Compressor Suggestions?

Don't worry guys, I'm still here. I'm still familiarizing myself with the compressor and getting more use out of it before I write about it. But as of now, I am very happy with it considering I spent $40. Very very happy.

garylee

Still waiting for the review of the Northern Tools compressor, Ice. What's the hold up?

Happy modeling, and keep posting those pictures!!

Gary

I have a short write-up on the compressor a while back. It will take a bit longer to have any durability report. Or it may not last at all.

OK, Fellas, after all that stuff I talked about how great my Harbor Freight compressor is the dang thing went and took a crap on me last night. I heard the note of the compressor change and after that it wouldn't build more than about 30 lbs of pressure. Fortunately that was enough to finish what I was doing and clean the airbrush.

The good news is that this morning I took the compressor back to H.F. and they gave me a brand new one, no questions asked (it was less than 90 days since I bought it).

So laugh at me all you want, I still like my cheap little H.F. compressor. I realize that for those of you that don't have the luxury of having a H.F. store just two miles down the road it might not be so great, but it's still working out fine for me.

Oh yeah, I'm thinking about doing a WIP on this Trumpeter 1/32 Me 262 I just started. Anybody want to see that one go together?

Still waiting for the review of the Northern Tools compressor, Ice. What's the hold up?

Happy modeling, and keep posting those pictures!!

Gary

GreenThumb

keilau:

GreenThumb:

 Great news Chuck! I love my Badger Million-Air compressor as well.

 Mike, what happened to your Jun Air compressor?

 

Keilau, this is how my Jun-Air looked when I brought it home. I took everything off of it and connected it to a 5 gallon tank. It's quiet but it's also 220V so I have to use a voltage step up transformer to power it.

Mike, yes, I remember your old Jun Air setup well. It was the finished picture of the Jun Air Compressor you posted that inspired me to add a tank to my Paasche DA400. Well, those are all years ago.

In the Aircraft forum, someone posted what he got from a Mexican Hobbymex hobby shop. It is driven by a refrigerator compressor and cost just about $214. That's what a super silent compressor should be.

keilau

 

GreenThumb:

 

Great news Chuck! I love my Badger Million-Air compressor as well.

 

 

Mike, what happened to your Jun Air compressor?

Keilau, this is how my Jun-Air looked when I brought it home. I took everything off of it and connected it to a 5 gallon tank. It's quiet but it's also 220V so I have to use a voltage step up transformer to power it.

garylee

Does anyone know if Northern Tool will re-stock their compressor, or is it gone for good? I still like my H.F. compressor, but after hearing you guys rave about the one from N.T. I just might try it out.

Gary

Yes, they would. But may not be the same model. And likely to be a different price point. Hopefully, it would be soon because the last log sold so fast.

Last year, they had a twin piston compressor without tank for $69. The recent $40 single piston with tank compressor was gone in a matter of weeks. This one was first sold by them in 2008 at a higher price..Check their product list of compressor at 1 CFM or under now and then, you may come up with a good deal when they restock. There is nothing worth considering for now.

The open question about these cheap offers is their durability.

The northern tools compressor was $40 before shipping and tax. And it comes with a 3/4gal tank.

Reasoned

Reasoned:

Quiet operation. Delivers 0 to 40 PSI constant pressure for a quality finish. Works with all airbrushes.

• Auto shut off at 40 PSI, auto-on at 3 PSI
• Adjustable pressure regulator with moisture trap
• Direct hook-up with all airbrushes using universal 1/8"-28 NPS
• Fitting with 1/4" NPT male adapter
• Thermal overload protection with automatic reset
• Rubber suction cup feet for stability
• Built-in carrying handle for maximum portability

Includes 10 ft. coiled air line, Teflon tape, easy-to-read pressure gauge

1/8 HP, 115 volt, 2 amps, 1750 RPM

Overall dimensions: 9-3/4" L x 5-3/8'' W x 9-1/4'' H

Shipping Weight: 8.70 lbs.

 

 Why mess with a tank if you don't need to? 

3 simple reasons:

1. $40 cheaper with the tank. Why pay more for less.
2. More powerful motor and 20 psi higher in pressure margin. Auto at 45 & 60 psi.
3. The tank cannot hurt.

Harbor Freight does have a better airbrush compressor at higher pressure that is equally quiet, closer to the Northern Tools spec. But it is $60 more than NT compressor and still without a tank.

Reasoned

Quiet operation. Delivers 0 to 40 PSI constant pressure for a quality finish. Works with all airbrushes.

• Auto shut off at 40 PSI, auto-on at 3 PSI
• Adjustable pressure regulator with moisture trap
• Direct hook-up with all airbrushes using universal 1/8"-28 NPS
• Fitting with 1/4" NPT male adapter
• Thermal overload protection with automatic reset
• Rubber suction cup feet for stability
• Built-in carrying handle for maximum portability

Includes 10 ft. coiled air line, Teflon tape, easy-to-read pressure gauge

1/8 HP, 115 volt, 2 amps, 1750 RPM

Overall dimensions: 9-3/4" L x 5-3/8'' W x 9-1/4'' H

Shipping Weight: 8.70 lbs.

