Thread: Tanks for the memories...air tank confusion

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Hi guys. I have decided that I MUST have one of those web guns that are compressor powered. Converting a 100 watt'r laying around the basement unused. Plans looked super simple. What isn't so simple or at least obvious to me anyway is this:
Scfm. I understand there is a minimum and some compressors don't seem to give this info on the box and the people in the stores aint much help. I know I need a compressor. I understand the minimum requirements. Larger tank is better etc...
In the past I've used an AIR TANK to power myAirbrush. So until I can afford a compressor with a tank can I use a charged up 5 gal. tank for web slinging? And if so how do you tell what the scfm is? Is it adequate? Tanks dont seem to list this figure on them or in their manuals. Or at least mine doesn't. Is this a dumb question? Dazed and confused. Cait

I just watched a video of the webcaster. Very cool. The only product specification I could find says it needs a 90 psi compressor. It didn't look like very high volume of air goes through it, so you just might get it to work with the 5 gallon tank and short bursts. If your compressor can charge your tank to at least 90 psi that is. It's best to charge your tank to the greatest psi that the tank is rated for and/or what your comressor can do, then set the regulator on the tank to 90 psi.

The old compressor I have doesn't ramp up enough scfm's so would it be able to charge a tank high enough. It does up to 100 psi but way too little scfm.
Does that effect the pressure in the tank? I've never used it for anything but an airbrush which requires very little pressure so this is all new and confusing. Gnererally I just charged it and used the tank frankly. And of course ocassionally pumped up a tire.
If I have a tank do I even need a new compressor or can I hook it up some way so it keeps the pressure up longer? It's an old 1/2 hp oil-less (speedaire?) that hasnt been made in like 15 years!

While you can get away with using just an air tank to airbrush, these web guns demand high volume, I used my lil 4 gal pancake Sears compressor i use for airbrushing to a nail gun, I added a 5 gal air tank to it & my webber ( Minions MW-CCL ) & it drains that in a several seconds ! Then i have to wait for it to refill , of course it does give the gun reheat time-not that it needed it, but the small compressors really get a HD work out. & higher HP & tank combo (2-3hp 40-50 gal) worked better for me & still cycled a lot...........like expelling a lot of air to fill a flat tire over & over.....

Harbor Frieght tools is selling a 3 HP 10 gallon for $119 and a 20 gallon for $129. It looks like shipping is $12. I don't know if these are any good but it seems like a good price.

Originally Posted by Caitsith

The old compressor I have doesn't ramp up enough scfm's so would it be able to charge a tank high enough. It does up to 100 psi but way too little scfm.
Does that effect the pressure in the tank? I've never used it for anything but an airbrush which requires very little pressure so this is all new and confusing. Gnererally I just charged it and used the tank frankly. And of course ocassionally pumped up a tire.
If I have a tank do I even need a new compressor or can I hook it up some way so it keeps the pressure up longer? It's an old 1/2 hp oil-less (speedaire?) that hasnt been made in like 15 years!

Chances are you'll kill that lil compressor in no time, Filling a tire is fine, but constant refilling any size tank will over work that lil guy..... sounds close to my Sears unit. It's not just the larger tank, a larger hp motor will pump air faster on refill, / cycling less time each time it refills.
Like if you we trying to fill a 55 gal drum with water, would you use a small tea cup (your compressor with even extra tank) or a garden hose ( higher CFM, hp- bigger tank ).-best way to put it !

Originally Posted by redrom

Harbor Frieght tools is selling a 3 HP 10 gallon for $119 and a 20 gallon for $129. It looks like shipping is $12. I don't know if these are any good but it seems like a good price.

That's a lot better ratings, still give it a work out, but better, add a couple 5 gal tanks would help. Have never dealt with they're compressors, pretty much Sears myself, so couldn't tell ya how good they are or will last,
but they do have great prices on stuff, just gotta watch for good price on a good item or good price on garbage......

Thanks Red and Dark. A lot of help and some stuff to think about.
Those prices seem too good to be true but I will definately look into Harbor Freight. Has anyone had any experience with their compressors? Well, again thanks for the info and education. It definately helped. Cait

I have the 8 gallon compressor from Harbor Freight that usually runs for about $100 dollars. It's this one:
http://www.harborfreight.com/air-too...sor-95386.html

Had it for about 2 years. Run an impact gun, air hammer, and my air nailers with it. Seems decent for the price. Haven't had any problems with it. My 2 cents.

I got one from Aldi and it works fine