Testing Harbor Freights Fortress Air Compressor For Airbrushing - Quiet High Quality Unit
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- čas přidán 3. 08. 2022
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18:57 It's better to drain the tank from the lever at the bottom than the emergency pin at the back. Besides depressurizing, you also want to get rid of any moisture than built up inside otherwise you could have rust problems. Also you can lock in the pressure regulator with the red ring under the knob.
To drain the water you have to open the ball valve at the bottom of the tank. The one in the back is a relief valve
This is an awesome compressor for brushing. Make sure you do the break in procedure in the manual. Run it for 30 min with the bottom port open.
Just bought this and broke it in for 30 minutes but curious what’s the point? Literally what will happen if someone never breaks it in? Won’t the same net result occur as one accumulates 30 min of runtime? I know building engines it’s important to break in the piston rings to match the block bore crosshatch but I am nor sure these air compressors are that high-precision...
I've never been overly concerned about compressor noise but then again I often wear ear defenders at my spray both, primarily to reduce the fan roar noise. I have a large very high flow rate fan on my spray booth bought many years ago in the days when solvent based paints were pretty much our only option. Once ear defenders are on then the compressor cutting in is never a huge issue. But this is a very quiet compressor, so much so that that I may well consider a "quiet" compressor when mine eventually dies as all machinery eventually does.
Beyond that it is very rare that I disagree with any of your comments and recommendations but this time I'd like to offer two rebuttals. First, buy the compressor with the largest tank that you can afford and fit into the location intended for the compressor. Most of us are not as "frugal" with air use as you so that invariably means the compressor will cycle several times during an airbrushing session - especially when drying acrylic paints as you have often demonstrated. So if the costs are similar in this case the two gallon equipped compressor is the more prudent and long lasting buy. The larger tank will ultimately mean fewer cycles on the compressor and that means a longer calendar life for the compressor. It also reduces the number of pressure cycles on the tank which further protects against fatigue failure.
Secondly, while the moisture trap/filter at the airbrush is certainly a good idea to protect the airbrush itself, I very strongly recommend fitting a moisture trap/ air dryer between the compressor and the secondary pressure regulator. All regulators but especially the finer control low flow rate air pressure regulators need clean dry air or will tend to corrode and/or easily get clogged by debris, worse yet if you have one of the lower priced ones made from mild steel which many of us do when building our first airbrush/compressor system.
Finally, when using two regulators as illustrated here the primary regulator at the compressor tank should be at least 30 psi higher than the final airbrush pressure. In this case I recommend the on-compressor regulator be set at 50 to 60 psi. That way the secondary regulator is still lowering the pressure by 30-45 psi which helps ensure its output pressure is more stable.
I got the California air compressor I got a scratch and dent floor model for$125 . I never found a scratch or dent. It super quiet and shipping was free. Drain the tank every three months. Humidity here inNO LA is usually over 90% and there is never moisture in my built in moisture trap. Good advice from someone on running the first valve at 30 psi over running pressure for me that 50 to 55. I use 55 so I can run my brush up to 30 for cleaning. Well within ab factory specs but helpful. Good job!
Perfect timing because I was looking at the 2 gallon version of this compressor..Thanks!
Nice. I've been using the two gal for a few years and love it. Handles the air brushes easy as well as various nailers, air blower, tire filler, etc...
I’ve been running the 2 gal Fortress for my air brush and it rocks! I put my regulator/separator on a quick connect right off the compressor.
Good to know there are alternatives, but beyond happy with my California Air Tools. The ability to run the compressor in the garage below sleeping kids bedrooms is invaluable.
I bought the Hitachi version more than 2 years ago and it has worked flawlessly, Keep the great information coming. Model On!
I like how you give options for other quiet compressors. I use the Cal-Air one and love it.
Now I'm all excited for the 2K video!
Nice of you to test this air compressor. Thanks for sharing.
