Help me choose an AirBrush Compressor

dshavers

dshavers

Member
I know this has probably been asked a million times, but I didn't find an answer with the search function. I'm in the process of getting an airbrush,and I'm having some trouble on finding an airbrush compressor. I've decided on a Iwata HP-C as I really want to get back into traditional art so I figured this one is the one for me. I'm not a beginner but it's been many years since I've picked one up. I'm basically trying to decide on a compressor that will suit my needs. I would really like to be able to run it inside as opposed to outside in the garage so an Industrial one is not something I'm looking for. It will mainly be used for basecoating and larger scale miniatures and garage kits, with some occasional artwork. My budget is around 160.00. I've listed a few below that caught my eye. Just looking to see if any of these would be "ok"

http://www.dickblick.com/products/badger-air-star-v-compressor/
http://www.tcpglobal.com/airbrushdepot/compress.aspx#abd_tc20t (tc20T)
http://www.dickblick.com/products/p...=google&wmcid=products&wmckw=25112-2018-10403

or if anyone has any other recommendations
 
airhead

airhead

Coffin Dodger / Keymaster
Before you get dead set on one of the small airbrush compressors, go to your local home center (Sears, Home Depot, Lowes, etc.) and check out a smaller compressor there. You'll find that they produce lots more pressure and more air (CFM). See if they will plug in a display model for you. There is a huge difference in noise produced by these compressors. I found one on closeout at Sears that does everything I want for less than a 'airbrush' compressor - and I can work with it at my feet at about the same level of noise.

***

If I was looking and did not have a compressor at all, I'd be looking at one of the pancake tanked models. Check around to find a quiet one. You'll find lots more to do with it than just airbrush.


***

I have an old Badger diaphragm (1/10 or 1/8 HP) that is great for shooting makeup or cakes, but not shirts - not enough pressure - even with an added tank.

I have a small piston compressor from Sears (mentioned earlier) - does very well. Puts out enough to run all I want, or a nail gun or other small air tools.

And, out in the garage, I have a large diaphragm (very noisy) that will run sanders, sandblaster or about anything else I could hook up to it. I run a hose from it into my bedroom/studio when I was painting shirts. Running an airbrush, it does not cycle too often.
 
dshavers

dshavers

Member
Thank you very much Airhead. The main reason why I'm concerned about getting a shop type compressor is because my family and I rent and might not always be in a place that has a place to store one hence the reason for me getting a smaller one. So noise and space seems to be my main hurdle. Also how would running a cord from a garage to the inside affect airflow and moisture in the line?
 
airhead

airhead

Coffin Dodger / Keymaster
dshavers said:
Thank you very much Airhead. The main reason why I'm concerned about getting a shop type compressor is because my family and I rent and might not always be in a place that has a place to store one hence the reason for me getting a smaller one. So noise and space seems to be my main hurdle. Also how would running a cord from a garage to the inside affect airflow and moisture in the line?
Click to expand...

That is why I said to plug it in at the store. There is a HUGE difference in noise by what appear to be very similar compressors.

When I use the one out in the garage, I simply string a standard air hose into my paint room. (out the door and in the window). Set the compressor's regulator at around 50 psi (more if I'm doing shirts). Then at my manifold, I have another moisture trap and another regulator that I can dial down to whatever I want to work with - then the manifold with lots of quick couplers for running a multi brush set-up.

But since I got my small compressor, I hardly use the one in the garage except for air sanders, etc. It was a discontinued (great sale price) Sears compressor, about 1/2 HP, small tank and very quiet.

Use it in the same room with me. You know it is running, but I wouldn't be afraid to use it in an apartment with neighbors.
 
airhead

airhead

Coffin Dodger / Keymaster
The first two are rated at 82 dB, I could not find a rating on the third one.

The first one (hot dog tank) is a larger compressor, more cfm's - which become important if you are actally spray painting (not airbrushing) or airing up car tires, etc.

The first one looks bulky, but the last two look good (I'm a fan of the pancake tank). (I suspect the third one is noisy, but I could be way wrong there.)
 
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dshavers

dshavers

Member
Thank you very very much. I'll check those out and see if one fits the bill. What is the standard CFM rating that I should be looking for when getting a compressor for airbrushing models and illustration work?
 
airhead

airhead

Coffin Dodger / Keymaster
dshavers said:
Thank you very very much. I'll check those out and see if one fits the bill. What is the standard CFM rating that I should be looking for when getting a compressor for airbrushing models and illustration work?
Click to expand...

.2 - .5 CFM depending on the gun.
Detail guns will use much less air than a production gun (larger areas, bigger air channels, etc.)
 
dshavers

dshavers

Member
The pancake compressor seems to have plenty then, probably more than I need but it's better to have too much than too little. I'm just going to get that (after checking it out in the store) and then picking up a quality moisture trap. Iwata seems to sell a nice one. I bit expensive but I believe sometimes you get what you pay for.
 
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