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I have posted before about my airbrush compressor overheating regularly... To help alleviate the issue, I stumbled upon a good deal ($20) for a 7 gallon tire air tank. I bought the fittings and tapped it out to accept the airbrush fittings. Now it seems that the compressor just runs and runs and runs.... I have to manually cycle it (turn it off and on). Is a 7 gallon tank too big? I know a lot of people use a 2 gallon compressor... I just figured that 7 gallons would be better. I am very limited with my free time, so when I have a chance I will sit down and crank out 3-5 hour airbrush sessions. The overall increased productivity really makes me feel like I am using my free time better.

On the plus side, I have noticed any of the "pulse" from continued spraying. Although my in-line water separators are collecting quite a bit of water from the compressor's continued operation.

How big is your compressor? If its a little table top model yea 7 gallons is a bit huge (like trying to use a 4cl engine in a monster truck)..

Yeah, it is a Badger Aspire Pro table top compressor... I unhooked it from the big tank and it didn't heat up as fast... I am trying to be patient with the compressor. I like to sit down for 3-4 hour airbrush sessions when I get time and it overheats... I almost wish I would have purchased a garage compressor and just run a line up to my paint room... then I would have no supply or overheating issues...

The idea behind a large tank is to pressurize it well above working spray pressure and then use a regulator to bring the pressure down to spray pressure. If your compressor can't provide more air than you're using the tank serves no purpose and will just cause the compressor to run continuously.

If you're having problems with the compressor overheating, you either need to shorten your painting sessions or step up to a better compressor that can handle a larger duty cycle (percentage of run time to down time). A very small expansion chamber (less than a liter) can get rid of pulsing. You want a high pressure compressor if you feel the need for a tank.

Yeah, this is my first airbrush compressor and I am not super happy with it... Or I have too high of expectations of what I hope to accomplish with this aircompressor. I find it hard to believe that people only paint for 1 hour or so at a time... I may need to see if a different compressor would better suit my needs. I have been in contact with Badger in regards to the over heating issue (discussed in a previous thread http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/532510.page). The initial smell has subsided and I have removed the shroud that covers the compressor which seems to help. I have been debating on purchasing a second compressor to run once the other has overheated. I will need to see if this would be cheaper than purchasing a "professional" grade compressor. I just can't imagine people who make a living by painting minis are having to stop every hour and let their compressor cool for 2-3 hours. I have a very hectic schedule between full time work, part time school, and occasional family. When I get blocks of time that I can paint, I really hit it hard. I also have been dabling in some comission painting work in which the airbrush has been a godsend.

Has anyone else had issues feeling like their needs (or at least desires) have out grown their current air compressor? Or am I just being too demanding as to what I expect from a table top air compressor? I really do appreciate everyone's help/support on this. Painting for me is more than just a hobby is it one of my main outlets for frustrations and overall stress from my job. Thanks again guys!

Edit-- I cannot find any information on the duty cycle for my Badger Aspire Pro TC910 compressor....