Recommendations for air brush compressor

[OldEastRR]

Good quality, for moderate non-professional use, and not top of the line price. MBK doesn't carry any.

[SP-Wolf]

You can use one similar to this
(Can also be used for other projects around the house)

https://www.harborfreight.com/3-gallon-13-hp-100-psi-oil-free-pancake-air-compressor-61615.html

Regards,
Wolf

[Maletrain]

I have one of those, and use it for "other projects around the house".  My problem with if for "other projects", such as blowing water out of pipes for winterization, is that the air tank is too small to keep up with the flow required to complete the task.  I even had that problem when I used it (outdoors!) to sand blast the slag from inside corners of some welds on 1.5" angle iron, using an air eraser.  This was just very small areas that I could not get into with grinders and flappers.  The air pressure would decrease faster than the media in that small cup.

But, to be fair, those "other projects" where I had that problem all required both high pressure and high flow rates, compared to an airbrush.  So, I think it would be OK for that, except that it is really noisy compared to a regular air brush compressor.  I guess it could be hooked up to a larger pressure tank with a bottom drain valve, if that would help some applications.

[daniel_leavitt2000]

I don't like the hobby/airbrush compressors. I find they can have a limited power band, can be loud, and only have limited pressure. You can only use them to airbrush. I prefer the big 2-5 gallon 120 psi compressors for tools as they are much more useful for only a little more money.

[Mike C]

  I got a whole kit ...compressor , air brush and hose for about 80 bucks on Amazon .  The compressor and brush look just like other models that go for much more ay hobby shops  ( name brands)  . Very satisified .

[eagle5473]

Check Worx Maker X no compressor needed

[Spades]

There are number of silent compressors on Amazon.  Just type in: silent no name airbrush compressor
 
This is what I use. If you want a compressor something for more than just airbrushing.  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WM1VPKE/?coliid=I1O874HHFEBL8Y&colid=19OMJW0MM6D6V&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Oh and make sure it comes with a tank.

[Kerbe Neun]

https://www.makitatools.com/products/details/MAC100Q

Quieter than the dishwasher. 

Good low pressure control (10-20 PSI). 

Kerbe

[bnsfdash8]

I've been really happy with my Metabo compressor: https://www.metabo-hpt.com/us/main-navigation/item/ec28m-portable-1-gallon-oil-free-quiet-air-compressor-Metabo-HPT

For the airbrush I have it plumbed in with a moisture trap and valve for finer pressure control.

[OldEastRR]

Yeah QUIET is a big factor. I used to have one of those pancake compressors but it was SO LOUD! I'm only looking to use it for airbrushing and not power nailing or jack hammering. But keep the suggestions coming!

[peteski]

Yeah QUIET is a big factor. I used to have one of those pancake compressors but it was SO LOUD! I'm only looking to use it for airbrushing and not power nailing or jack hammering. But keep the suggestions coming!

You could always purchase or rent a CO₂ bottle and a pressure reducer/regulator (like the ones used in the restaurants for carbonating soft drinks). That would be a totally silent solution. Another bonus is that CO₂ is clean and dry (no water or oil trap needed).

[robert3985]

I've done a lot of research into modern air compressors, and recently bought two compressors to replace my two 20+ year old ones that died due to rusting tanks.

After spending a day and an evening looking at what's available out there and the prices, for my garage and to power my air-nailers, my 1/2" impact wrench, blow up tires, dust off dusty things, clean out my computer, and to take to job sites, I bought this at Harbor Freight:  https://www.harborfreight.com/5-gallon-225-psi-high-performance-wheeled-jobsite-air-compressor-56402.html

For residing inside, and powering my airbrushes, drying freshly washed and/or cleaned models before painting, helping to evaporate alcohol from 3D printed models and all other inside, light-duty work that doesn't need a lot of air flow or pressure, I bought this at Harbor Freight:  https://www.harborfreight.com/2-gallon-135-psi-ultra-quiet-hand-carry-jobsite-air-compressor-64596.html

What I like about both of these compressors is their low profile, low noise (REALLY low noise on the 2 gal version - only 60dba) relatively light weight, dual brass quick connects, low amperage, low temperature starting, how fast they fill up and oilless compressing so I don't have to worry about that when air brushing or blowing out my computer.

