beginner question - what do I look for in a compressor?

I do demos and samll classes at hobby shops and local grade schools.  I usually tell people to be sure for modeling you have an air source that will generate 30PSI (20psi when operating the airbrush), and if you're going to do detail with a gravity feed airbrush get a regualtor as well so you can moderate pressure down to get the better control the gravity feed airbrsuh affords.  I know that's basic advice, but it works to simplify knowing your needs when starting out.  I see a lot folks get too technical and frustrated when trying to get going with airburshing. 

All are correct that the pulsation of some diaphram compressors is undesireable, but I've found the compressors of the airbrush manufacturers that are of this type do not present an interuption to the airflow that is apparent in or effecting of the aibrushes spray pattern or performance.  It's more of a problem with general purpose "harbor freight tool"/import type miniature compressors.  If you want a good airbrush compressor to start with you can't wrong with units from Badger, Iwata, Paasche - I've used most of their entry level units at differnet times or laocals and all worked satisfactory.

This is a link to a hand out I use for beginners - it breifly, not in deatil, addresses compressors 

http://www.badgerairbrush.com/PDF/airbrush101printfinal.pdf

keilau

Compressor #1 and #3 are the SAME compressor sold by the same vendor, TCP Global. One in a combo kit with airbrush and the other compressor alone.

If you go with the Iwata, you should go with the Smart Jet instead of the Sprint Jet. The Smart Jet has the auto turn-off feature that saves the wear and tear of the compressor and makes it quieter.

If you are the adventurous type, here is another option. The compressor looks extremely good on paper with very low price. But I have no information on the seller and the reliability of the compressor they sell. If you buy one from them, let us know how it works out.

 

Did anyone try this compressor from Northern Tool?  At half the price of the Paasche DA-400, it seems like a good candidate for "best buy" IF the quality of it holds up. Pair it with a Iwata HP-CS from Hobby Lobby, you can have a decent airbrush setup for less than $200.

I bought a Porter Cable compresser and it came with 3 nailers. brad, staple. and small finish nailers.

Bill

AModelBuilder wrote:

keilau wrote: If you are the adventurous type, here is another option. The compressor looks extremely good on paper with very low price. But I have no information on the seller and the reliability of the compressor they sell. If you buy one from them, let us know how it works out.   there are actually two of them at northern tool the one you have and this one. They're both $79. Do you know the advantages and/or disadvantages of one over the other? One is twin cylinder, if that matters, and one has the tank. I don't know what it matters either way. Thanks.

On paper spec, the twin cylinder one is better. It would be my choice.

Twin cylinder:  1.12 CFM @ 40 psi

Single with tank:  0.8 CFM @ 30 pis

I am biasised because I have a Paasche DA400 twin cylinder compressor. It is my experience that the small airtank had little benefit if you have a powerful enough compressor to begin with. You can read my earlier post on adding the tank to the DA400.

You can get the TC-196 at TCP Global which is twin cylinder with tank.

Twin cylinders attempt to eliminate the pulsing that is inherent with a diaphragm or piston compressor. Pulsing is bad, very bad.

The tank also works to eliminate pulsing, and also works to store air so the compressor isn't running all the time. Running all the time is bad, very bad.

I would rather have a tank then a twin cylinder. In fact, I do!

$80 is a great deal, but I'm always wary of cheap tools. I find I end up buying the more expensive tools after the cheap ones break.

keilau wrote:

Compressor #1 and #3 are the SAME compressor sold by the same vendor, TCP Global. One in a combo kit with airbrush and the other compressor alone. If you go with the Iwata, you should go with the Smart Jet instead of the Sprint Jet. The Smart Jet has the auto turn-off feature that saves the wear and tear of the compressor and makes it quieter. If you are the adventurous type, here is another option. The compressor looks extremely good on paper with very low price. But I have no information on the seller and the reliability of the compressor they sell. If you buy one from them, let us know how it works out.

I prefer a compressor that is of high quality, quiet, and will last a lifetime.

That is why I have a Badger Million Air as well as a 1/2 hp Jun-Air. Both are very high quality and will outlast me as far as the years go. 

Yes they are a little pricey but they will outlast all others in terms of quality.

There are other factors to consider, too.  I'm a homeowner, and I have a 1:1 scale bench to outfit, too.  So when I went looking for a compressor that could drive my airbrush, I looked for one that could run small pneumatic tools as well, like a finish nailer.  I bought a Craftsman 1.5 hp compressor with a 3 gallon tank, and a couple of other attachments.  Now I just need Craftsman to put their finish nailer on sale, by itself...

Of course, you could dig out the FSM issue from a couple of years ago, with the article showing how to build your own rig, using a Black&Decker automatic tire pump, and the remaining hardware picked up at any hardware store.

Compressor #1 and #3 are the SAME compressor sold by the same vendor, TCP Global. One in a combo kit with airbrush and the other compressor alone.

If you go with the Iwata, you should go with the Smart Jet instead of the Sprint Jet. The Smart Jet has the auto turn-off feature that saves the wear and tear of the compressor and makes it quieter.

If you are the adventurous type, here is another option. The compressor looks extremely good on paper with very low price. But I have no information on the seller and the reliability of the compressor they sell. If you buy one from them, let us know how it works out.