Compressors

[emptyhook53]

Guys--I'm new to the hobby. Starting my first real layout and always on the lookout for shops, etc. putting things on sale I could use now or down the road. I've run across what looks like a decent price on an airbrush and compressor. I know I could use them in the near future.

Is there a good, better, best type of compressor? Specifically, is a piston better than a diaphram type? I've found one that has a regulator, moisture trap, and is oil less and is piston. What do you think?

Thanks for any advise you can give.

Jerry

[GAPPLEG]

Oil less is good, and with the regulator and moisture trap you've got it all. Some are really noisy (mine is) but I've got it sitting on a rubber mat and a box over it to keep the noise down.

[mikesmowers]

My personal experiance is stay away from the oilless. I use a twin cylinder compressor with a 2 hp electric motor, works fine , runs about 160 psi. I also have a V twin with a 9 hp gasoline engine mounted in my service truck. This is probley not what you wanted to hear, but the info is FREE. Mike

[Seamonster]

I bought a small compressor with a tank from the local hardware store. It came with a regulator and a pair of gauges and nozzles for blowing, inflating tires and air mattresses. And it came with a bonus free brad nailer. The hose on my Aztek airbrush screws right onto the end of the compressor's curly hose. The advantage is that I can let it pump up the tank to 100 psi and brush away in silence until the pressure drops to 75 psi and the compressor kicks in. Or I can turn off the compressor and keep going in silence until it drops to about 30 psi. And I can inflate a low tire on my car or bicycle without electricity--just pump up the tank indoors and carry it outside. The best thing about it? The price. It was on sale for $75 and hobby compressors (without tanks) go for at least $200. The only thing it doesn't have is a moisture trap, but that's easy to add.