 

Why mess with a tank if you don't need to? 

Does anyone know if Northern Tool will re-stock their compressor, or is it gone for good? I still like my H.F. compressor, but after hearing you guys rave about the one from N.T. I just might try it out.

Gary

GreenThumb

keilau:

This is what Gary Lee referred to. It is noisy. I would not be able to model next to it.

 Northern Tools has several airbrush compressors that are reasonably quiet, such as this one which recently sold out:

 You are lucky if you got one of this. There is a huge difference in noise level between the two. They were priced about the same.

The majority of modeler would have perfer a compressor at 55-58 dB noise level. To argue that a noisy compessor is fine just because he/she can tolerate it is ingenious. The whole point of this forum to help people avoid making that kind of mistake.

Just put the compressor in another room or the garage and run a long air hose. I did that for years with a Craftsman 1-1/2 hp 12 gallon tank compressor. You lose very little pressure even with 60' of air hose.

We are talking about the cheap compressor solution here. The 60 feet air hose can easily double the $40 cost of the compressor. Besides, it is inconvenient to have to put away the long air hose each time after the modeling session. Few family will accept leaving the air hose stringing around the house all the time.

Most modeler cannot afford the Badger Million-Air compressor you recommended. But they would still perfer to have a compressor that is quiet enough to be in the workbench area and can hear the family when they call. There are many compressor which can fit this bill.

Again, it is a personal perference that how much noise you choose to live with while modeling.

I still believe that the little quiet Northern Tools compressor with 3/4-gallon tank is a much better deal than the Habor Freight one with 3-gallons tank at the same price.

I tested one. The noise is no higher than a typical airbrush compressor from Iwata or Sparmax, but the pitch is slightly higher, just barely. It is not the supersilent type at $600, but you can talk comfortable without raising your voice while airbrushing.

The Northern Tools compressor cylinder head (the part with the vertical heatsink fins) gets as hot as those house brand sold at TCPGlobal. If you leave it running continuously for 30 minutes, it is about 45 degrees F above room temperature. It is quite acceptable since the compressor has auto-on-off and would never run continuously. In normal use, the head will barely get warm to the touch.

The auto switch turns on and off at 45 and 60 psi respectively. These are very good to allow good pressure margin for different paints in most airbrushing jobs, except not quite enough airflow and pressure for T-shirt airbrushing. The airflow was very steady with all of my airbrushes. As usual, with compressor at this price point, your milage may vary.

I did not realize so many of you got this compressor. Please, report back in 6 months and a year. If it still runs strong, you got a hell of a deal. Good luck with your new toy.

Disclaimer: I have no relationship nor know any individual at Northern Tools.

Hey there all,

I just received my compressor from Northern Tools on monday and it is super quiet. I am waiting for some parts on my airbrush before I can use it.

Rchjr

I think i got the last one from northern tools :)

keilau

 

kingsleytim:

 

I use a small compressor attached to a tank bought from Northern tools. Its exactlly like the harbor freight one and i agree. It runs quiet and is very cost effective and functions quite nicely. I am building a kit right now after a 15 year vacation from modeling and am moving along quite nicely with my vega 2000 and budget compressor :). And i airbrush upstairs in my "man cave" and i do not disturb anyone when the compressor kicks on to fill the tank.  Its about 56db at the most.

 

 

This is what Gary Lee referred to. It is noisy. I would not be able to model next to it.

 

Northern Tools has several airbrush compressors that are reasonably quiet, such as this one which recently sold out:

 

You are lucky if you got one of this. There is a huge difference in noise level between the two. They were priced about the same.

The majority of modeler would have perfer a compressor at 55-58 dB level. To argue that a noisy compessor is fine just because he/she can tolerate it is ingenious. The whole point of this forum to help people avoid making that kind of mistake.

Just put the compressor in another room or the garage and run a long air hose. I did that for years with a Craftsman 1-1/2 hp 12 gallon tank compressor. You lose very little pressure even with 60' of air hose.

That Northern Tools compressor is GREAT. I bought one recently (as most of you know). It's SUPER quiet. Once they get back in stock, I highly recommend it.

kingsleytim

I use a small compressor attached to a tank bought from Northern tools. Its exactlly like the harbor freight one and i agree. It runs quiet and is very cost effective and functions quite nicely. I am building a kit right now after a 15 year vacation from modeling and am moving along quite nicely with my vega 2000 and budget compressor :). And i airbrush upstairs in my "man cave" and i do not disturb anyone when the compressor kicks on to fill the tank.  Its about 56db at the most.

This is what Gary Lee referred to. It is noisy. I would not be able to model next to it.

Northern Tools has several airbrush compressors that are reasonably quiet, such as this one which recently sold out:

You are lucky if you got one of this. There is a huge difference in noise level between the two. They were priced about the same.