I couldn't wait for the review, my brother used it for sometime, first one I bought had a leaky regulator but I swapped it for a 2gal.great unit from an Amazon unit.
i have used this compressor for about 4 or 5 years for air brushing and finish air nailer. it has preformed flawlessly. i got mine with a coupon for 90 bucks to boot.
what is your use case? do you spray all day (prime, wait, 1st coat) or just pieces? I'm only a master grade 1/100 gundam mainly so I'm concerned tank is too small, so looking at the Stealth brand, looks to be a carbon copy, same eveyrthing but with 3 gall at $199.
@@olo398 i have used it for a couple of hours a few times, and have never run out of pressure.
You can buy an airbrush hose with the proper adapter fitting right from Harbor Freight. Its $8 if I recall correctly. It's what I use with my 2gal Fortress compressor with zero issues. I am gonna have to check out one of those digital regulators for sure, looks handy!
Thanks for the info, We will get this compressor. We look forward to watching more of your recommendations and videos
I run a old moisture trap that takes a roll of toilet paper which goes into a small 3-way manifold. It seriously saved on buying adaptors for all my Paasche's just to use 1 standard air hose for Paasche,Harder,Badger and a Iwata.
This would be a good replacement for my old one, great video as always.
Fantastic compressor. Here is a formula for a better cycle time adjustment for airbrushing: Adjust the cut-in/cut-out screw counter-clockwise until you have a cut-in of 50 lbs... Then, adjust the cut-out screw clockwise until it has a cut-out pressure of 100 lbs.
The results... I can run a .8mm trigger style airbrush at 30 psi non-stop for 45 sec. before cut-in, and recovery is 48 seconds to cut-out at 100 lbs. (and yes I still had the trigger held down during the recovery stage).
The benefit... This means that you are only running your compressor at a 50% duty ratio, and because you are not charging all the way to 135 lb. factory setting, the compressor works less, runs cooler, runs quieter, and lives much, much longer life.
I’ve been looking for a new compressor so thank you for the reviews
I have been using the 2 gallon version of this compressor for over a year now. It is an amazing compressor for the price. Really quiet and the 2 gallon capacity means it is not running all the time. I highly recommend it. It is way cheaper then the airbrush compressors some companies sell. I mean really all you need is compressed air.
I have the twin tank fortress. Love it. Super quiet and has 2 connection spots. Fill it and off you go.
I have one of the 2 gallon size ones for my shop, and after watching this video, I bought a second 1 gallon one since I was in the market for an air brush compressor. I had to use it today to run my air brad nailer to attach a replacement piece of corner molding in the bedroom. Got the second one for a 25% discount using a HF coupon. These are great compressors and really quiet. HF also had the digital regulator on closeout for $12.
Love your channel. I to have gone to a silent compressor and your digital gage installed on a regulator with a desiccant filter next to my spray booth. You have to drain the water out of your tank after using it. Thank you for showing this I don't feel like the only one doing this.
You rock. I feel like you're living down the street... I love when a fellow Bostonian says the word "Tawny" Gold. I paint warhammer and build gunpla and tamiya motorcycles and I just watched 6 of you videos. Great videos. I started out looking for a review of zero vs gravity paint.... thanks so much for your expertise.
I use this same compressor for my airbrushes and I love it. Those Iwata water traps are $30 at my local Hobby Lobby.. I ordered two cheaper branded ones from Spraygunner and they work great. Great tutorial.
Good call on the digital gauge. The gauge that comes with it requires you to kind of estimate the psi. It is as quiet as my Silentaire Scorpion II-TT compressor that was $349.00 and it does not have to start up as often either. Mine is 2 years old and has had ZERO issues.
Thanks for the review. Good to see a pro who's opinions I value using one of these compressors. I bought my 1st airbrush and this very compressor about a year ago now. Mine won't get as much use as yours but I'll definitely be waiting for your long term on it. I couldn't be happier with mine. Especially considering that I live in an apartment and I've gotten no complaints from my neighbors yet.
Thanks again Man, you Rock.
I bought this a few weeks back for getting into airbrushing - mainly because it wasn't a single-use device and wasn't that much more expensive than tanked "dedicated" hobby compressor. It can go to a high pressure, it has a decent tank size, and for what it is, it doesn't weight much. I can fill tires with it, airbrush, take off wheels. It's amazing for $159, being a double piston design - to get this level of features in a "hobby" compressor, I was looking at $300+.
