why a hobby compressor??

Airbrush compressors are better built.  At least the silent compressor with an air tank I have is.  I won't be filling tires with it but it is perfect for precision airbrushing.  It is compact and quiet, as quiet as a refrigerator motor, so I can play model painting day or night.  The compressor is precision made and will last more then a lifetime.  It is small, very easy to use and always ready.  It's rather heavy but the weight helps it stay in place.  And it has a serious look to it.  You know, the ego factor.

So noise and possibly cost of operation seems to be the two reasons why.  I just purchased a craftmen 1.5 hp 7 gallon compressor that is sort of portable.  Might weight about 40lbs or so.  It is a bit loud but since the compressor requires oil it is definitely quiter than my last oiless compressor. 

I'll add my since I have both.

I've owned a large garage size compressor for years. It is noisy, expensive to run and sits out in the shed. If I was to run a hose to the house, during the winter the air would be ice cold and my electric bill would be climbing. Plus the compressor is loud enough to still irritate people.

So my wife an I discussed our options and tried out some of those smaller contractor or home owner size compressors at Home Depot and Wal*Mart. Still way to loud to concider bringing into the house for arts & crafts work. Yes, my wife got involved with AB'ing too. So we picked up a really quite hobby compressor with an air tank. It might have cost twice as much as some of those bigger ones found in the local department stores. But we have piece of mind knowing one can spray while the other watches TV and the kids fall asleep at night. It doesn't cost much to run either, less than one of my fish tanks. Oh yeah, plus we can easily pack it up with our modeling supplies when we go on a trip to visit family for any length of time.

During the summer days I can still go outside and make all the noise I want with my big dog compressor and airtools, my old truck loves it. But in the house... whoaaa... gotsta keep mama happy and my migranes away.

I bought a 'silent' hobby comp. earlier in the year, now I can AB at night after the kids have gone to bed, a major plus.

They are expensive, which does seem difficult to justify, but after living with my old comp. for a couple of years my other half was more than supportive in me buying a silent comp.!

Karl 

Shellback's right, the noise is the thing. A lot of modelers have to share space with children, or live in apartments and can't have a big noisy compressor running. I opted for the "garage" style for two reasons: one was I could put it outside and run a hose to where I have my booth, and two I could justify the cost better to the CFO (AKA the Wife).

The difference in the noise output is sometimes a big factor to consider . Try running one of the more powerful compressors first ,before you buy . SHL