Compared to other compressors with similar spec's, the price ain't bad for either one of them either.

Compared to my old DeWalt "hot dog" dual tank compressor which I used for my airbrushing before water ate a hole in the tank, the Fortress 2 gal version is exponentially quieter...so I'm able to actually carry on a conversation while it's on.  Oh...and the tank on the Fortress 2 gal version is aluminum so water isn't ever gonna eat a hole in it.

For airbrushing, I use my old low-pressure regulator with quick disconnects so I can easily change air pressure in the 0 to 25 psi range...which also has a built-in water trap.  I use this on the end of my big hose.   I attach a Paasche airbrush hose to the old regulator with a male quick disconnect.  I also have another Paasche aluminum water trap on the airbrush hose about 9 inches down from the screw-end that attaches to my airbrushes.

I'm extremely happy with both compressors, but especially so with the smaller one located in my paint room.  Money well-spent.

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

[Mike Madonna]

I've done a lot of research into modern air compressors, and recently bought two compressors to replace my two 20+ year old ones that died due to rusting tanks.

After spending a day and an evening looking at what's available out there and the prices, for my garage and to power my air-nailers, my 1/2" impact wrench, blow up tires, dust off dusty things, clean out my computer, and to take to job sites, I bought this at Harbor Freight:  https://www.harborfreight.com/5-gallon-225-psi-high-performance-wheeled-jobsite-air-compressor-56402.html

For residing inside, and powering my airbrushes, drying freshly washed and/or cleaned models before painting, helping to evaporate alcohol from 3D printed models and all other inside, light-duty work that doesn't need a lot of air flow or pressure, I bought this at Harbor Freight:  https://www.harborfreight.com/2-gallon-135-psi-ultra-quiet-hand-carry-jobsite-air-compressor-64596.html

What I like about both of these compressors is their low profile, low noise (REALLY low noise on the 2 gal version - only 60dba) relatively light weight, dual brass quick connects, low amperage, low temperature starting, how fast they fill up and oilless compressing so I don't have to worry about that when air brushing or blowing out my computer.

Compared to other compressors with similar spec's, the price ain't bad for either one of them either.

Compared to my old DeWalt "hot dog" dual tank compressor which I used for my airbrushing before water ate a hole in the tank, the Fortress 2 gal version is exponentially quieter...so I'm able to actually carry on a conversation while it's on.  Oh...and the tank on the Fortress 2 gal version is aluminum so water isn't ever gonna eat a hole in it.

For airbrushing, I use my old low-pressure regulator with quick disconnects so I can easily change air pressure in the 0 to 25 psi range...which also has a built-in water trap.  I use this on the end of my big hose.   I attach a Paasche airbrush hose to the old regulator with a male quick disconnect.  I also have another Paasche aluminum water trap on the airbrush hose about 9 inches down from the screw-end that attaches to my airbrushes.

I'm extremely happy with both compressors, but especially so with the smaller one located in my paint room.  Money well-spent.

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

Bob,
You mention about using quick disconnects and a low pressure regulator for airbrushing. By your description, you have a big hose (with a quick disconnect) coming off the compressor. Then the old regulator with the actual airbrush hose and another water trap. Do I have this correct? Is the big hose secured anywhere? I just picked up the exact same 2 gallon Fortress compressor last night. Like you said, quiet, compact and should easily do the job. I wanted to remove the one horizontal quick disconnect and install the regulator/moisture trap. The fitting seems to be metric (it is made in China). I did not know if the threads were SAE or metric. My other option (something along the lines of what you did) was put the regulator/moisture trap on a quick disconnect. As always, your thoughts are welcome. Thanks in advance!

[MetroRedLine]

I bought my compressor several years ago off a local Craigslist ad - The seller only used it to inflate basketballs, volleyballs and other sports equipment.
It's a Coleman 2-gallon compressor with variable pressure and a moisture release valve. It cost me a whopping $20. 

Artists and mechanics also use air compressors, and oftentimes sell them when they want to upgrade models, just an FYI.
So try to scour your local Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace or classifieds.

[OldEastRR]

Thanks for the updates! I'm still haven't bought a compressor so this helps!