Compressor question ???

[voodoojas]

Hello All ---
I hope someone could possibly help me out --- I just purchased my first compressor ( i have been airbrushing using a scuba tank with regulator and works well but figured i should have a compressor) .

It is a silentaire 20-a --- I saw thru looking online that a lot of places
only reccomend this compressor for illustration and not tshirts or automotive --- i plan on doing lots of different projects and was hoping this compressor would work for me ---

I figured I would ask the experts ( all you guys ) if this compressor will
be ok for me for auto and tshirts and misc. type of airbrushing ??

Or did I make a big mistake ?

I know I should have probably asked this question before I bought it
but --- it was a good price on what i figured is a great compressor --

Thanks so much for your help !!!

[airraid]

I looked up the specs. it will work for you however it will be working HARD so stay on top of the maintenance, use it till it pays for itself than get one more suited for your applications.

[voodoojas]

Thanks for the reply --- is the problem that the tank is too small?
someone told me i should run a small fan facing it when i use it so it will
run cooler ???
IS that a good idea ???
Or maybe i should just sell this one and get something different?

Thanks again ---
VooDoo

[airraid]

Yes cooling it with a fan will help but at higher pressures the air is used up faster so it has to run more to keep up and it gets hot than it may start spitting water. A larger compressor is best, better to have the proper equipment that way you can adjust the pressures to wherever you need and large compressors are not that expensive, only about $100

[J W]

When buying a compressor that works for almost EVERY application there are 2 things that impact performance - a 1/2 HP Motor (or better) that generates a CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) of 2.0 minimum. The higher CFM allows you to use the thicker viscosity paints (such as Textile Paints) with relative ease...

In the catagory you chose from, the Silentaire "Super Silent 50-TC" would have fit all your needs, but I'm sure cost was a factor.

That being said, it does not mean a compressor of lesser stats cannot be used with equal effectiveness - I used a 1/4 HP compressor with a CFM of 1.05 for many years painting everything from Fine Art to Textile Art and it always worked - the key with any compressor is to be mindful of the "duty cycle" - which ideally should be 50/50 - in other words it is on as much as it is off - pushing it past that can cut it's life expectancy down some, but you can compensate by always keeping an eye on the oil level, put a fan somewhere to keep it cool and remember to drain the smaller tanks on a regular basis (especially when you live in a humid climate)

As your fellow forum member "airraid" suggested - use it wisely until it pays for it's bigger and better replacement - then keep the little guy as a backup because you know it is a proven resource!

-JW

[voodoojas]

Thank you all so much !
I will use it but keep a close eye on the oil and
the run cycle ---
I dont really have a lot of chances to ab ,
so I will not be using it for hours every day ---

Thanks again to all !!