Air brush

[MrPickles]

It is mainly the noise and the fact most buyers don't know there are other options that keep "airbrush compressors" selling at such high prices. Air tool compressors, shop compressors, etc, work just as well, if not better, than any airbrush compressor. You may need/want to get a pressure regulator and a moisture trap if there isn't one. The noise can be handled a number of ways, 1>just accept it, 2>move the compressor to another room or the garage or outside and run a long hose back to your work area, 3>build a box around the compressor with a layer of foam then plywood and a couple fans blowing air through the box so it doesn't overheat.

if youre just starting and on a tight budget it might be the way to go.

i figured i would just jump to the good stuff.

 

[Niranth]

MrPickles, you are absolutely right, I am just starting out. The compressor I bought was recommended over a dedicated airbrush compressor by the salesman when purchasing an airbrush. My concern was that I may have been misled.

 

[QuietiManes]

That's another one of the many good things about having an "over powered with a big tank" type shop compressor is that it only needs to turn every once in a while, less noise, less wear = longer life, cooler air = less condensation, etc. So you certainly haven't been misled, that compressor might outlive us all.

 

[Einion]

That's another one of the many good things about having an "over powered with a big tank" type shop compressor is that it only needs to turn every once in a while, less noise, less wear = longer life, cooler air = less condensation, etc.

:good:

Einion

 

[airhead]

Sheepishly admitting that I've got 3 air compressors. At home I mostly use the large 5 HP 5 gallon semi-portable hot dog. It lives in the garage and has hoses run into a bedroom for painting.

When I'm shooting kids, I use a small 1/5 HP old badger tankless compressor. Max is 12 PSI for shooting makeup at kids and I'm normally way under that.

 

[MrPickles]

in 7 day army painter w brandon palmer he talks about how he started off with the tank that you fill up at the gas station then he bought the noisey hardware store special and now he uses 3 proper airbrush compressors - when one gets hot he switches to the next.

based on that i figured those would be the way to go.

and for ppl outside the US. dickblick is charging only 35 bucks to ship all my stuff with fedex to canada. so far im very impressed with them. other places quote 60 to over 100 for shipping.

 

[Niranth]

and for ppl outside the US. dickblick is charging only 35 bucks to ship all my stuff with fedex to canada. so far im very impressed with them. other places quote 60 to over 100 for shipping.

I'm glad to hear they are treating you right, they certainly are fast in filling orders. If customs doesn't slow your order, you might have it before Christmas. (I've had one order in my mailbox two days after ordering!)

 

[Einion]

Dick Blick is usually a very good place to look for stuff, their prices are regularly the lowest out there (although it is still worth shopping around to be sure) and they're known generally to have good shipping rates.

Even ordering from the other side of the Atlantic they can be competitive - not just compared to standard retail outlets but websites over here too, which is really saying something. Particularly worth checking if you're in the UK, what with Sterling being so strong often.

Einion

 

[Brandlin]

I use a three gallon compressor tank bought for £30. I charge it during the day and can paint for 2+ hours during the evening on one tank.

 

[RuneBrush]

I think I may have to save for a compressor with a larger tank - I think the other half would appreciate being able to hear the telly when I'm airbrushing in the dining room!

 

[Jbickley00]

if quiet is a premuim, consider renting a compressed air cylinder from a welding supply store. You'll need a regulator. or course, but the big cylinders do last. TCP global also provides airbrushes through amazon.com which is a good way to get great prices (usually better than blick-and I am a blick fanboy) and save on shipping ( I imagine). Shipping compressors is expensive, so you should definitely factor in the cost. I'm a San Diego guy, so I just pick it up. If you are just starting out on airbrushing, the TCP Global "Master" Brushes area good way to start. they are inexpensive and of good quality. can say that they are comparable to the paasche talon. Can't say much about longevity, since I have hand mine only a few months. I know the OP has already gotten his brush, but I thought I would add this for anyone else with questions.