quiet ab compressor

I havef a Paasche D3000R 1/8 HP Compressor with Tank which is only 47db. That is one of the quietest compressors. It works great unless you need a high cfm.

I use an Iwata Silver Jet.  Love it.  I can listen to music on the radio, even without raising the volume.  It is not a powerhouse, and wont give me much over 20 psi when airbrushing, but I ordinarily never use more than that anyway.  It didn't even give me that when I first tried it, but putting teflon plumbing tape on all my air connections gave me the 20 (I ordinarily use 15).

It does pulsate at a high frequency, but this does not seem to affect my work.  Also, much of what I originally thought was pulsation was just vibration from the compressor carried by way of the hose up to the airbrush :-)

You can also get a California Air Tools model with a big tank. At 62db that is not real quiet (but better than most) and with a larger tank it does not kick on very often.

Went with the badger tc910 from chicagoairbrushsupply.com. Little disappointed with the quality. It's quiter w/o the case. The unit arrived and none of the parts packages were sealed and it looked like there was plumbers tape on some of the threads. Like I got a used unit. The handle was loose. The regulator did not screw on flush - it's like cockeyed and when you screw it on, it stops when it's totally horizontal so you can't get the moisture trap on. So I called the store and they told me to just force it down which I did. Air leak from the regulator and pressure gauge. Called them back and they asked if I used the included plumbers tape??? Umm, none included in the box I told them. Anyhow, had some on hand which I used. Had to force the regular a full 1/4 turn to be able to get the moisture trap on - even twisted the piece its threaded onto.... Taped the gauge too. Had to take the case off to attach a zip tie to the pressure release as you can't fit your hand in the small space to reach it. Anyhow, seems like poor Chinese quality - but it works and is quiet.

I would call them and demand a rebate on your cc of some reasonable amount.  If it came with bags open and taped fittings it must have been used or tried out.  They do a lot of compressor business there, which may explain this happening.

Talk to a manager there and get some satisfaction.  That doesn't sound right to me.

In any case if the unit flames out in two months you'll have a complaint on record.

I've been in business since 1985 and there is a right way and a wrong way to do business.

thanks everyone, ended up getting an airbrush master compressor. they seem to be the ones who make compressors for badger and pasche (it looks exactly like their "brand" compressors). it is really quiet and seems to work fine so far. i did have to tighten the fittings, but thats chinese quality control for you.

jim