I have been using a Testors airbrush and one of those aerosol cans for propellant. I got a Sotar 20/20 airbrush for Christmas and want to upgrade to using a compressor. The aerosol cans worked fine for 1/72 scale models where I wasn’t using the airbrush for long periods of time. I think working on the larger 1/32 scale aircraft and the big warships I have will benefit from a compressor, but you guys probably already know that the big questions is could you give me a few suggestions for a compressor that is under $300?
Just to second Bick’s opinion, if I were buying another compressor, it would most likely be the TC620X.
I use the TC2000 (also shown on the first link Bick provided) and very much like it. I say I’d go for the TC620X because though I have no proof that the +/- 1 PSI or so pressure variations the TC2000 produces without a tank really matters, in hindsight I’d prefer the have a tank.
Though a tank could be added to a 2000, personally I’d prefer to have the entire unit neatly housed as with the 620.
Just my 2 cents, there are many good compressors out there.
I’ve been at this hobby for many decades, used several compressors over the years, all served well, but I can no longer live with the noise due to hearing aids. Some time ago I bought a California Air Tools model 1610A, 1 horsepower, twin cylinder piston type. 6 Gallon tank and compressor in a portable frame with handle, pressure regulator and drain valve. Extremely quiet, being that powerful equates to very little heat build up, it refills the tank from empty in under a minute, the cylinders stay cool to the touch throughout extended painting sessions. This results in nearly zero moisture escaping the drain valve when shutting down at end of project.
If you’re in the US, I ordered it through Home Depot, $179.00 shipping included, delivered to home. I’m completely satisfied with it, and recommend it without hesitation. I suspect it is larger and heavier than the Sparmax, but the tank is large and the compressor is quite powerful. I wish I had learned about mine a long time ago. Worth a check on the net, it might be one that would serve you well and not very expensive. Not long after I bought mine, I saw the exact model at my local hardware store for twenty bucks less, they had it in stock. Good luck in your search, in addition I have never heard anything but good about the Sparmax, very good units as well.
As Chris said, noise is a big issue. Cheap general purpose compressors are far cheaper than your budget but they are LOUD! One solution if you own your own home is to put the compressor in the garage and pipe compressed air into your workshop. I did that for years until I bought a quiet compressor, an Iwata Silver Jet, for about $150.
Another cheap method is to buy a decent sized portable air tank, but you need a source of air to fill the bottle- depends on how far you are from a gas station Or, buy a small pancake compressor for fifty to sixty bucks to fill your tank outside, if you have access to an electric outlet outside your house or apartment.
Many good ideas here and some things i didnt think about. Just what i was hoping for I d&d nt have a way to get from the garage to the basement unfortunately.
I decided to try the CAT 1610. I do some wood working to so I can use it for a brad nailer to. Will let you know what I think once I get it all set up.
I was initially looking at the TC 620X, but I am finding it difficult to locate in Canada, and while the prices in the US are great—shipping, exchange, and duties make it far less attractive when all is added up. I did locate the TC 610 in Canada which is the smaller brother of the TC 620, and it also comes with a tank. It is badged as a Deserres compressor which is a local art shop in central/eastern Canada. It has some good reviews, and the Sparmax units seem like good kits based on reviews, so I am taking a serious look.
I have a 3 gallon pancake compressor with regulator that I installed a moisture trap on. I just turn it on every day while no one is asleep and noise isn’t an issue and fill it up to capacity. A 3 gallon tank @ 100 PSI is enough to get me through a night of painting, doing 1/48. Only downside is on the regulator, I wish i could make more minute adjustments on it. But for about $75 for the whole rig, its a pretty nice set up.
the big questions is could you give me a few suggestions for a compressor that is under $300?