Thread: compressor questions

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I bought a small 250 psi air compressor(12v) you plug into your car lighter. Is it possible to turn it into an electric one and is it powerful enough to use it with a cheap airbrush from Harbor Freight? Thanks for any help and please keep it in simple terms

You can always buy an adapter to convert the 110-120 to 12v but it will need higher amp model. WARNING: These compressors do not have a long very long recommended run time as they heat up fairly quick. You will also need to use an external air tank to supply constant air demands. You are better off buying a cheap compressor off ebay (feebay) or craigslist(crackslist) . I found one for $30 which works great! Best of luck to you!

Was that the little yellow one from Harbor Freight? Those are great for emergency flat tires, not so much for airbrushing. Depending on what you're doing, you might like this one:

http://www.harborfreight.com/1-5-hp-...kit-95630.html

Don't buy it for the airbrush, you want the compressor. You can always use the brush if you're shooting cheap paints or enamels/primers that might clog up your good one. As several reviews mention, the compressor "pulsates" since it supplies air directly without a tank. If you're planning on doing detailed airbrush painting this is probably not for you. If you are doing stencil work and big colorful but not overly detailed art with it, you'll probably be fine. I was using it to airbrush small statues, but not teeny tiny ones. You can always bring it back if it's a complete disaster. I have one of these from back when it was sold in craft stores for about 2x the price. I really should haul out the airbrush and start experimenting again.

As always when shopping at Harbor Freight, search for coupons and watch the sale ads.

I do have a regular compressor ter ran,I just wanted one smaller and quiet to run inside. I have only used it for a paint sprayer on the house and not small projects.

Xane...I don't have the one you pictured. Someone picked up a cheap airbrush from HF for me and I was just thinking about trying it out just to get a feel for one. If I like it I can always buy better next time.
Thanks guys!