Looking to get a tank & reg.

I've seen a lot of discussion on this topic on the forum and through searches. It'd be a good FAQ topic. (ran some word searches on the faq page and found nothing for 'compressor' or airbrush.'

Anyway, I'm considering getting an airbrush. If I did my research right, all I need is a standard air tank (http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00915200000) and an air reg./moisture trap (http://www.dickblick.com/zz269/17/products.asp?param=0&ig_id=3414). Is that correct? If the fitting from the reg. to the tank didn't fit correctly, I'm sure Sears, The Home Depot or my local hardware store will have something to fit.

If all this is correct, would you folks recommend a five gallon tank? I read somewhere that 'two gallons worth' will get you a model and cleanup. If that is the case I'd spring for a ~10 gallon.

Just an FYI, my father owns a convenience store two miles away from our house with an air compressor for filling tires. Also, our company has a compressor at our plant/facility. I could find a way to tap into that, I'm sure. A personal compressor for this application is not necessary.

Oh yeah.. this is my first post! Thanks for any info.

«edit»

Oh yes. I almost forgot. Would anyone recommend a particular reg./trap? Also, despite the gauge on the reg. listed going up to 60psi, I'm assuming it'll withstand 135psi+. Is that correct?

I'd get a tank with a compressor, or it will bite you in the ass later on.


Those glass filters dont do squat. I'd suggest a moisture trap with the moisture beads, or a toliet paper moisture trap.

You need to check what the regulator is rated. If it says 60, dont go any higher than 60.

I'd get a tank with a compressor, or it will bite you in the ass later on.

I just won't airbrush unless I have a full tank. It's only a five minute drive for air. :) I could always add one later.


Those glass filters dont do squat. I'd suggest a moisture trap with the moisture beads, or a toliet paper moisture trap.

Mmm. Thanks for the info. I'll look into the ones you mentioned.

You need to check what the regulator is rated. If it says 60, dont go any higher than 60.

I see what you're saying. I could have worded my question incorrectly. I'd likely never go above 20psi. I was just worried about blowing out the reg. if it's not able to withstand 135psi (tank pressure) and drop it down to the working 20psi.

I'm sure it will be able to... I just wanted to check myself.

BTW, can you recommend any moisture traps? I'll research them in the mean time, but if you have any recommendations by all means fill me in! :)

Amflo, Campbell Hausfeld, Ingersoll Rand, Iron Force, are some that you can find without going to a specialty store. Those can be found at lowes, and work well.

If you have an Auto Paint supply store nearby, you could also check out Sata. Sata's stuff is extremely expensive though. You can get the same results with the previous ones I mentioned.

5 minute drive doesn't sound like much, but when you've got a body half painted, are almost out of paint, the airbrush is all wet and you've just run out of air, you might (just a little bit) with you'd've sprung for the compressor.