air compressor

[thomasmary]

I have been looking at getting a bigger compressor to start airbrushing specialty stuff like helmets, mailboxes and some light auto stuff. I see where some of the spray equipment that you use for finishing or heavy spraying needs a certian size tank and so many hp's. I have it in my mind that the compressor should be an oil free one but I have been looking back in past threads here and see where some people use oil lubed ones. Now I am confused about which type to use, oil less or does it really matter. We have to use the oil less ones for airbrush tattoos and facepainting.
I have been looking at a couple from about 10 gallon to 33 gallon tanks. It looks like Sears Craftsman (oil less) are at a fair price but I was told today that they will not hold up very well because they have fiber gears in them. The next ones I like that look good are the Porter Cable. The seem to have a good selection and are at a fair price. There are also the Campbell Hausfeld, Kobalt, DeWalts, Coleman and Huskys. I think I am more confused now that when I got up this morning,, dOH,, LOL
If it is best to use an oil less compressor which one seems to work ok and what size? If it does not matter then that gives me other brands to look at such as Puma. I would appreciate any help anyone can give me on this.
Thanks
Thomas

[flyer615]

Hey, TM. This is just my opinion, but: I would say that it depends on what kind of spray equipment you are going to use. If you are just going to be airbrushing, almost anything with a tank will work. If you're going to be shooting paint with an automotive spray gun, you'll need something more. Most spray guns will give you the amount of pressure and CFM (cubic feet per minute) of air required for their use.
There are probably about as many different compressors represented here as there are artists here. As to the oil vs. oil-less, either will work for airbrushing. If noise is not an issue, Craftsman, Campbell-Hausfield, Porter, etc. will work just fine.
Of course, this is just my humble opinion. It's worth what you paid for it. :whowhere::blahblah::crazy:

Ken

[ARTSPRAYJ4J]

oil lubed last longer but get a good quality item ,smaller direct drive units are mostly noisy, i go for belt drive units or hydrovane

CFM or air output will depend on the equipment you will be useing ,as a rule try to get a copressor that delivers at least twice the air that your equipment requires

be warned compressor manufacturers lie about output and air tool manufacturers lie about consumtion LOL

[deetz58]

This is what I have and it works great. Change out the air intake filter from time to time and keep an eye on the oil. Good to go!!! I paid about 400 from a local fleet supply store.


http://portercable.cpoworkshop.com/images/product/large/cplc7060v.jpg

[deetz58]

Oh, I forgot. 60 gal tank and I think a 7hp motor.