The majority of modeler would have perfer a compressor at 55-58 dB noise level. To argue that a noisy compessor is fine just because he/she can tolerate it is ingenious. The whole point of this forum to help people to avoid making that kind of mistake.

I use a small compressor attached to a tank bought from Northern tools. Its exactlly like the harbor freight one and i agree. It runs quiet and is very cost effective and functions quite nicely. I am building a kit right now after a 15 year vacation from modeling and am moving along quite nicely with my vega 2000 and budget compressor :). And i airbrush upstairs in my "man cave" and i do not disturb anyone when the compressor kicks on to fill the tank.  Its about 56db at the most.

keilau

I am not sure that I want to leave my compressor in the basement and do airbrushing in the living room or bedroom. I perfer to keep the compressor within reach during modeling. 55-56 dB noise is all I can take when I model in the basement..

 It is just a personal choice.

So, smart alec hampster, eh? I don't airbrush in the bedroom. In fact, here's where I build, and I always love to see what other guys are doing so if anyone else wants to share that would really cool.

And you're absolutley right, it's all a matter of personal choice. What works for me might be horrible for someone else. But to me the whole point of this forum is for us to share information and learn from each other to make ourselves better modelers and help keep our hobby going strong, so when there's a subject that I have some experience with I'll post what I know in the hopes that someone else will benefit from it. I know I've certainly learned boatloads from you guys already so I like to feel I'm giving a little something back.

Gary

garylee

I keep trying to tell you guys that the Harbor Freight compressor is NOT that bad for noise. I have mine in the basement and you have to get right to the top of the stairs before you can hear it at all. It can't be heard from the living room or bedrooms.

I am not sure that I want to leave my compressor in the basement and do airbrushing in the living room or bedroom. I perfer to keep the compressor within reach during modeling. 55-56 dB noise is all I can take when I model in the basement..

 It is just a personal choice.

I keep trying to tell you guys that the Harbor Freight compressor is NOT that bad for noise. I have mine in the basement and you have to get right to the top of the stairs before you can hear it at all. It can't be heard from the living room or bedrooms. The neighbor across the street has a central air conditioning compressor that's much louder than  my cheap little H.F. job. And it performs well, too. From dead empty it takes less than 3 and a half minutes to fill to 100 psi and if I'm not using it I can leave it sit for hours before it comes on again. If I'm using it I can spray for about half a minute before it kicks on, but it doesn't run long at all to refill, even when I'm cleaning the airbrush. About 45 seconmds to one minute refills the 3 gallon tank. But to each his own, right? If you want to spend $600 on a compressor that's your business. I just know that the $560 I saved bought me a whole boatload of really nice kits. Peace.

Gary

keilau

GreenThumb:

Great news Chuck! I love my Badger Million-Air compressor as well.

 

Mike, what happened to your Jun Air compressor?

It's sitting in the garage collecting dust.

GreenThumb

Great news Chuck! I love my Badger Million-Air compressor as well.

Mike, what happened to your Jun Air compressor?

Cadet Chuck

The Sparmax TC-2000 sounded like it had all the features I wanted, so I drove two miles to the local Hobby Lobby, they had one, and I had a 40% off coupon! Saved me $132 and this is a great compressor, as I have determined after a brief test run.

Chuck

GreenThumb

Great news Chuck! I love my Badger Million-Air compressor as well.

garylee

$40 Harbor Freight compressor - $100 Iwata HP-CS - Black 7 and Green Heart are airbrushed on - ready for flat coat and final assembly - 'nuff said.

Gary

It is hard to argue with Gary when seeing the nice result he could accomplish with his gears.

The Badger Million-Air is "virtually silent" at 30 dB noise. So you can lower the noise by 55 dB with $660 more in spending on compressor.

You can save $160 going with the Silentaire Supersilent 20A which is the same compressor as the Badger Million-Air.

You need to be super noise tolerant to use the $40 Harbor Freight compressor. So the $200 Sparmax TC-2000 is a good middle ground which is quiet enough for indoor use in most family.  

$40 Harbor Freight compressor - $100 Iwata HP-CS - Black 7 and Green Heart are airbrushed on - ready for flat coat and final assembly - 'nuff said.

Gary

Great news Chuck! I love my Badger Million-Air compressor as well.

I just want to say a big "thank you" to all you modelers who have posted the great wealth of info on this thread!  My 10 year old compressor died today, and I needed to get a new one, so I consulted the forum.

The Sparmax TC-2000 sounded like it had all the features I wanted, so I drove two miles to the local Hobby Lobby, they had one, and I had a 40% off coupon!  Saved me $132 and this is a great compressor, as I have determined after a brief test run.

Thanks, all of you, for the guidance!

Chuck

icer22x

I'm still here guys... lol

I'm just waiting on Tamiya paint to become available... I haven't been able to spray much without it. :( It seems everywhere is out of stock.

Does Sprue Borthers have the colors you need?

I'm still here guys... lol

I'm just waiting on Tamiya paint to become available... I haven't been able to spray much without it. :( It seems everywhere is out of stock.