I also bought a secondary low-psi regulator for it that is by my booth. So I have 30 PSI out from the compressor running into 18 PSI at the secondary regulator to the airbrush.
So far it's been amazing. The only complaint is that the vibration it puts out on a hard floor surface may be disturbing to people in other rooms, but if you have carpeted floors, that should deaden the vibration enough to be negligible.
Have one very similar with a 9L tank. Have run it for 6+ hour painting sessions.
Most of the same silent types on the market run 55-60dB.
Can even spray high psi (50psi) syphon feed to push fabric paints into tshirt fabric.
Keep the small as a backup.
Great video, thank you . I enjoy them
I bought the 2 gallon version on sale and everything else at HarborFreight including the airbrush hose, except for the regulator (Amazon). If you own an airbrush like I do, get this. Reliable, durable, and quiet. One of the best choices I made when it comes to airbrushing.
I like my tooty for the airbrush. I have a Kolbolt that’s similar to this Fortress I use for tools ,nail gun etc…but nice to have around. Another great review!
Pleasantly surprised to see a Harbor Freight item that appears to be of high quality. That sounds like a good find!
You’re going to love this compressor, I do.
The black one has a high pitched whistle that would drive me crazy.
I have the 2 gal Fortress and its run perfectly for the 3 years I have had it.
I have used mine to air brush shirts and even run a half inch air wrench to take lug nuts off my Jeep.
Very nice quality compressor.
I was looking for a compressor to get into airbrushing. Thanks for the review.
Already mentioned, but draining the tank using the bottom drain is the only way to get all the water out of the tank. Pulling the pressure relief valve will leave much of the water in the tank. I am anxious to see how the Grex spray gun works with your new compressor and just works in general. As a car modeler the fan spray nozzle and larger needle are of interest and I have heard that smaller compressors can't keep up. I think your one gallon will do fine but I'd like to know before I buy. You spend it and I save it! Thanks for all you do.
The Grex mini spray and car body video will be up within a week 👍
@@barbatosrex9473 Great. Thanks for all you do.
drain the air tank from the bottom valve every time when it is not in use this will keep the moisture out of the air supply tank and will prolong the life of the compressor.
I have the 26 Gallon fortress and it will fill from empty to full in five minutes quieter than most.
I’m excited to see more about the gloss clear
I have the same air compressor sir it is awesome I have it in my other room and I ran a hard line from it to my build room and I hooked it into a 3 gallon air tank under the bench and the two quick disconnects one by my spray booth and one by my build air so I can blow pieces off or for whatever I may need air for their and I love it only runs a couple of minutes and I will go 2 days sometimes before it will kick on really depends on how much air I use sir. Thanks for the awesome videos and tips and the reviews that you give out sir thank you very much Jimmy Bargo
I am going to add a another hook up by the 3d printers that I'm in the middle of installing them now sir
I have a couple of pancake compressors in the basement, but the one I keep in my hobby room is a master blaster no name from spraygunner. Works great.
Hoy, I have the Fortress air compressor, I love it!!! I had the pancake type, worst air compressor ever, loud loud loud died in less than a year. I highly recommend the Fortress.
I sure enjoy your videos.
I only use quiet compressors. They’re prices are so much better than they were so there’s no reason to kill your ears anymore. I have adapters for just about every airbrush and hose to go with them. I got a bag of assorted adapters on Amazon for about $9 and it had everything I needed.
I went to grab one of these a while back and they were sold out, then I sorta forgot about it. Buddy has one of these same units and it's great for the job intended plus other household uses. Put an spray adapter on this and clean out the vent ducts and dryer vents as well in between painting projects lol. For the price it's far better than the no name ones like you have and I do as well even though those work just fine too. Great video, now to go and see if they have one lol
This is better than an auto show
Standing ovation, you crushed it out of the park. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge and reviews we are much appreciated. Looking forward to more awesome reviews. Everyone keep yourselves and love ones safe and healthy and remember to SMILE 😃 😊
Hi Barbatos Rex & it's is Randy and i like yours video is Cool & Thanks Barbatos Rex & Friends Randy
Thanks brother painter,,, I know now I can use a regular compressor for my airbrush and how too,,,,
I have been waiting for this video. I’ve been wondering how quite those compressors really area. Have you tried your HPLV spray gun yet on this compressor?
