Here's my dilemma...need your help

Airbrush Depot... the TC20 is everything you could possibly ever want.

 http://www.tcpglobal.com/airbrushdepot/compress.aspx

Its $150 and the amount of time you save not having issues or problems is incredible. Its tank, water trap... its a premium piece of equipment. When you are doing small work, it only kicks on about every 10 minutes or so. 

Thanks BGrigg!!

The only problem i have with the airtank is exactly what you said........it might end in the middle of your work.

PLUS, i would have to buy a regulator and moisture trap....bringing the cost up to the area of the cheapy compressor from harbor freight.

 Are there ANY other options worthwhile in the $50 area???

I had one that was similar to the Harbor Freight one and it's about as loud as a vacuum. Pulsed a bit which shouldn't be a huge concern for painting cars.

I have one similar to the Coleman Powermate, only mine is a 3 gallon "pancake" tank and it's LOUD. AS IN VERY LOUD. I don't care, as it's outside in a box. My neighbor might mind, but I don't care about that either, so is his swimming pool filter motor!

The third on (the air tank) will be the quietest, as it will only be hissing air. Should easily hold enough air for a full kit, perhaps even two. The problem with tanks is they run out of air when you least want them to.

If I were you, I would try the tank first. The worst thing that can happen is that it gets you by until you can afford a better compressor, and then you can use the compressor to fill the tank.