seeker589 Posted June 1, 2011 Share Posted June 1, 2011 What size compressor do you use for air-brushing? I'm looking to buy one but I don't want to over buy or under buy. I have about $200 to spend. Suggestions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canuk Posted June 1, 2011 Share Posted June 1, 2011 I use this one as it is really quiet. http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200354872_200354872 Works great with the tank. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeMc Posted June 2, 2011 Share Posted June 2, 2011 I use this one as it is really quiet. http://www.northernt...54872_200354872 Works great with the tank. looks like it will be perfect.....and quiet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie8575 Posted June 2, 2011 Share Posted June 2, 2011 People laugh at me, but I've been quite happy with my Testors Mighty-Mini. For under $100, you get a good little compressor that will spray just about anything. Charlie Larkin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aaronw Posted June 2, 2011 Share Posted June 2, 2011 I've got a craftsman with a 2 gallon tank. It is a good (but loud) compressor that I've had about 10 years now. My only complaint is I wish I had gotten one with a 5 gallon tank. The 2 gallon tank just doesn't hold enough air to let me finish a paint job without firing up the compressor (did I mention it is loud ). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lownslow Posted June 2, 2011 Share Posted June 2, 2011 I've got a craftsman with a 2 gallon tank. It is a good (but loud) compressor that I've had about 10 years now. My only complaint is I wish I had gotten one with a 5 gallon tank. The 2 gallon tank just doesn't hold enough air to let me finish a paint job without firing up the compressor (did I mention it is loud ). thats why i bought a 20 gallon 5 gallons wasnt cutting it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazyjim Posted June 2, 2011 Share Posted June 2, 2011 Mine has a 3 gallon tank and works just fine. It's a Campbell/Husfield unit I bought at Lowe's for about $60 a few years ago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr cheap Posted June 2, 2011 Share Posted June 2, 2011 (edited) any comp that mantanes 50 psi will work... pawn shops / used are half price/noise insolate a box and drop over it ..dont over heat / or ebay 1/2 price / my comp i got on ebay new in box but does not work i took a chan ..i fixed it .. it cost $2.00 & 10 for shipping / i got so lucky jr Edited June 2, 2011 by mr cheap Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kit Basher Posted June 2, 2011 Share Posted June 2, 2011 Whatever you choose, consider putting it in another room if you can. You can pipe air to your work area (black steel pipe works well), and add a regulator and quick connect right where you paint. I always jump half out of my skin when a compressor kicks on, not helpful when trying to get a nice paint job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
58 Impala Posted June 2, 2011 Share Posted June 2, 2011 (edited) I bought a two piston, tankless, oilless compressor from Bear Air (their brand/Polar bear 2000). It turns on when you pull the trigger on your airbrush,it is small (will sit on a tabletop and is very quiet. I paid less than $200, I think around $160. Edited June 2, 2011 by 58 Impala Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazyjim Posted June 2, 2011 Share Posted June 2, 2011 You can use PVC pipe to run air lines. It's cheaper, lighter, and easier to work with than black steel pipe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aaronw Posted June 2, 2011 Share Posted June 2, 2011 Whatever you choose, consider putting it in another room if you can. You can pipe air to your work area (black steel pipe works well), and add a regulator and quick connect right where you paint. I always jump half out of my skin when a compressor kicks on, not helpful when trying to get a nice paint job. That is a big part of the reason I've stuck with the 2 gallon I have. Once we get back into a place of our own, I hope to have a proper shop building (wood, auto, model) where I can isolate and install a large compressor, then run airlines thoughout. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Handley Posted June 3, 2011 Share Posted June 3, 2011 I've got a 5 gallon Napa airtank that I've added a regulator (probably spent $100 10+ years ago) to and filled with a compressor that plugs into my cigarette lighter (Don't laugh, it worked pretty good on Pactra and Createx paints!) and a a Coleman air compressor and IIRC a 2 gallon airtank (think that was on sale for $59.99)that I haven't had the chance to get rigged up since I need to get the two next to each other and start looking and what I need to do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trey allen Posted June 3, 2011 Share Posted June 3, 2011 I use this one as it is really quiet. http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200354872_200354872 Works great with the tank. I'm borrowing one from a friend that is exactly like that. I love it. Thats the cheapest price ive seen on one yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Longbox55 Posted June 3, 2011 Share Posted June 3, 2011 You can use PVC pipe to run air lines. It's cheaper, lighter, and easier to work with than black steel pipe. And it doesn't RUST! Black iron, while cheap, can rust internally if you don't have a good dryer inline, and add a drip leg or two. BTW, I use a 2 hp 22 gallon Sanborn running on 220v. It's about 30 years old, but I can't complain about what I paid for it, $0.00! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seeker589 Posted June 10, 2011 Author Share Posted June 10, 2011 I use this one as it is really quiet. http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200354872_200354872 Works great with the tank. I just ordered one! It was exactly what I wanted. Compressor with small tank and a regulator, with water trap. The price was reasonable, too. Just over $100 to my door. I'm looking forward to exercising my airbrush rights! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrObsessive Posted June 10, 2011 Share Posted June 10, 2011 This is what I use.................. I got it for around $70 through a club member a few years ago as he had several he was selling. Where he got them from I don't know, but it does a heck of a job! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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