow all the time. The bigger the leak the lower the pressure. Note that this can control the pressure, but NOT 'regulate' it. Also helps reduce compressor overheating by allowing some air to pass all the time.
3) Compressor controlled by a presure switch, and turns itself on and off as needed. Works best with a pressure storage tank.
All compressors will work best with a small 'surge' tank in the line somewhere. This evens out the compressor's air pulsations. some compressors, including some Paasches, have a small integral surge tank in the compressor head casting.
All air compressors generate heat, both in the compressor and in the motor. Generally, they should not get so hot that you can't briefly touch them, but they will get more than warm.
Dan Mitchell ============

Question for anyone with a Paasche D500 compressor. Is there any reason NOT to reverse the head on the air piston so the outlet hose points away from the unit instead of being right above the unit. I am asking because reversing it would allow the regulator/moisture trap to be vertical instead of horizontal. It seems to fit either way, so I have changed it from the direction it was when I got it.
Daniel A. Mitchell wrote: