aerodrew Posted June 29, 2009 Share Posted June 29, 2009 (edited) On a recent visit to my local Sears, I found a small Craftsman air compressor. It was rated at 1.5 HP with max pressure of 125 PSI and a 2 gallon tank. The compressor also had two sockets for air driven tools or airbrushes. It was on sale for $69. I am wondering if anyone can recommend this be used for painting model aircraft with a badger airbrush. If so, what type of adapter would I need for the airbrush hose and what would be the maximum PSI suggested for the airbrush? EDIT: Here are the technical details on the compressor(I believe it might be discontinued because I can't find it on the Sears site.) http://www.mysears.com/Craftsman-2-gal-Air...ory-Kit-reviews This 2 gal. 1 hp horizontal air compressor from Craftsman features a lightweight, compact design and an 17 pc. accessory kit. Kit includes dual tire chuck, sealing tape, tapered nozzle, threaded adapter, inflation needles (2), safety nozzle, blow gun, female quick connect couplers (2), male quick connect plugs (2), female quick connect plug, male adapters (2), NPT female adapter, tire gauge and a 25 ft. coil air hose. 26 lbs. 17 x 17 x 13 in.Brand Name Craftsman Product Name 2 gal. Air Compressor with 17 pc. Accessory Kit Convenience:Quick Connect Yes Dimensions:Height 17 in. Dimensions:Length 13 in. Dimensions:Width 17 in. Hose:Function Compressed air Hose:Length 25 ft. Included with Item:Accessory Kit Yes, 17 pc. kit Installation Requirements:Setup Assembly may be required Model Number 00915312000 Motor-Engine:Cylinder Liner Cast iron Motor-Engine:Horsepower, Maximum Developed 1 hp Motor-Engine:SCFM Use At 40 psi 3.7 SCFM Motor-Engine:SCFM Use At 90 psi 2.4 SCFM Motor-Engine:Voltage 120 volts MPN 15312 Product Overview:Item Weight 26.0 lbs. Product Overview:Manual del Dueno <a href="/download/own/915312s.pdf">Presione Aqui</a> Product Overview:See Owners Manual <a href="/download/own/00915312e.pdf">Click Here</a> SCFM Delivery:SCFM Delivery At 40 psi 3.7 SCFM SCFM Delivery:SCFM Delivery At 90 psi 2.4 SCFM Tank:Compressor Tank Capacity 2 gal. Tank:Compressor Tank Pump Style Oil Lube Tank:Compressor Tank Type Horizontal Tank:Maximum Compressor psi 125 psi Edited June 29, 2009 by aerodrew Quote Link to post Share on other sites
toadwbg Posted June 29, 2009 Share Posted June 29, 2009 Absolutely! I have a very simlar compressor/tank. The key is having a pressure regulator with gauge to run consistant (and quiet) air at the pressure you want. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
aerodrew Posted June 29, 2009 Author Share Posted June 29, 2009 Looks like I might consider this one over the Iwata Smart Jet, simply because it seems more economical. BTW would you happen to know offhand what a typical(and safe) PSI setting for a small airbrush like the Badger model 200 would be? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Huey Gunner Posted June 29, 2009 Share Posted June 29, 2009 The pressure depends on what type of paint, how thinned and so on. PSI doesn't change because of type of compressor. I use a Craftsman 6 HP 25 gallon shop compressor for my Iwata's as well as for my air tools for working on my Chevy pickup. But as noted by Toadwbg, I have a regulator and moisture trap bolted to my model table. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
silver1 Posted June 29, 2009 Share Posted June 29, 2009 BTW would you happen to know offhand what a typical(and safe) PSI setting for a small airbrush like the Badger model 200 would be? I doubt you will ever get over 30-40 lbs. I use a badger 150 and rarely use anything over 20. I also have a hardware store compressor. Works great but louder than heck. Ed Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Av8fan Posted June 29, 2009 Share Posted June 29, 2009 Any idea how noisy it is? Then again, if it is noisy, fill it when no one is around. Start your spraying with a full tank. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
terryt Posted June 29, 2009 Share Posted June 29, 2009 I have the Sears compressor with a 3 gal tank and haven't had any problems. It's noisy, so if you need a quiet one don't consider it. You can use almost any compressor with an airbrush even one without a tank. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
aerodrew Posted June 29, 2009 Author Share Posted June 29, 2009 The reviews say it's quiet, though I do live in a quiet neighborhood, so noise is somewhat of a concern. Does your compressor use quick disconnect couplings? If so do any of the fittings allow for you adapt the airbrush hose with them or are you using it with that yellow spiraled plastic one? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
terryt Posted June 29, 2009 Share Posted June 29, 2009 (edited) I got regular 1/4 inch quick disconnects from Lowe's/Home Depot. I connected it to a badger 1/4 to 1/8 adapter(first link) and use it with a vinyl hose(second link). You could use it with the braided hose which doesn't require adapters(third link). http://www.reuels.com/reuels/Compressor_Ad...1_4_Badger.html http://www.reuels.com/reuels/Badger_Airbru...vinyl_Hose.html http://www.reuels.com/reuels/Badger_Airbru...ed_Hose_10.html The compressor isn't loud enough to hear it outside if you run it inside. If you are close to it, it's a little loud. Edited June 29, 2009 by terryt Quote Link to post Share on other sites
aerodrew Posted June 30, 2009 Author Share Posted June 30, 2009 Just got back from Sears. I opted for the Craftsman compressor that was sitting next to the one on clearance, it was on sale marked down from $149 to $109. Same stuff all around except this one came with a 3 gallon tank(Maybe the same as yours, terryt?) Anyways I'll have to go and get the hose in the 3rd link because now I know that it comes with a 1/4 inch quick disconnect adapter. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
terryt Posted June 30, 2009 Share Posted June 30, 2009 (edited) That is the same compressor I have. I'm very happy with the performance. I like it because it's smallish and can be moved easily. That's the same price I paid for it about 6 years ago, if I remember right it was on sale. Edited June 30, 2009 by terryt Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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