I got a 4710SQ from California air it's super quiet and the build quality is awesome I love it. Plus it's a 1hp motor. You should check it out
I've been eyeing the 2 gallon one for a while that way I can use it for the home and car as well.
Absolutely love the Zoids Liger in the opening shot! Big Zoids fan here!
Check out the Toy Galaxy channel, he did a bio on them last night
@@barbatosrex9473 I actually watched that earlier today!
I just bought this unit today in 2 gallons size, to replace my similar Fini Advanced Quiet 2 gal compressor from Menards that died after 10 years (motor sparked ⚡️). Omg this compressor is truly as quiet as the video and it’s more than 3x as fast as my Fini! Wow! It was twice the price but money well spent! Really feels and looks well built, I love how it’s got two push-click air tool ports also. The only thing odd is it’s rated at 135 PSI but only fills to about 117 PSI according to two gauges. No big deal for me though.
This is a great air compressor for sure
Harbor Freight is running a 10% off deal this weekend.
Are use the very same one. It works excellent doesn’t come on very often are usually run around 20 psi and it comes on like every 5to15 minutes depending on what I’m doing. It’s great I love it and I just use and Iwadai Neo
I currently have the same spraygunner compressor as you and if I were to upgrade to a bigger compressor, I’d buy the 2 gallon. I was thinking of getting the fortress 1 gallon, but got the tooty bc it was more simpler to set up.
NOTE - there is a 2 gallon version that is quiet - however the 4 gallon one is NOT the quiet line so its very loud! - the 2 gallon version of this is the sweet spot... if you upgrade to larger size HF wont ding you but if you go down in size they ding you a 30% restocking fee! - i recommend the 2 gallon one so it doesn't come on as often
Your youtube thumb for this video shows the Grex Tritium 3 so I was expecting to see you test this with it. I have that Grex and this Fortress compressor and they are both awesome products. Highly recommend both.
Whenever I need great advice, you're hear for me. Thanks for all you do Barbatos Rex. 🔥❤ 🔥
You're welcome buddy
I got the ultra quiet 2 gallon I love it
I'M LOOKING FOR A AIR COMPRESSOR, SO THIS SHALL BE THE BRAND I,LL GET!
Super awesome
you can drain it on the front bottom turn valve there if you look...the back valve is for safety the bottom front valve is for draining
That moisture trap came with mine.
I just looked it up on the Harbor Freight website. it is now (11/5/2022), $159.99 for the 1 gallon size and $189.99 for the 2 gallon size. Anyway Thank You Rex for the great review of this Harbor Freight Fortress Air Compressor. Wonderfully done as is always with your reviews.
Check the site weekly they go on sale constantly. Another viewer told my they got one recently for close to $100
@@barbatosrex9473 Gee, and WOW! - That was fast. I hadn't even finished watching this video before you replied back. Thank You For your kind reply.
I got the 2 gallon version and love it.
Great piece of equipment for sure
ZUP BRO, thanks for the Video
I’m thinking of picking this exact one up, would I also need to get everything else like the separate air pressure gauge and the other hose?
Robert, So I've decided I'll add an Iwata-Medea moisture trap to my system but when I search on Amazon there are two which are very similar, the F A450 and F A500. Which one is yours, assuming there is some kind of identification on the trap itself or the packaging? I'd rather get the one which is "proven" to fit with the airbrush quick connects rather than guess and risk having to return/exchange an incorrect order.
You are doing gods work!
I would love too know where you get them airbrush stands from buddy
I don't know if this compressor is eu only, but would definitely recommend the Stanley FATMAX Silent Air Compressor DST 101/8/6SI
I love my Tooty from Spray Gunner! so far but something with a bigger tank would come in Handy some days ;)
I like the membership join 👌 more then other thing this way you can get all your membership members set to private video while do a video for others but yea look in to it great video ill be looking into the air pump thanks for sharing
I noticed in a newer video you took the digital air compressor gauge off what is it a bad product or did you just switch to something else?
