ctenn Posted November 12, 2015 Report Share Posted November 12, 2015 Recently started learning the art of airbrushing crankbaits. I have an Iwata Eclipse ab and a Menards 3 gallon compressor. Problem is , the compressor is so noisy it keeps the dead awake. Can I, get some recommendations from you all about what you use as a resonably priced, quiet airbursh compressors? Thanks in advance. Carl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cm10lber Posted November 12, 2015 Report Share Posted November 12, 2015 Recently started learning the art of airbrushing crankbaits. I have an Iwata Eclipse ab and a Menards 3 gallon compressor. Problem is , the compressor is so noisy it keeps the dead awake. Can I, get some recommendations from you all about what you use as a resonably priced, quiet airbursh compressors? Thanks in advance. Carl I have a pancake compressor myself but didnt want to use it in my basement because of the noise so I went searching. I ended up buying a small airbrush compressor at Harbor Freight for like $60.00. I was a little aprehensive because Im not a fan of buying electric tools from them. I have in the past and they werent that great. However, I absolutely love this little compressor. Its small, compact and quiet compared to my larger one. I have had it 6 weeks and use it almost every night. No problems. You can get coupons for 20% off. I didnt want to wait til the flyer came in the mail so I just bought it at the regular price. Good Luck but thats what I would recommend 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Travis Posted November 13, 2015 Report Share Posted November 13, 2015 I would get a dedicated airbrush compressor if quiet is the real key. Reasonably priced? All dependent on the person. I would have no issue with 500 or more if I painted cranks every night. I have a small airbrush compressor (Fusion 1000) I bought at Hobby Lobby clearance for around 25 bucks several years ago. It specs out a little higher than the ones I see now listed. It pushes 45 psi max (for an initial burst but drops to 35-37 psi in use). I would prefer a little more at times but it does the trick and the price is right and it is quiet. You can carry on a conversation while painting. I would likely get a "name brand" air brush compressor and if really want to push the noise level construct a box to place it in (similar design to the boxes many make for small compressors or shop vacs used by hobbyist woodworkers). Compressed air is always an options also as renting a tank/regulator isn't all that expensive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goose77 Posted November 13, 2015 Report Share Posted November 13, 2015 I have a small airbrush compressor similar to the one Travis describes. Also got it at Hobby Lobby...they offer coupons for 40% off, so it was a good deal. The performance is similar to what Travis describes too. This has been fine. I do mainly small and relatively detailed work, so there's no need for higher pressures. Having said all this, when this device gives up the ghost, I'll go with a fancier compressor...that may be awhile. I like this little compressor. It is quiet enough to work in the house while my wife is asleep. No loud noises like you hear on some videos. Cheers, Ed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barrybait Posted November 13, 2015 Report Share Posted November 13, 2015 I like a regular tank compressor like you get from Sears. It is not that quiet but with a tank it only runs for 2 minutes then shuts off for 20-30 minutes. That way I can check and top off the tires on my boat trailer and truck when I need to. Especially now with the lousy compressors they have at the gas stations. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ravenlures Posted November 13, 2015 Report Share Posted November 13, 2015 I have my compressor on the porch and ran a line to my airbrushing area in the basement and I don't hear a thing. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheHammer Posted November 13, 2015 Report Share Posted November 13, 2015 (edited) I recently purchased a California Air Tools...10gal and absolutely LOVE it....I spray with it in the same room and its not an annoyance at all! Quietest on the market. $379 on Amazon....its actually cheaper now! http://www.amazon.com/California-Air-Tools-CAT-10020-10-0-Gallon/dp/B00889ZYOW/ref=sr_1_2?s=power-hand-tools&ie=UTF8&qid=1447427942&sr=1-2&keywords=california+air+tools Edited November 13, 2015 by TheHammer 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ctenn Posted November 13, 2015 Author Report Share Posted November 13, 2015 Thanks for all the replys. Has anyone had any experience with this one? http://www.tcpglobal.com/ABD-TC-20T.html Carl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark poulson Posted November 13, 2015 Report Share Posted November 13, 2015 I'm not familiar with the particular compressor, but it has a very small storage tank. Generally speaking, non-airbrush specific compressors like that are noisy when they cycle and repressurize their storage tank. So, a larger storage tank will take longer to pressurize, depending on how strong the compressor is, but it will give you a lot more stored air, so it doesn't have to cycle as often. If you're worried about noise in the house, I don't think that compressor will be quiet enough for you. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musky Glenn Posted November 13, 2015 Report Share Posted November 13, 2015 Mark Poulson times two. Storage tank is the answer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vodkaman Posted November 13, 2015 Report Share Posted November 13, 2015 Cten - I had to read all the way to the bottom to find the tank volume, it was like they were trying to hide the information. With a 3.5 Liter tank, the motor is going to be kicking in a lot, so the sound output is important. The company claims 59db. I searched for a decibel equivalent chart and discovered; 60 - 65db is conversation at 3ft. The price seems right, but I would want to listen to it before buying. I don't know whether they would accommodate you over there in the USA, but here in Indonesia, I could take along my airbrush (empty) and try it out to see how long before the motor kicks in and what the working pressure is. