can anyone link me to a decent compressor? i've not used one before, but using compressed air cans is a real pain in the saracen, and it's doing my head in.

i've found these 2, but i'm not really sure what i'm looking for:

http://www.tooled-up.com/Product.asp?PID=27860&MAN=Sealey-Compressor-25ltr-Direct-Drive-15hp

http://www.tooled-up.com/Product.asp?PID=25354

I'd avoid the second compressor. It has no air tank so it would have to run constantly. The air flow will also pulsate and be difficult, if not imposible, to regulate the pressure.

I've used one similar to this one from Machine Mart for quite some time now with no problems (except for it being rather noisy).

thats pretty cool, and a very good price!

noise is a factor though, i'm thinking of going for this: http://www.modelsinmotion.co.uk/product.asp?productid=2325&catCode=228&tamiya=273

All conventional piston compressors will be noisy to some extent, dispite their claims to be "low noise". With a storage tank you can turn off the motor once up to pressure (mine runs for about 2 minutes to go from empty to full). If noise is a factor, then it would be better to look into a CO2 cylinder or one of the really quiet compressors like this, but as you can see we are now starting to talk serious money.

i had the ripmax demonstrated in the shop and it's pretty quiet really, but thanks for all the replies fellas.

armorama members are always so helpful!

hi adam i,ve just bought a aztek a470 and now in the market for a compressor as well does the ripmax one you speak off come complete with all that is required to start spraying or do you need to buy aditional stuff as well and do you know of a store who stock this item nation wide rather than mail order as like you i,d want to hear it running as noise is an issue in my house thanks

as far as i know, it's ready to go OOTB.

i've heard that some mail order deliveries arrive without the pipe to connect the moisture trap, but i can't confirm this.

i don't know any stores that stock it nationwide, gee dee models demonstrated it for me in central nottingham, and they are a very decent store, not sure what the south west equivalent might be, my local hobby shop in taunton certainly didn't stock them!

i know you need to check yourself, but it really is very quiet indeed, i'm definitely purchasing one.

hows the aztec? i have a badger 200 at the moment, thinking of upgrading, depending on how much it improves with a compressor, it's lousy with the air cans!

adam

how did you find the compressor, is it worth getting as mine packed up this weekend??


i prefere my badger 200 and 150 to the aztec, i found it one of the worst airbrushes i have ever used, certainly with acrylics (all though i know people whos work fine)

il keep to my trusty badger

cheers
keith forsyth

Hi Adam,
I seen you have looked at the Machine Mart web site, but did you look at their ultra quiet range of compressors. My friend has the model with the tank attached (Approx £199.00) & has used this for 3 years now so has a proven track record. So if you can save a bit more, this would be a sound investment. Hope this helps!
Regards
Mark Dollery

the compressors great, really quiet, decent tank, i only run it for 2 minutes and it gives me about 30 minutes of spray time.