Compressors

[Fenton]

Ok

After a few years out I want to get back to using my airbrush, and before I always used my friends, but since moving continents I no longer have that luxury

Can anybody direct me to what I need to look for in a good compressors, or any good links for buying one

Many Thanks

[WWIICentral]

Fenton,

I think there are many routes you can take: use a hardware grade compressor (can get at a hardware store), a simple artists compressor (with no tank), or an upgraded artists compressor (tank, dual airbrush ports, extra features, etc.). Prices range quite a bit actually; I think a hardware grade compressor is probably the cheapest option - but it won't look as nice and might be a little large.

In general I think there are a few things that you really should have on your compressor - pressure regulator (too much pressure can damage an airbrush), pressure gauge (to see what pressure you're spraying at), and a moisture trap (extra water in your air can cause bad results). You don't need a tank on your compressor either, but they are nice since your noisy compressor won't have to run all the time.

A compressor you purchase at your hardware store probably doesn't have these out of the box (except for the tank and maybe gauge) but you can usually add these parts on later yourself. I've heard a lot of people who have had great success putting together their own airbrush compressor for much cheaper than a purpose built product.

Simple Artist Compressors are available from most airbrush companies - Iwata, H&S, Badger, Paasche, etc. I used to own an Iwata Sprint Jet and it worked out pretty well. It did not have a tank so it ran all the time, but it was fairly quiet. I eventually upgraded because it had a little bit of a "pulse" since it didn't have a tank. I would guess these run anywhere from $100 - $200 USD.

Upgraded Artists Compressors are nice but they can get expensive. Some of these run as high as $600 - $800 USD - or more! Typically they have a nice moisture filter, easier pressure controls, and usually a storage tank. I personally use an Iwata Power Jet and I'm happy with it... I had to save up for a little while though as it ran me about $450 USD on sale. I use my airbrush a lot, so it's been a good investment.

I'd say go for the basic compressor or put one together yourself, unless you plan to use it very frequently... then look for a nicer unit. That's just my thoughts... unfortunately, I don't have any good suggestions on where to buy.

Hope that helps (sorry for the long winded response)

Tanner

[Reddog]

I'm dusting my compressor off this week and I also have a hardware compressor (I purchased a pressure gauge a few years ago with moisture trap) as I live in the suprisingly humid city of Toronto Canada. Where we are on Lake Ontario which I assume is the reason for our high humidity...

All your guys talk of air brushes has got me dieing to use mine again...

Reddog Mike

[Fenton]

Just a quick question, I was looking on line and saw some compressors by Revell...Are these any good or are they not worth the money?

[WWIICentral]

I think Revell would work fine... I read a few comments on a modeling forum that stated they were happy with theirs. Also, that same forum was speculating that Revell and Iwata compressors were probably manufactured by the same company in Taiwan... so my guess is it will work great. Thank me if it turns out great, but don't blame me if it's crap

Are these what you're thinking?
http://www.wonderlandmodels.com/products/revell-standard-class-compressor/
http://www.wonderlandmodels.com/products/revell-master-class-compressor/

Try to get a model that has a pressure gauge and a moisture trap... those are both very helpful.

Good luck!
Tanner

[ZombieChickens]

I have a Model Maker.....I like it and it runs fairly quiet as well