Compressors?

[JimD]

So before the move I was painting in the garage. I was using a general purpose compressor with a tank on it. Even with a 3 gallon tank, it runs a bit on extended sessions, and as you can imagine...it's loud.

Now I'm upstairs in a room fairly close to the kiddos, and I build mostly in the evenings. I've got to find another solution, but I'm budget minded here. I'm considering the Harbor Freight combo. I've seen guys on the forum say they have good luck with it. I'm just fishing for suggestions. I don't need anything that's super silent...just not the earth shattering rumble that the garage compressors have.

I had a compressor from an art store that looked pretty similar to the Harbor Freight one before...so...

[TRM]

Hey Jimmy! I run one of the the HF Comp. ...think I picked mine up for something around $70 as I did not go for the combo pack. Works like a charm and is super quiet I think.

[JimD]

Ahh..thanks for the input. I used to have a completely silent one years ago...the quieter the better of course...I just really don't want to spend $200 on one. It's on their website at $89 with the AB....I don't mind paying $20 extra for a backup/general purpose brush.

[JimD]

TRM, I read through some of the reviews and people are complaining about not getting constant pressure...or pulsating...have you had that issue?

[Return_To_Kit_Form]

You can alleviate the pulse generated by diaphragm compressors by fitting an in line surge tank. I am about to do it with a disposable helium cylinder, but you could use large diameter PVC pipe tapped with suitable fittings. Since you are only running around 20 psi this type of set up should be cheap and safe enough.

Cheers,

Brett T

[TRM]

I have not had an issue at all! Turns on when I fire it up, shuts off when I am done. I have used it with intermittent spray and constant and found nothing like that.

Brett is on the right track there if there was an issue, a capped piece of PVC with threaded fittings for in and out would regulate that nicely if needed.