noob compressor questions

[pnj]

I have a Iwata airbrush that I've had for 15 or so years and figure I might try to put it to use...

I have been looking into compressors and am not real sure what I need.

I would like one with an air tank but not a large/heavy one as I'll be using it in the basement and I don't have a lot of room. I don't have a garage so it's gunna have to live in the house. I don't care too much how loud it is but quiter is better. (I have a Wagner Power Painter thing, and it's LOUD)

and of course, I'd like to spend as little as possible.. I'm thinking around $130.00 or so.


how would any of those work?

thanks.

[aixguy]

Well I think this is a good one for the money.. Don't own one but I think Jammer has one. Would not recomend it unless there is a store local where you can pickup and return if there is a problem.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=42321
It is on sale in the flyer I received today for 89.95. This sale price comes around about every other month on this unit. Do not pay more for it, just wait a few weeks. That goes for about everthing in a HF store.

To answer your questions, I would probably stay away from the $59 one you had listed but the other woudl be fine.

[pnj]

how long will I be able to airbrush with a couple gallon tank? will the compressor have to turn on often or what? just curious. also, is there a weight posted anywhere for the Harbor Freight one? it's probably larger then I really need/have space for.

[Kevin Mayes]

You might want to take a look at these compressors.
www.silentaire.com

[Quarath]

I have the Campbell Hausfield 2 gal from Walmart 68 bucks. I think it the step up from the one in the picture because it has a regulator and I don't think the one pictured does. That is why I chose the one I got over the one you have pictured.

It starts to refill the tank every few minutes if I am using higher PSI less if using lower. Not really quite but not intollerably loud either.

[VALKETEER]

I got a Porter-Cable 1.5 HP, 6 Gallon UMC Pancake Air Compressor Loews for $169.00. It’s about 89 decibels, not very quite but not very loud for an oiless compressor. Works great and I can run my Iwata for about 10 mins of continuous use before the compressor kicks in. If I want it very quite while I work I just turn off the compressor and can airbrush for up to 30 mins or longer before I have to turn back on the compressor to refill the tank.

[BudMan]

I too have been looking at the Harbor Frieght ones they also have a 4 gallon pancake style one with the same compressor pump.the thing I like about these is that they are 1 3/4 hp more then enough cfm for an airbrush heck you could use a spray gun ,but the down side is they are oil compressors and you would need a filter that removes oil (I have one already) next Harbor Freight sells regulators cheap too.I bought the $9.95 one for spray guns on sale and it holds the pressure right where you set it. good luck with what ever choice you make.

1 3/4 hp pancake
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=38898

regulator with gauge

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=90590

[pnj]

would one of those air tanks work? the kind you just fill with air and then you can fill your car tires or whatever with?

http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS...gln.0&MID=9876