I just got my first airbrush today. It’s not probably great, it’s a single-action external mix brush, which is supposed to be good for learning. But, the good news is, it was only $12.99. I know, you get what you pay for, but you never know, it might end up being ok. Here is a pic: .
Anyhow, the question now is to get a compressor. The same store had this one on sale for $46.99.
That is about as good as I have seen price-wise, and CH supposedly has a good reputation. But it is only a 1 gallon tank, nice and portable, but will that hold enough air to be of much use? Most of the others I have looked at are 2 gallon and usually go for $69.99, but I have seen them on sale for $49.99. Here is an example (the one on the left):
So, the question is, is a 1 gallon tank sufficient, or would I be better off waiting for the 2 gallon tank to go on sale again?
i went for the 2 gallon , because you can use it for other things like a finishing nailer , someone here has even used one with his big pro nail gun and was quite happy with it . the compressor ran a lot , but it was way easier to drag up a ladder than his regular rig
I have a CH 100 PSI 1 gallon tank just like the blue one in your post. Got mine at wally world to replace my old compressor. Being so cheap I had some doubts about it but went ahead and bought it anyway. It does not have a regulator but you can run it up to the PSI you want, cut it off and paint. Just glance at the gauge frequently. When the needle falls a little cut it back on for a moment. Its great for inflating tires, basketballs and balloons too. It’s loud but that doesn’t bother me much. With the kids, the trucks, a lawntractor and a hobby mine gets lots of use. Though I’ve never had any condensation run out of the tank drain I use a moisture trap when I paint as a precaution. I have a Passche H and VL and and the CH works great with them.
I’ve got the same blue one in your post from Wally World. Little bit dissappointed with it. VERY LOUD!!! Good for running an air brush and scaring you and making your hand jerk every time it kicks on. No regulator, so that’s another $20. If I had it to do over, I’d spend $50-$75 more and get a better compressor.(or $700 on one that would make me a REAL happy camper)[:D]
I just purchased a pump from airbrush city. It’s got a tank, regulator, trap, auto shut off and is very quite. Out the door for $155.50. Will be using it as soon as I can aford the paint… hehehe
Amen! Being a retired carpenter, I’ve used a number of air compressors over the years. The CH unit you are looking at is called an oil-less compressor, and all oil-less units are very noisy. A better choice is an oil-bath type compressor - also made by CG, DeWalt, and a number of others. These units are much quieter and almost always have a pressure regulator, just another way of Wally World low-balling the price. The oil-less also has a shorter life by design. Buy a good compressor once - it’s cheaper in the long run!
The oil-less models are much louder than the type, which require oil. The oil type also last longer if maintained. I change the oil every year on mine.
The blue one is built for portability and will run a lot. The reason is the tiny air tank. The larger the air tank, the better the performance. The motor will also last longer if it runs less. Most, if not all of the larger models have a built in air regulator.
Many items will not run on the small tanks. Impact guns, air ratchets and full size spray guns need a larger SCFM rating. This may or may not be a concern for you.
Nobody ever wishes they bought a smaller compressor; check at Home Depot for better quality than the Mart.
Please keep in mind that I have not used it, I just arived in the mail. BUT, I have other air compressors including a Hitachi portable and there was no way that thing was coming into the house. And running a 100 foot line from my upright was going to be more hassle than it was worth. Rolling out and storing the hose, regulating the pressure, blah, blah, blah. So for a buck fifty, this little thing has so far really impressed me. And has a 2 yr warrantee… will see I guess.
Jbinkley, I ran it for while to break it in, test all the fittings, make sure the auto off and other settings work. Just got my spray booth in and now am looking into getting some paint, so it may be a few days before I get in my practice sessions. As far as sound, it’s everything they claim. I can sit it on by bench (which is another reason I got it, very compact) well within arms reach and talk on the phone no problem. Kicking out 80psi is another plus. The volume was not a major consideration, I have other pumps for that.
I dealt with air/water pumps of just about EVERY kind. Military, civilian, commercial, and private. And this little guy caught my eye. That being said, I always wait until I see how a new unit holds up over time before I’ll give a “two thumbs up”. But a two year warrantee and it’s features are a good start…
p.s. I got the 121TK. I went back to the web site and it looks like it’s now $175… still, not bad. As I always remind my clients: “Your application requirements may vary.” In my case, this little guy fit the bill for me and the cost was very reasonable, especially when you consider tax, shipping, and features. They have other models too. Hope this helps.
i just about bought the 1 gallon compressor yesterday at w/mart as they only had one left.went out their today and someone already had purchased it.over in the hobby section they have the mighty mini or something like that for $55.it comes with an aztech a250 air brush.probably would be ok for me but im not sure about how much pressure the compressor put’s out and whether the a270 will spray acrylic’s.terry…
My 121 TK arrived last Friday and I finally had a chance to use it today. I am very pleased so far. Quiet, has a tank and is much nicer than using cans of air.
I do N scale, and am not planning a ton of airbrushing. I want to know how important a tank is for your comp. Or is it needed at all for small scale work. I hear single action is better then dual. What is the difference.
I own a Porter-Cable “pancake” style compressor. It’s oiless AND noisy, but does a good job of shooting brads and finishing nails in my woodshop. For airbrushing, I selected a tankless compressor. It’s whisper quiet, and though I do quite a lot of airbrushing, it performs superbly. During the week, I live out of an apartment, where I do all of my airbrushing. I wouldn’t even think of using the Porter-Cable in this setting - way too much noise.
A single-action airbrush may do everything you’ll ever need. I used one for years, and only recently purchased a dual-action airbrush. In point of fact, a dual-action model will give you somewhat more control, but at the price of a stiffer learning curve.
The 121 TK is very quiet. You can talk on the phone while it is running. Also it doesn’t need oil. The tank provides smoother air flow and you don’t get the pulsing of the compressor turning on/off. I use a single action Badger airbrush. It has been sufficient for any of my needs. My reasons for the compressor were cost and always having air when I needed it (i.e. can of air not running out at the wrong time). With large cans of air at $15 ea, it doesn’t take long to pay for a compressor.
Paasche Model: D200R. 1/6 H.P. Compressor with regulator & moisture trap. Will deliver up to 35-40 PSI with most model airbrushes, though I recommend keeping it at about 20 PSI for acrylics. MSRP: $203.00. I bought it at Dick Blick Art Supply here in Omaha at half the MSRP. Hobby Town may market the same compressor under a different brand name, possibly Model Master.
Does this have an air tank on it? One of the things I have wondered about is if there is no tank (or just a very small one) does the compressor end up running quite a bit, or even constantly when the airbrush is in use? What does that do for the longevity of the compressor?
BTW, when do we get to see some pics of your work?
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