quick compressor question

[puck]

I've been looking at getting a new compressor but am cringing at the prices of the ones put out specifically for hobbyists. So I went down to the local hardware store on a lark to see what they had. Found this. If I slapped a regulator moisture trap on this thing, how is it any worse than the "fancy" ones? Its even got a pretty big air tank so the pressure it puts out should be quite stable, and its only 75 bucks compared to 200+. Would it be a noise thing? Or can't run for long periods? Enlighten me oh Internet lore keepers...

[winterdyne]

With an output flow regulator and a moisture trap, that'd be fine, but yes, it's a noise thing. I use a machine shop compressor (it's on my to-replace list), which functions just fine (in fact I run both my AB's off it with a t-piece). It does, however sound like someone is driving a tank through my studio room when I'm filling the tank.

 

Edit: I can get away with it because my studio room is at the very furthest point of our conservatory, and I can shut 3 doors between there and the rest of the house. Muffles it a bit. If you work near people, you're better off with a smaller compressor that runs quiet.

[puck]

Thanks for the answer, I figured there had to be some kind of downside. As a side note, how would you go about quieting a compressor? Cover it in towels (keeping the intake clear of course)? Get some kind of cover for it?

[winterdyne]

You can't really. Putting it in a heavily lagged cabinet with just a small gap for the hose might work, but covering the compressor itself runs a risk of overheating and/or fire. A lot of the noise will be transmitted through the floor anyway.

[Darklighter]

A few thing to think about with the compressor you've linked. It only lists the max pressure you'll need to find out it's minimum. It's not a self lubrication motor so you'll need to oil it your self (It's states it'll not auto-cut off when it runs dry). And it hasn't got a decibel rating I've not seen any compressor (even indutial ones) that haven't added that information. I'm not saying don't buy it, just try and find these things out before you do.

[Ironwulf]

If you can deal with the noise, the compressor you linked to should work fine. (As you said, put a moisture trap on the line, though.) I've used a comparable Craftsman air compressor for my airbrush stuff, and it works like a charm. Sometimes it's easier to justify a compressor of that type when you can use it for other stuff rather that just airbrush work alone. Useful for such tasks as airing up your car's tires. :confused:

[madscuzzy]

Depending on where you stay. If you live in a place where there is a lot of open spaces, noise is not too much of an issue. I live in a built up environment and I can't get anything to that level, no matter how useful it is. You may have to shout to hear over that, while hobby compressors can run almost silent.

[BorisBC]

I've got a compressor like this and the plus is they only take about a minute to fill, and it should last you awhile. A full tank with mine lasts enough to cover a couple of land raiders.

 

But they are piss off the neighbors noisy! Lol