Do you still use this and do you see any drop in pressure spraying while it's filling back up?
So, with the tank and all those add ons... what was the final cost for this?
My compressor is acting up after a year of use. I plan on getting one of those to replace it when the time comes.
You can open the drain on bottom to empty it.
I have this compressor and don't have any complaints so far. If you can wait, they 2 gallon one goes on sale for not much more than this one ever month or so. Just keep an eye on their sales ads.
yep. I just picked up the 2 gal Fortress for $175 today on sale. I will use with the Iwata hp-c plus and a 1980’s Paasch single action siphon
I run a moister trap on my compressor I do not run one on my airbrush hose should I use one on it even though I have one on my compressor. It is tankless which is annoying but it is pretty quit it just keeps running when I spray.
Did you break in the compressor as the manual says too?
Very interesting
Now if you want something that is really quiet, give a Jun-Air (I think they are re-branded as "Sil-Air" in the states) a try. They cost a small fortune but man do I love mine even though it's insane overkill for my use :D
Is there any reason not to trust the onboard compressor regulator?
thanks
I use a regular gallon air compressor but honestly it’s loud as hell!
I think you should have gotten the 2gal I have 2 of them and they are the best for the money and I do lots of airbrushing
hey barbatos i was wondering if you could recommend what brand or type of quick release to buy for your Swallowtail airbrush
This one here works great amzn.to/4aGu1xy
How accurate do you think that digital gauge is?
Would the one gallon be enough for airbrush?
Cool!
where did you get your digital pressure gauge and what size are the connections? I am very new at this and don't have any experience yet/
Digital Regulator is from Harbor Freight. Air compressor threaded fitting size is 1/4" NPT. Airbrush threaded fitting size is 1/8" BSP. Air line quick connects are I/M style which are also available individually or in sets from Harbor Freight.
I'm trying to learn about compressors for airbrushing and sprayguns. For instance; what type/brand of compressor would be good for either? Basically, I'm interested in something that can run both. I'm interested in painting metal scooter parts but also models and paintings aswell.
Spray guns require a full sized industrial compressor. However you can power an airbrush with that, I've done a video on it
Not about this vid but I watch u test stuff out gd stuff n thanks . Remember fortress HF I used it was out game for min. I got my iwatta masters , n Avanti came across a compressor today not sure seen or not but gonna find out
Can't leave pics.
You didn’t have to break in the compressor?
What Adapters do you use to go from the normal 1/4 air hose to the air brush hose
1/4 to 1/8
Nice! It looks like a pretty good little unit and way quieter than the little Coleman compressor I use for portable air. You can just use the drain on the bottom to release all the air and that will also drain any moisture that builds up in the tank. You can just crack it open a little and put a rag there to absorb the water that comes out. In a lot of air compressor dryer units, there is a solenoid that pops open the compressor drain intermittently throughout the day for a second or two and keeps the moisture down in the tank.
Late to party. I got mine like amost 2 years ago and man it is extremely hard to convince hobbyists to get this over "no name" compressors. You said it yourself the cost is about the same and HB constantly puts this on sale for about $110. Since its not dedicated to airbrushing you can use any common fitting from hardware stores. The moisture trap can also be picked up and usually much higher quality than the cheap inline traps. I picked up a husky trap from home depot and it was solid while costing much less. You only need the adapter to fit the airbrush hose. You see it for yourself how much faster it builds pressure and recovers with dual motor and a much lower pitch in sound. Mine doesn't raddle like yours did (prob a tag hanging) but it doesn't move and you hardly feel the vibrating. I also recommend a digital PSI gauge since the one on the tank has too large of a range. Trying to adjust for low PSI 15-35 is tough. This is meant for other airtools after all. There's also a 2 gallon version with 2 built in quick release fittings. So if you're a madman to double up the airbrush same tank, the option exists.
Wow that was quite.