Recommendations for airbrush compressor w/tank

[OldEastRR]

Time I bought one of these. Let me know your personal experiences (good and bad) about this type.

[tlaswell]

I have read that Iwata and Badger are the goto brands for airbrushes.  Everyone also say if you can, wait for a 40% off coupon from Hobby Lobby and get it from there.

As for compressors the only advice I've been give for an inexpensive source is a "Pancake Compressor" from Harbor Freight.  You need a good accurate pressure regulator and a bowl to catch water in the line is good too.  If you get one of the compressors sold with/for airbrushes get the biggest airtank you can get so the compressor doesn't have to work as hard and it isn't constantly cycling.

[peteski]

Time I bought one of these. Let me know your personal experiences (good and bad) about this type.

Al, you are looking for a functioning N or Z scale air compressor?!  Good luck with that. 

[MK]

I have read that Iwata and Badger are the goto brands for airbrushes.  Everyone also say if you can, wait for a 40% off coupon from Hobby Lobby and get it from there.

As for compressors the only advice I've been give for an inexpensive source is a "Pancake Compressor" from Harbor Freight.  You need a good accurate pressure regulator and a bowl to catch water in the line is good too.  If you get one of the compressors sold with/for airbrushes get the biggest airtank you can get so the compressor doesn't have to work as hard and it isn't constantly cycling.

Also make sure it's an oil less type.

[wcfn100]

I ditched the tank and just use a small compressor, but I only use water based stuff I can spray at a low PSI.


Jason

[thomasjmdavis]

I went with a small conventional tank (2 gal tank, 1/2 HP) oiless compressor. Pancake tank would work just as well. I use 2 regulators- one at the tank outlet that I run at 75 psi, second regulator with a water separator at the end of a 25' long 1/4" hose (so I can have the compressor and its noise in another room).  The second regulator is a Paasche- they make airbrushes and their regulator is inexpensive, and optimal size for airbrushes- gives very fine control over pressure to the airbrush. 

The compressor was on sale at one of the big box stores after Christmas 15+ years ago for $50 - between installing baseboard, inflating tires and cleaning computers and such, it has certainly earned its keep.  Airbrushing is a bonus. A lot of "airbrush compressors" won't do 1/2 as much, but cost a lot more. 

[mmagliaro]

I have an old hand-me-down Campbell and Hausfeld, like the one below.  This one sold on eBay recently for only 32 bucks.

It has no tank, and I honestly have never felt the need for one.  I added an in-line pressure regulator with water trap made by Jet.

[nuno81291]

Master tc-40t. Only had it 6 months but smooth sailing so far. Via amazon

[OldEastRR]

Been using just a compressor but it only has one pressure. I used to have a pancake tank & compressor (from auto parts store) which was nice but extremely loud. I added a regulator and a watertrap and liked the fact I could adjust the pressure depending on paint consistency. However the compressor cylinder was a piece of junk and crapped out after a couple of years. This time I want a QUIET compressor -- I've seen some at 47 db.

[peteski]

Been using just a compressor but it only has one pressure. I used to have a pancake tank & compressor (from auto parts store) which was nice but extremely loud. I added a regulator and a watertrap and liked the fact I could adjust the pressure depending on paint consistency. However the compressor cylinder was a piece of junk and crapped out after a couple of years. This time I want a QUIET compressor -- I've seen some at 47 db.

If you want silence, get yourself a CO₂ tank and a pressure regulator.  Even a smaller tank (used for fountain drink carbonation in portable dispensers) will last you quite a while. And no noise!  Plus, CO₂ is moisture-free - never have to worry about any moisture mixing with paint.

[rgengineoiler]

Even though I am in my later years I use a Badger Air Compressor that I bought in the 1990's and don't worry about sound at all.  Air brushing is fast for each N Scale project I am building.  I have a Badger pressure regulator with moisture trap and a manifold attached to that and I use two Badger 150 Air Brushes.  I also use Badger Model Flex paint in Railroad Colors and always prime before paint.  For me the days of the solvent based paint are long gone and I have never looked back.  This whole system works perfect for me and I sure don't need to spend more money on a tank system.  If I was painting all day maybe,  but for just each project I do from time to time these tank systems don't justify the need to spend the money.  Just my opinion.   Doug   

[diezmon]

I use this one.   I like it because it can fill up to 150psi, then it's quiet for a really long time.  Don't forget the water trap

I also use it for nailing and tires.. so it may be overkill for just painting. 

[robert3985]

I've been using this one for the past 15 years or so.  I got it because it's portable, and I use it for tires, cleaning, drying, my impact tools and nailing...as well as for airbrushing.  I put a good oil/water trap/regulator, and include a water trap on my airbrush line too.  No problems and I can take it with me when I need to do some airbrushing on friends' layouts.



If I didn't have need for other uses for my compressor, I would probably use CO2, which is a very efficient way to go for airbrushing.

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

[nuno81291]

The plus about my model size compressor is it is quiet. I can paint while the wife sleeps a room over. Now my old construction compressors would wake up the neighborhood. Good for those of you who can use them, but they would drive me crazy even if they were on the other side of the house. I save those for my 1:1 tools.