Just getting back to armor modeling, boy have prices and supplies changed. My old Badger compresser has failed, any suggestions on a new one? Not opposed to buying one specific to air brushing, but has anyone tried the cheaper home improvement offerings?

Hi

You might want to have a look at something like these

http://cgi.ebay.com/Twin-Piston-AIRBRUSH-AIR-COMPRESSOR-w-TANK-2Yr-Warranty-/190458605878

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Quiet-AIRBRUSH-AIR-BRUSH-COMPRESSOR-Tank-Free-Hose-/190462290913

I have both, single pump version is quiter than the double but the double produces more air than you airbrush will need so its turned off for longer periods, it can also handle small power tools as well.

Paul

Paul
i have an iwata ,smart jet pro.its super quiet, it only runs when you demand air through you airbrush,instantly gives you the air pressure that you set it at on demand,comes with regulator/moisture trap,braded air hose and is in a metal box measuring about 18"x12"x 10".
about the best compressor ive ever had Roy

Hi Joe, and welcome to Armorama.
I had a dedicated airbrush compressor for years, but it's constant droning made me angry and I didn't enjoy my airbrush sessions. I went to Harbor Freight Tools with a coupon and bought a 3 gallon pancake compressor for $39.99. I love it. I let it fill and when it shuts off, I shut it off. I can then shoot a whole cup full of paint in complete silence. Great deal for 40 bucks!

Hi

How noisy is it when it is running, those types are normally very noisy

Paul;

The Harbor Freight compressor in the posted pic is fairly quiet as these things go- but as it does have a somewhat larger piston and head and a bigger motor, you cannot expect it to be "whisper-quiet".

It does allow one to paint a substantial amount between turnings-on- which is really nice, IMO.

My approach has been to go with a larger shop-compressor placed out in my garage and attached to my AB via a longish (50') hose (I had the compressor anyway- so I simply added this use on). The 12 gallon tank allows me to paint a whole kit several coats between fills. So I pump her up during the day when the noise is not an issue, and I can spray all nite with it turned off.

Bob

Hi

Thanks for the reply

I must admit with the two I posted the single pump version is very quiet and the double pump is only slightly more noisy, I have no issues running either in my house even when others in the house are in bed.

Paul

The Harbor Freight compressor is about as noisy as the vacuum cleaner when it's running. I just flip it on and walk out of the room, then use it when it's off.
If you have $199 to spend, get the Iwata Smart Jet or the Grex AC1810. Both are quieter than a fish tank filter when running and operate on demand with no pulsing.