air compressors

Noise is the primary difference. Most airbrush compressors are silent compressors whereas most general purpose compressors are not. And when we say they are noisy we don't mean just a little bit, some of them are L-O-U-D.

Make sure it has a regulator on it. If not you'll need to add one. A moisture trap / filter is also highly recommended. Those can also be added since most compressors do not come with one. A tank is a good feature since it allows the compressor motor to rest frequently. Depending on your airbrush you may have to get an adapter to fit your hose to the compressor. Most compressors of that type have 1/4" NPT threads on the outlet. Most airbrush hoses have those threads on one end, some don't.

If you're going to get a $100 one from Sears, consider the one that is oil-lubed. It's $100 too.

the regulator that comes on those compressors work fine with modelling. but I recommend getting an airbushing pressure gauge for it (about 20 dollars) ... the pressure gauge that comes on the compressor is graduated in 2 or 2.5psi marks, where the airbrush one is graduated in 1psi marks, easier to get the pressure right when you are trying for a low air pressure.

The water trap can probably be bought at sears too... also about 20 dollars, Lowes and Home Depot have them too... they are the same ones the hobby shops sell for more.

It's worth your while to get the water trap, before you end up with a blob of water on your fresh paint... I've done it... it's not funny!

Good luck to you! Mine is one from Lowe's and it's not too noisy that I can't stand it. One day I will probably get a modelling one, just didn't want to put out the big bucks on the front end as I had other things I wanted to buy too...