compressors

I don't think you want a "cheap compressor". Ther are alot of issues that will effect your happiness with it. Noise is a big one. Then there's shut down. Does it shut down when it reaches pressure or does it run forever. If you are working inside, a crappy compressor can be a headache. I would look into it.

I would agree with Build22 on this one.
Most hardware stores only sell the standard, noisy, industrial type compressors which are great if you don't mind the noise.

I have a 1-1/2 hp 12 gallon tank Craftsman that I have used for years, but it is in a wood shed in the back yard with an airhose running to the garage so that I don't have to hear it.

If you want something quiet then I would suggest looking online at dixieart.com or bearair.com

The small compressors made by Silent Air, Iwata, and Createx are all great for model building and are very quiet.

Mike

Wasn't there some discussion earlier about a compressor that Walmart had? I thought the word was that it was low cost and relatively quiet? I wouldn't expect it to be silent, but from what I remember it was getting pretty good reviews??

M.

mkish,

That compressor at Walmart is the Cambell-Hausfeld "Quiet Compressor" and it is junk from what I hear. It may be alright for a while but people I have talked to who have bought them for T-shirt airbrushing have had them die sometimes within two weeks of purchase. I know at least 6 people who have bought them and they all had problems. They are supposed to be fairly quiet too, but I personally wouldn't throw my $90 away on something that is unreliable.

Mike

I just spent $ 400 in a compressor but i must say that it works great!!!
sometimes cheaper becomes more expensive

Thanks Mike. I must have had my wires crossed. Thanks for the info.

Murray

Murray,

Let me reiterate that. The compressor I mentioned may work fine for modeling because we rarely spray for more than 1/2 hour or so when doing a paint job. On the other hand a T-shirt airbrush artist sprays at 55-70 psi and does so for hours on end at times so the compressor will work really hard. I just think it's better to spend a bit more and get something that lasts which is cheaper in the long run.

I personally do modeling and T-shirt airbrushing so I need something that lasts and that is why I use a Craftsman compressor. I did recently pick up a used Jun-Air silent compressor though which I am in the process of building into a nice quiet setup. It is going to be nice being able to have the compressor next to me and only having to hear 45 dB of noise.

Mike

QUOTE: Originally posted by lito.sf I just spent $ 400 in a compressor but i must say that it works great!!! sometimes cheaper becomes more expensive

Lito.sf,

What did you buy? Just curious.

Mike

Mike, I've got a fridge-compressor setup at my bench and I am so happy with the 'noise' level (or lack of). I've had it running for about 5 years now with absolutely no problems. I just keep adding a little oil to the compressor inlet and she keeps ticking away.

Murray

Murray,

That's a great way to go if you want to build one. The motor in refrigerators are basically the same motor used by Silent Air, Jun-Air, Badger and all of the other oil-lubed silent compressors. The only difference is that the refrigerator motors are hermetically sealed to keep out foreign particles, whereas the silent compressors have a removable top to service them. I bought this Jun-Air used for $200 and new it costs over $800 for the compressor head unit alone! Ouch!
The oil is expensive too. I am using Silent Air's oil in it and it is $14.95 for a 22 oz. bottle from Dixie Art in New Orleans.
Jun-Air oil is $28.50 for a pint and it is basically the same oil! Somebody is making a profit huh?

Mike

I bought a sil-air 30/6,
build by werther international, it´s silent, has a 6 lt tank (1.2 gal, i think) a air regulator with moisture trap incorporated and works really great. I ´ve tried the sil-air 15 but took it back for this one ($ 120 more expensive but really worth it ).
Lito

Anyone got any comments the "Airmaster Plus" compressor. I saw it once at a model expo many years ago. It was small, it was quiet, and it only turned on when the airbrush trigger was depressed.
After all these years I found it again in Micro-Mark catalog for about $200 but I can't find anyone that has used it.

Trevor,

I have seen that compressor but I haven't heard anything about it either. It is advertised in Airbrush Action Magazine sometimes.

For that price range I would look seriously at the Createx (SimAir) Intruder TC2000 for $179 here:

http://www.dixieart.com/TC2000.html

Mike