Best airbrush compressor for $100-$300

I use a Dewalt 2.0 SCFM compressor that came bundled with a couple of nail guns. Noisy and hard to set at the low pressures needed for airbrush work, but does ok out in the garage. I want to move my booth to the utility room so I'm going to have to bite the bullet and get something more suited to indoor work.

Will be keeping and eye on this thread and checking out some of the recomendations.

-dave

EliteModelling wrote:

do you enjoy that peak c-5? it looks good! i will purchase a longer hose even if it was long enough. just if the hose breaks. are you on any projects lately? -Adam

Yes, I really like the Peak C-5. Mind you, I was using an Aztec before that, and maybe that is the reason why I like the C-5 so much; it is infinitely better, more balanced, steady spray pattern, better build quality.

I am on a rather large project right now, and will be using the C-5 to paint the next model for it. You can check out this thread for my current build log:

/forums/1163749/ShowPost.aspx

zokissima wrote:

EliteModelling wrote: do you enjoy that peak c-5? it looks good! i will purchase a longer hose even if it was long enough. just if the hose breaks. are you on any projects lately? -Adam Yes, I really like the Peak C-5. Mind you, I was using an Aztec before that, and maybe that is the reason why I like the C-5 so much; it is infinitely better, more balanced, steady spray pattern, better build quality. I am on a rather large project right now, and will be using the C-5 to paint the next model for it. You can check out this thread for my current build log: /forums/1163749/ShowPost.aspx

EliteModelling wrote:

hi. your link that you posted does not exist :( (the page cannot be found) what is the title of your post? thank you -Adam

It is there. Very impressive project. The working link: German railway diorama WIP

Sorry to hijack here, but I noticed it mentioned that some of the Silentaire compressors are manufactured in Italy?

I dont suppose that anyone knows who the manufacturer is?? i am currently looking for a source of trade compressor supply & dont seem to be coming up with much luck on trying to deal with the better known compressor manufacturers.

Are you looking for portable or stationary units? For stationary units I recommend Saylor-Beall. I've been to their facilty several times and watched them assemble their units from start to finish. I worked for a company that sold, serviced and installed them. 

Ingersol-Rand makes some very good portables.

Italy seems to be one of the countries known as source for compressors as well as pressure washers. You have to watch quality, as they offer a full spectrum from crap to excellent. 

Now this is a "small" compressor package that I am standing in the middle of, those we use for our workshop are trinkets and toys.

No Gerald, not that big!

I'm looking for hobby compressors as are being discussed here - the sort of stuff Sparmax makes?

But you would never, ever run out of air!

Somehow I don't think it fits the $100-$300 price range, though.

Bgrigg wrote:

But you would never, ever run out of air! Somehow I don't think it fits the $100-$300 price range, though.

Neither will the Silentaire nor the Jun Air compressors. Sparmax may be the best bid (manufacturer) to get a quality compressor with good track record for under $300.

I purchased a compressor from Pep Boys last winter that has just been a real winner. This is the exact same compressor that Micro-Mart is selling for $99 plus $24 freight (item #83856). Pep Boys had it for $59. I did have to replace the outlet manifold & installed a much better filter & regular. But it has proven to be a bang-up compressor/tank combo. And pretty quiet too. At least in comparison to my big 5 hp shop compressor in the garage.

good morning to all, yesterday i purchased a campbell hausfeld compressor on sale from target for $59.99. It has a 2 gallon tank, oil free, and psi  up to 100. The compressor also has a regulator. Also has a 1 year warrenty. I called around to local hobby shops and they told me this would be great for air brushing and was a good buy. Don't know if you live near a target, but you can order them on-line. Have a great day, Bob

Certainly no reason not to use a compressor like the CH. I have one that is sold under the "Husky" brand of tool with a 3 gallon tank which is going on its fourth year of service. Noisy as all get out, though. I keep mine outside and have a hose piped into my spray booth.

docbailey

good morning to all, yesterday i purchased a campbell hausfeld compressor on sale from target for $59.99. It has a 2 gallon tank, oil free, and psi  up to 100. The compressor also has a regulator. Also has a 1 year warrenty. I called around to local hobby shops and they told me this would be great for air brushing and was a good buy. Don't know if you live near a target, but you can order them on-line. Have a great day, Bob

Bob, let us know how you handle the noise problem. Good luck. Most others who went your route put the compressor in the garage and pipe the air into the workbench.

For most modelers, a "quiet enough" airbrush compressor which costs about the same of ONE large airplane or ship kit will be a much better solution.

thank you for your  help guys!

Milairjunkie

Sorry to hijack here, but I noticed it mentioned that some of the Silentaire compressors are manufactured in Italy?

I dont suppose that anyone knows who the manufacturer is?? i am currently looking for a source of trade compressor supply & dont seem to be coming up with much luck on trying to deal with the better known compressor manufacturers.

I was always told that the compressor motor was made by Vaninni if I am spelling that correctly.

Contact Silentaire and ask Ernesto as he is from Italy.

http://www.silentaircompressor.com/