Looking into getting an airbrush, need suggestions on a compressor.

maxdtex

The California Air compressors that are "ultra quiet" are expensive and are 56-60db and some require oil. My Paasche D3000R is only $149 on Amazon and has a 47db noise level and has served me well. It is not real powerful if you need more than about 30psi.

 

For modeling, I read that most applications only need 15-20 psi for painting. Is that correct? What cases would you need over 30 psi? I dont know the ins and outs.  I'm new to the airbrushing scene and I'm looking for a compressor as well. I picked out the Paasche D3000R as the compressor that I want to get but wanted to do a little bit more research. I will be using it indoors as well so noise factor is huge.. Thanks! 

This one is even cheaper and it's identical to the Paasche one and a few other brands as well, I have one and has been great also.

http://www.amazon.com/AIRBRUSH-COMPRESSOR--Airbrush-Published-Exclusively/dp/B001738DXU/ref=sr_1_5?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1460241004&sr=1-5&keywords=airbrush+compressor

Mick.

The California Air compressors that are "ultra quiet" are expensive and are 56-60db and some require oil. My Paasche D3000R is only $149 on Amazon and has a 47db noise level and has served me well. It is not real powerful if you need more than about 30psi.

I've personally never saw the point in buying an "airbrush compressor" because IMO, they are way over priced for the performance they deliver.

That said, I understand why typically low cost "oiless" contractor style compressors would be unwanted in an inside setting because of the noise.

The CAT compressors mentioned above are a good compromise in quality, performance and DB level but they may be a little out of somepeople's price range?

I have been using an older version of this Cambell Hausfeld compressor for years now.

 http://www.amazon.com/Campbell-Hausfeld-FP209499-3-Gallon-Compressor/dp/B002O15NRS

For airbrush work, I think it's an excellent compromise between price and performance and very reasonable noise level, even indoors

Good info, guys, I had hoped that the Harbor Freight ones might be piston types. The LOUD ones are just not tolerable.

Another $20  for one with a tank, mines been going for donkeys years.

http://www.tcpglobal.com/ABD-TC-20T.html#.VwAxxPl9670

Mick.

Yeah - I'd stay away from Harbor Frieght compressors. Go to TCP Global website instead. This is what I got:

http://www.tcpglobal.com/ABD-TC-20_2.html#.VwAvSsuZ9oI

For $80 with shipping, you can't go worng.

If you mean this compressor:

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-gal-13-HP-100-PSI-Oilless-Pancake-Air-Compressor-61615.html?ccdenc=eyJjb2RlIjoiMTkyODk1NTUiLCJza3UiOiI2MTYxNSIsImlzIjoiNDkuOTkiLCJwcm9kdWN0X2lk%0D%0AIjoiMTAzODIifQ%3D%3D%0D%0A

It's "VERY" loud and takes forever to charge up, I'm using the tank from this and a fridge compressor which is working nicely. All I needed was a bit of hose and 4 clamps (2 per connection) the hose slips right over the existing pipe which is the same as the fridge pipe, Just need to make a frame.

Mick.

Locomotive - Yesterday a sale ad from Harbor freight came to the house, I saw two compressors with tanks, one was a pancake like Don S. described. About half price at around $50.00, might be worth a look for you. Either one could work for you, I think.

Remember to ask them about the noise factor, I think a piston type will operate more quietly. If you're spraying for any length of time, a loud one gets way more than annoying. 

Patrick

I use a fridge compressor with a 10gal air tank. An old one at that its even made in Canada from the 80s. 

you can find old bar fridges or dehumidifiers in the classifieds for under 40$ And same thing with the tanks 

you can build a silent dependable air source for around 80$, biggest cost would be a regulator/moisture trap and a couple air fittings. I've  been using mine for over 10 years now. I just plug it in and fill up my tank to 120psi and unplug, no need for any switches or anything.  Takes all of 2 mins to fill.

I used a pancake type GP compressor for quite awhile.  Bought it on sale at my local hardware store for less than fifty bucks. It worked fine except for noise. I eventually found the noise just too much to deal with and bought a cheap Iwata. It does have a slight pulsation (tankless model) but I do not find this affects my painting in any way.

Black Sheep makes a good point, some of the airbrush dealers offer attractive prices on compressors. Some of the dealers I have purchased from are:

TCP Global

Chicago Airbrush

Coast Airbrush

Dixie Art

Often they will have specials on days like July 4, Thanksgiving and others. Having been airbrushing for many years, I can relate that aside from providing air to the airbrush, just how loud the compressor is while running can be a really big deal.

A piston type compressor is often MUCH more quiet than a diaphragm type, at least that has been my experience.

If you don't find what you want at Harbor Freight, give some of the dealers mentioned above a call. I have always found them to be helpful and they can assist you in finding what you need/want.

And you're always welcome to ask any questions here at FSM, several very experienced modelers here can help you get it sorted.

Patrick 

www.tcpglobal.com

This site offers combo sets (airbrush with compressor) I got my air compressor at TCP Global for $80.

patrick206

Now I use a Californis Air Tools 1610A, twin cylinder piston type, large tank and so quiet. $180.00, several hardware srores carry them, check for sale prices, I've seen them for $150.00. Best one I've ever owned, wish I had known about them long ago.

+1 to California Air Tools, I have the 2HP 10G (CAT 10020) and LOVE it. The 1610A is a great compressor and if you have the room is a great choice as well. I wanted the larger tank/CFM as i use it for air tools needing lots of CFM.

I wasn't aware I could use just a regular one from harbor freight. Will look into those. Hope to hear more opinions from people.

Locomotive - Since you have a high performance airbrush, capable of turning out some very nice work, it would be good to have a compressor that would compliment it. A compressor with tank is pretty much a requirement, otherwise the airstream would "pulse" and produce uneven spotty results, plus accumulated moisture could be present.

My first few compressors were of the auto parts store variety, with tank they were efficient, but being diaphragm types were TOO loud. Now I use a Californis Air Tools 1610A, twin cylinder piston type, large tank and so quiet. $180.00, several hardware srores carry them, check for sale prices, I've seen them for $150.00. Best one I've ever owned, wish I had known about them long ago.

Lot's of guys at FSM own hobby types, Iwata, Paasche, Badger, etc. Let's wait a bit and see who else gives recommendations. I think some very good types are available for around $100.00, plus Harbor Freight has some that other members say work well, and are very affordable.

Some really needed features are a pressure gage, water trap and pressure regulator. Those can also be found at Harbor Freight, or other hardware stores.

Hope you get hooked up OK, good luck with the search.

Patrick