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What are my options for a compressor? General discussion
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Prolific poster 1,660 posts IrishRover Prolific poster 1,660 posts
IrishRover

I got a deal on a Badger Patriot 105 airbrush--dual action, gravity feed, internal mix.  It wants 10-15 PSI.  What is the least expensive compressor option, and what should I look for.

(It came with paints, an Athearn Hi-Cube boxcar, fluids, and an airbrush holder.)

I didn't get a compressor then because Springfield had eaten all my money...
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SPSHASTAROUTE Regular poster 175 posts
SPSHASTAROUTE

I would look for a used

I would look for a used construction style pompressor like a pancake or micro double barrel. These can be had new for around $100 and at pawn shops for a fraction of that. Pros: they are inexpensive, can be used for a pneumatic brad nailer (handy for layout construction), will last forever running an airbrush. Cons: they can be noisy depending on the model. They are generally larger than a hobby compressor. They will need a secondary air regulator /filter. I ran a double barrel for several years. Now I run off my giant shop compressor thru a line hard piped into the hobby room. Mike Lozensky

Mike Lozensky

Moder Railroader   Railroad Modeler
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atcguy Active Member 57 posts
atcguy

I have a Senco PC1010

I have a Senco PC1010 compressor. It is quiet and drives my airbrushes and brad nailer great. Here is a link to it.

http://senco.com/CompressorDetails.aspx?k=PC1010

Tom
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SPSHASTAROUTE Regular poster 175 posts
SPSHASTAROUTE

Exactly! I would get that

Exactly! I would get that Senco if my old pancake ever wears out.

Mike Lozensky

Moder Railroader   Railroad Modeler
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UPWilly Prolific poster 1,965 posts
UPWilly

Not that I ...

... suggest it for your use, but it is a great source and is a sponsor of Model Railroad Hobbyist magazine:

Iwata-Medea airbrushes and accessories - their compressors will work with the Badger line with the appropriate adapters:

http://www.iwata-medea.com/products/compressors

If you click on the "Buy Now" link on that page, they will list the retailers selling their products.

 

Bill D.

egendpic.jpg 

N Scale (1:160), not N Gauge. DC (analog), Stapleton PWM Throttle.

Proto-freelance Southwest U.S. 2nd half 20th Century.

Keep on trackin'
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monsterrailroad Regular poster 257 posts
monsterrailroad

PAWN SHOPS!   Look there.

PAWN SHOPS!   Look there.

Big Al Mayo
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Bernd MRH Author 5,597 posts
Bernd

Air Compressors

I have one of these. http://auctionimages.s3.amazonaws.com/48601/16898/6053693_36W108G1G.jpg

It's a twin cylinder compressor used by dentist's back in the stone age. I got it at an auction. It's very quite and does what I need it to do. I'd stay away from compressors that have the piston connected directly to the motor. Very noisy. Belt drive is the way to go.

Bernd

New York, Vermont & Northern Rwy. - Route of the Black Diamonds - NCSWIC
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PAPat Regular poster 283 posts
PAPat

Iwata!

I actually bought an Iwata Smartjet last December and never looked back.  It's super quiet and works exremely well with my Badger Renegade (dual-action gravity feed, similar to your patriot).  I use acrylics almost exclusively, and it works very well with the factory settings.  It's a bit on the expensive side, but if you spray inside, this is a great choice.
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stevelton Regular poster 149 posts
stevelton

I am using the smallest

I am using the smallest compressor that was in the Walmart automotive isle. I think I paid around $80 or so. It has a regulator so I can dial down to just enough air for air brushing, but then I can still use it for airing up car tires and small household projects.

Ive been air brushing with it for 10 years, and never had a problem using it with my badger single action internal mix brush.

Steven

(Male Voice) UP Detector, Mile Post 2 8 0, No defects, axle count 2 0, train speed 3 5 m p h,  temperature 73 degrees, detector out.
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ctxmf74 Super User 15,951 posts
ctxmf74

options

    It depends on the space you have and the kind of work you might want to do with the compressor. A small one might cost as much as a large one so you can't just go by cost. If you only plan to paint with it and need to store it in a small space the artists airbrush compressors might make sense. If you have a little more room and might use a nail gun someday a small homeowners unit might be a better value.If possible listen to the unit run and see how noisy it is as some can be quite loud if used in the house. I have a small 1/2 horsepower Thomas brand that I bought because it was light and runs quieter than larger shop type units. It will power a framing nailgun as long as I don't shoot too fast, it was not as cheap as some 1 HP units though. Check out Home Depot and Sears to get an idea of what is available. ....DaveBranum

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JodyG Regular poster 268 posts
JodyG

Harbor Freight

I've had great luck with my Harbor Freight airbrush compressor- they have 1/5, 1/6 and 1/8 HP versions for ~$70. I've been using it regularly for 6 years and it is still going strong. Make sure you get one with a regulator- not all of them come with the regulator, but it can be added on later.
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