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Airbrush and compressor help wanted

Posted: Tue Nov 29, 2011 12:14 pm
by vwjuice
Hey guys I have a couple questions regarding airbrushing. I have an older airbrush that was a gift from my dad several years ago (around 10). I am making my first attempt at any kind of custom airbrush painting on a new body for my 4wd buggy. I am using this airbrush The Badger Crescendo 175 http://www.badgerairbrush.com/Crescendo_175.asp and a crappy air compressor similar to this http://www.harborfreight.com/air-tools/air-compressors/3-gallon-100-psi-oilless-pancake-air-compressor-95275.html.

I know I need a better compressor so that will be next. I'm wondering if this is a good one http://www.harborfreight.com/air-tools/air-compressors/1-8-eighth-hp-40-psi-oilless-airbrush-compressor-93657.html or does anyone have a better recomendation? I'd like to stay around $100 if possible. I'd like something quiet since I paint in the house due to the lack of a garage.

Also if anyone has any ideas of a better airbrush I'm open to getting a new one next spring.

Thanks guys, Justin

Re: Airbrush and compressor help wanted

Posted: Tue Nov 29, 2011 1:12 pm
by bearrickster
I dont know about that one, but I have a Badger one my father bought 40 or so years ago. I am guessing, he died 31 years ago and he had it as long as I could remember. anyway I am still useing it, and never had any problems with it. it works great! the only thing I didnt like about it it doesnt have a on/off switch. so I use a power strip with a switch.

Re: Airbrush and compressor help wanted

Posted: Tue Nov 29, 2011 1:43 pm
by vwjuice
Is it fairly quiet? These pancake style ones that I have are meant for finish nailing and stapling and they're loud and noisy. :lol:

Re: Airbrush and compressor help wanted

Posted: Tue Nov 29, 2011 1:54 pm
by bearrickster
yes it not silent but its not very loud. They last ! I have been expecting this one to quit on me for years, but it works every time I turn it on. when it quits I will replace it with another one just like it.

Re: Airbrush and compressor help wanted

Posted: Tue Nov 29, 2011 2:01 pm
by vwjuice
Thanks. I guess I'll buy one of those since I already have one of their airbrushed. I know the craft stores in town sell them.

Re: Airbrush and compressor help wanted

Posted: Tue Nov 29, 2011 2:03 pm
by bearrickster
I get emails from our Michaels craft store and they send me 50% off deals all the time and thats how I would do it. thats how I bought my last airbrush. it was 150.00 got it for 75.00

Re: Airbrush and compressor help wanted

Posted: Tue Nov 29, 2011 2:27 pm
by soniccj5
I have an external 5 Gallon 135psi tank that my wife got me a couple years ago. I plug my pancake air compressor into the tank using a T fitting, then a pressure regulator to the gun. Sure it is noisy when filling up, but you can almost paint a body without the compressor coming on.

For a while I would buy a air brush bottle every time I went to Micheal's with my wife. They are a perfect fit for my Paasche airbrush.

Re: Airbrush and compressor help wanted

Posted: Tue Nov 29, 2011 3:02 pm
by vwjuice
I thought about an external air tank. I keep my compressor either on my back patio or in my kitchen with a few blankets covering it. I live in an apartment so it's difficult to find space. Lol

Re: Airbrush and compressor help wanted

Posted: Tue Nov 29, 2011 7:38 pm
by soniccj5
sorry to hear about the lack of space.

Figured I would toss up a picture for reference anyway.
IMG_20111129_192348.jpg
IMG_20111129_192348.jpg (32.29 KiB) Viewed 2298 times
IMG_20111129_192348.jpg
IMG_20111129_192348.jpg (32.29 KiB) Viewed 2298 times
ED

Re: Airbrush and compressor help wanted

Posted: Tue Nov 29, 2011 8:13 pm
by vwjuice
Yeah that's a good idea right there.

Re: Airbrush and compressor help wanted

Posted: Tue Nov 29, 2011 11:35 pm
by clhuke64
If you are lacking space, you can just pick up a tank for filling up tires, take it to a station to fill up - no noise. The only problem is taking it to the station to fill up with air.
Ifhttp://www.harborfreight.com/5-gallon-portable-air-tank-65594.html
you have the space just pick up the pancake compressor and tank combo (but "DO Not" I mean "DO NOT" buy the insurance for the compressor from Horbor Freight Tools, It's just a scam, I know I worked there for two years).

Good Luck
Craig

Re: Airbrush and compressor help wanted

Posted: Wed Nov 30, 2011 12:19 am
by wyldbill
i always liked this style, a friend of mine has one. the best of both worlds and super quiet.
http://www.tcpglobal.com/airbrushdepot/tc20t.html

Re: Airbrush and compressor help wanted

Posted: Wed Nov 30, 2011 12:51 am
by vwjuice
clhuke64 wrote:If you are lacking space, you can just pick up a tank for filling up tires, take it to a station to fill up - no noise. The only problem is taking it to the station to fill up with air.
Ifhttp://www.harborfreight.com/5-gallon-portable-air-tank-65594.html
you have the space just pick up the pancake compressor and tank combo (but "DO Not" I mean "DO NOT" buy the insurance for the compressor from Horbor Freight Tools, It's just a scam, I know I worked there for two years).

Good Luck
Craig
I have the pancake style compressor. I've just had too many complaints about the noise. That's why I'm lookin for a better alternative.

Re: Airbrush and compressor help wanted

Posted: Wed Nov 30, 2011 11:20 am
by steve
i picked up a senco air comp. for work some years ago for finish work. Great little comp, the thing is small about 12x12x12 inch and very quiet, has a 1 gal. tank , I have beat the hell out of mine so it almost runs non stop , when it was new the recovory was quick.
I would also think about getting a line dryer/fillter with a psi reg, gauge

Re: Airbrush and compressor help wanted

Posted: Wed Nov 30, 2011 11:31 am
by clhuke64
Justin,
As long as you are filling up the compressor between the hours of 9am-10pm and not letting the compressor just run all night long, what seems to be the problem ?? If your neighbors are complaining, not to be mean but, I think that I would tell them to deal with it. You have the right to make noise in your apaertment as long as it is not excessive and not after 10pm.

Good Luck
Craig