What's a good compressor to get?

Shop around for prices. There's a large selection and are not expensive. Make certain you have a regulator to be able to dial down the ab pressure and and a moisture trap to keep water from ruining your work.  I use a regular Campbell Housefeld 10 gal compressor in the garage. I also use it for my air driven tools but you can go with a smaller hobby type.

Depends on what features are important to you.  Do you need a really quiet one?  Expect to pay a lot more in that case.  I general purpose pancake compressor and tank can be had for as cheap as fifty bucks.  Made-for-airbrushing compressors start at around a hundred.  The quieter they are, the more expensive they are.  Almost any airbrush compressor will work.  I am using an Iwata Silver Jet on a very old 200.  I could use a little more pressure, but am getting by with that cheap model.

I agree with PJ, there are many available at prices ranging from ~$40 to several thousand $. As an example, any of THESE from HF would work (I used the 1/8th HP one for over three years and it's still running fine) or similar units from TCP Global or Chicago Airbrush.  The Sparmax TC2000 is highly recommended by those who have one. I have a Badger TC910 that I'm pleased with. You will want one with a regulator and moisture trap. Unless you also want to use it for inflating tires and air tools, I'd recommend one of the smaller oilless piston compressors with regulator and trap for your Badger 200.

I'll play "devil's advocate" here.  When I started back into scale-models (circa late 80s), I used a hand me down old compressor that was already 40 years old.  It "pulsed out" about 30 psi and had no regulator at all.  I later added a water trap but still, humid weather just about shut my painting down.  About five years ago, I made the jump to CO2, and I've not looked back. 

I lease two bottles and when one runs out, I take it in for a fill up (about $13).  It is quiet, and there are NO H2O issues.  I bought a good regulator with two gauges and find that I can fine tune my calibrations better.  Perhaps, the CO2 is not for everyone, but it should be considered I'd venture.  ymmv...

Gary

Texgunner

I'll play "devil's advocate" here.  When I started back into scale-models (circa late 80s), I used a hand me down old compressor that was already 40 years old.  It "pulsed out" about 30 psi and had no regulator at all.  I later added a water trap but still, humid weather just about shut my painting down.  About five years ago, I made the jump to CO2, and I've not looked back. 

I lease two bottles and when one runs out, I take it in for a fill up (about $13).  It is quiet, and there are NO H2O issues.  I bought a good regulator with two gauges and find that I can fine tune my calibrations better.  Perhaps, the CO2 is not for everyone, but it should be considered I'd venture.  ymmv...

Gary

I can spray flat colors with 30 psi, but find that too much for  a good gloss paint. Personally I think a regulator is an essential.  But-- it is easy enough to add one on outboard.  So it shouldn't affect choice of a compressor very much.

I seriously considered CO2 before my most recent compressor purchase. If my Iwata Silver Jet does not last very long, I will probably try CO2 next.  The main reason I went with a compressor this time was conflicting advise from friends in terms of thread standards, which gauges would work, etc.

norcal308

You got a rookie here, so go easy.

I have a badger 200 and have used only compressed air cans with it(What can I say).  Anyway I'm in the hunt for a good compressor that's not going to break the bank.  I just started getting back into modeling and I enjoy building military type models.  What do I need to look for and what do you suggest that is going to give this rookie the best results.

We all go through that rookie stage. In fact, I am still one. Working full time does not give me enough time to work on my hobby. If you know that you are in modeling for the long run, consider a little more investment in tools that can enhance your enjoyment of the hobby.

You can get a very nice compressor for about $200 that is quiet, runs cool and can last you a long time. See the list of options in Bick's answer. Or you can do a search on "compressor" at this forum. Good luck and let us know how you decide.

Texgunner

I'll play "devil's advocate" here.  When I started back into scale-models (circa late 80s), I used a hand me down old compressor that was already 40 years old.  It "pulsed out" about 30 psi and had no regulator at all.  I later added a water trap but still, humid weather just about shut my painting down.  About five years ago, I made the jump to CO2, and I've not looked back. 

I lease two bottles and when one runs out, I take it in for a fill up (about $13).  It is quiet, and there are NO H2O issues.  I bought a good regulator with two gauges and find that I can fine tune my calibrations better.  Perhaps, the CO2 is not for everyone, but it should be considered I'd venture.  ymmv...

Gary

How much is it to lease the 2 bottles?  Are there special storage regulations for them?  I am considering going with CO2 when I get an airbrush.  It may be a while before I can come up with the money for one.

DJinFlorida

Texgunner

I'll play "devil's advocate" here.  When I started back into scale-models (circa late 80s), I used a hand me down old compressor that was already 40 years old.  It "pulsed out" about 30 psi and had no regulator at all.  I later added a water trap but still, humid weather just about shut my painting down.  About five years ago, I made the jump to CO2, and I've not looked back. 

I lease two bottles and when one runs out, I take it in for a fill up (about $13).  It is quiet, and there are NO H2O issues.  I bought a good regulator with two gauges and find that I can fine tune my calibrations better.  Perhaps, the CO2 is not for everyone, but it should be considered I'd venture.  ymmv...

Gary

How much is it to lease the 2 bottles?  Are there special storage regulations for them?  I am considering going with CO2 when I get an airbrush.  It may be a while before I can come up with the money for one.

I think the bottles lease for around $45 a year, each.  I really don't recall how much the regulator/gauges were.  Cost-wise, a compressor compares favorably, but I find the quiet, reliable and moisture-free aspects of the CO2 to outweigh the slightly higher expense.  There are no special storage regs for these where I am. 

Some critics have cautioned that the use of the CO2 would displace oxygen in your room and result in some sort of health problems.  Well, I guess, maybe in some situation, but I've never had any issues in that area, and I don't even have a vent out of my study.  Perhaps, if one was using the gas in a very small, sealed "box", but, come on, who's gonna do that?  Another worry-wart voiced his fears of, OMG, having a "bomb" in your room!  Lol.  If you're afraid your CO2 bottle will explode, then, by all mean, get a compressor.  I'll never go back after using the gas though.

Gary

All the major store brands are good and they stand behind them. You might also check Lowes and Home Depot if your comparing prices. They also have good compressors and good warranties.

I got a good compressor at NAPA for $80.00 no complaints about far.    ACESES5

on market All the brands of compressor  are good and You might also check all the compressor and you can get all in lowest price . They also have warranties. but badger 200 is too good.

2013 Mercedes Benz SL-Class Reviews and Price

compressor badger 200 is the best compressor , i think you can use this compressor .you can purchase this in lowest price and get warranty all so

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I also have the Badger TC910 and I love it.

Forgive me for doing a little reminiscing here.  This thread caused me to remember my first "airbrush" compressor. In college, in my dorm room, I was making a model car for the Fisher Body contest (that in itself should date me).  I wanted a spray job for the final coats, but couldn't run a regular spray gun in my dorm room (and couldn't have afforded a spray gun and compressor at the time anyway).

I made a miniature spray gun/airbrush from a used Model Airplane dope bottle and cap, and brass tubing, soldered together.  The air supply was my mouth, and a long length of model airplane fuel tubing brought the air from my mouth to the airbrush.  Actually, those breath-powered spray guns were somewhat popular in that era (1950s), and I could have bought one, but figured I could make one cheap enough.  Actually, the thing worked pretty well.  Put 60 coats total on the model (primer plus paint), though only about half were sprayed.  Only won an honorable mention.  Model was lost in a fire at my inlaw's house.