Compressor vs. air tank debate

sounds like you know the answer already, tank it is

How big a tank are you willing to tote up and down the stairs? I think most tank users I've seen recommend a 10 gallon tank, and even then duration may be a bit of a concern.

My recommendation would be for an airbrush compressor. I can't speak for the 80-2, but I've got an Airstar V (refurbished ones start at $100: http://www.badgerairbrush.com/garagesale.htm; I think they also retail as the Silent Air Scorpion I-C), and am very happy I don't have to lug a tank to and from a gas station. I haven't been able to find a dB level on it, but it's not that loud.

guess tolerances vary.

I got a consumer grade 100$ air compressor from home depot, 2gallon tank; and it hits 100PSI.

it takes about 4min to fill up; and about 1minute to refill when it drops to 80psi.

when running it is about on par with a vaccumm or a decent sound system.

you could fill a larger tank with it during the afternoon when least likely to bother anyone; then use it for a long while; but all the while having it at your disposal when needed.

I guess if you paint in your bedroom with your S.O. in the bed sleeping, silence would be a large concern. but otherwise; I dont see the huge concern. not like their THAT loud.

now if you open the air release valve to depressurize the tank, that is loud...

as for you concerns about keeping pressure. use teflon tape on all the fittings; and get them tight with pliars. if you sure you'll never change anything; use some glue.

There is a silent compressor at the "garage sales" on the Badger site for $ 99 and it seems very attractive.

QUOTE: Originally posted by modelling_in_MN BTW, in terms of dB's how loud is the Badger 80-2 Whirlwind 2? Just curious...

The 80-2 is described on Badger's website as "quiet" as is their 180-1 Cyclone I. O own the Cyclone I and don't find it to be very quiet at all. This is not a problem since it is in my house's garage but might be a problem if I lived in an apartment.

I don't own an Airstar V but several people that have bought them have been pleased with them. They are certainly less noisy than a commercial compressor. They are $99 refurbished at badger as was mentioned above (with the link)

I like the idea of a tank with the compressor. I have a Lowes compressor and my wife doesn't find it noisy at all, it takes a few minutes to fill up then about every 15 min or so it will come on for a minute. As was said it is about as noisy as a vaccum or a blender. Fill up your tank once, then use it as long as you can without refilling. With a 20lb tank I think you could spray for some time without a loss of pressure or the "chilling" effect you get with aircans. There is enough volume in the tank to compensate somewhat for that. Then later if you run low send her out to check the mailbox while you refill again

There is another alternative which is compressed gas. Like those big CO2 and Helium bottles you see. Some people here use the CO2 and it is totally quiet, the only noise you hear is the airbrush itself. I am not sure how much they run but you could check with party supply places and beverage vendors and see. I imagine it is a refundable deposit plus fill up fee when you come back... of course I imagine you would need a truck or some such thing unless they deliver and exchange bottles... (a beverage supplier would I am sure)

Thanks for the info everyone...

- Tom, what compressor/tank combo do you have...if it's got a large enough tank, I could run it (fill it) before dinner time and that should hold me for the evening, I would guess....

I have a 15-gallon Craftsman. I usually let the tank fill and then shut it off. I can paint off and on for most of the day before the pressure gets very low. Just to see what it would do, a few weeks ago I read the pressure on my tank, held the trigger down on my airbrush for 30 minutes (I did use a rubber band!) at 15 psi , and then read the pressure again. If I remember right it had dropped 60 psi in 30 minutes so I can get at least a solid hour of trigger time before I need to let it fill again.

Matt - I have a Taskforce compressor from Lowes, a Campbell Hausfield I have no doubt because they had the identical looking unit at Wal Mart at one time... it has a 2 gal tank and I can spray almost an entire 1/48 AC fuselage without it getting very low... with a bigger tank like Scott has I imagine you could airbrush most of the evening with no probs... and perhaps the fiance would compromise and put up with the noise only every 4 or so hours instead of constantly.

WARNING: always warn her before you dump the pressure by pulling the relief valve. My wife doesn't mind the noise at all... but one night I did that when she was almost asleep in front of TV and I thought I was going to have to run for my life!!! THAT is a loud noise no matter what compressor/tank combo you get.. (a loud pop then a horrible hissing noise for about 20 seconds)

Hope you can find what ya need! Maybe going to Lowes or a hardware store and asking if you can have them fire it up will help you determine if it is too loud.

If it is the tank or this with the hobby compressor is where ya need to look.

http://www.badger-airbrush.com/garagesale.htm

it's near the bottom and a lot quieter than a Lowes compressor. $99 is not too expensive considering what compressor you are getting...