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Travis Posted November 13, 2015 Report Share Posted November 13, 2015 My little compressor runs low 50 decibels and no concerns with noise. If that is your price point then just buy that one or whatever and focus on a friendly return policy just in case. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Prager Posted November 14, 2015 Report Share Posted November 14, 2015 I have the California as well and use it indoors. hard to beat.I have the one with the 2 gallon tank.... make sure you get the one with an aluminum tank. I absolutely love it and use it 4 days a week.... The 1/5hp compressor is quiet and works well for that type of compressor and price. I used one for several years. The key to making it last for a year or maybe 2 is to shut it off whenever you set the brush down. otherwise they will burn out. You cannot use the discount coupons with compressors anymore. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hazmail Posted November 14, 2015 Report Share Posted November 14, 2015 (edited) I have been running one of these "Master Airbrush" models for about 5 years, thought it would last 1 (same compressor, different brand name) --no problems with noise, only thing that was I didn't DRAIN it regularly, I didn't do this because it's so dry here, never thought it would be a problem but that was my fault --. Pete Edited November 14, 2015 by hazmail Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TerryF2858 Posted November 14, 2015 Report Share Posted November 14, 2015 http://www.homedepot.com/p/California-Air-Tools-4-6-Gal-1-HP-Ultra-Quiet-and-Oil-Free-Aluminum-Twin-Tank-Air-Compressor-CAT-4610A/202977403 this is the one i use.. love it, i can listen to the radio in the small room with it running. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pluraloffant Posted November 17, 2015 Report Share Posted November 17, 2015 2nd the California air tools. My shop is in the unfinished side of a finished basement. My wife is usually 20ft away watching TV. I believe I got a 6 gal aluminum tank for around 200$ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcallister920 Posted November 28, 2015 Report Share Posted November 28, 2015 I made my compressor which is similar to the Silentaire type. i bought a harbor freight pancake compressor,stripped the compressor and used the tank. Then mounted a used 1/4 hp refrigeration compressor on it. Ran a few copper lines,installed an unloader valve from grainger,muffler,pressure regulator with oil and water trap and walla- Silentaire compressor for under $200 bucks. Works awesome, quite, makes plenty of pressure and volume. If your handy its not too bad to make. I could take pics and go into greater detail if anyone is interested 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ctenn Posted November 28, 2015 Author Report Share Posted November 28, 2015 Sounds like a good idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rhersh Posted November 30, 2015 Report Share Posted November 30, 2015 I made my compressor which is similar to the Silentaire type. i bought a harbor freight pancake compressor,stripped the compressor and used the tank. Then mounted a used 1/4 hp refrigeration compressor on it. Ran a few copper lines,installed an unloader valve from grainger,muffler,pressure regulator with oil and water trap and walla- Silentaire compressor for under $200 bucks. Works awesome, quite, makes plenty of pressure and volume. If your handy its not too bad to make. I could take pics and go into greater detail if anyone is interested I made one of my own like that, but I would like to see a pic. of yours. It sounds like it is nicer than mine. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishon-son Posted November 30, 2015 Report Share Posted November 30, 2015 my air compresser sits outside in the garage ..drilled a hole into the basement ran a pipe with to air fittings and a big valve in the basement can hook up to 6 lines...never heard a sound from it..but not that I can paint..mostly used for taking small motors apart for rebuilding.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vodkaman Posted November 30, 2015 Report Share Posted November 30, 2015 Just a warning to those considering building your own compressors or vacuum chambers for that matter. If you have no engineering education, then you need to do a lot of research and get a real understanding of the power that you are playing with. The pressure/vacuum chambers must be designed and built for the purpose AND must be faultless. Absolutely no rust or corrosion AND no drilling and tapping new holes. The best analogy that I can think of, is using damp dynamite as play-doh. Dave 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark poulson Posted November 30, 2015 Report Share Posted November 30, 2015 When I bought my 3-4 gallon compressor from Sears in the mid 70's, I added some compressor oil to the tank, to prevent rust, because I was using it for construction. When I began using it for air brush painting, I added an inline combination regulator and water trap, and I've never had any issues with either rust or oil in my painting. I still use the same compressor. If I could, I would use a corrosion-proof tank, but I don't think they are made, so I would suggest you drain your tank one a week, just to be on the safe side. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vodkaman Posted November 30, 2015 Report Share Posted November 30, 2015 I really like the idea of aluminium tanks, as discussed in another current thread. Occasionally, I want to drag my compressor around for other jobs, but even on four wheels and a handle, it is just too heavy were steps are involved. Next time I am shopping in the engineering area of town, I will pick up another extension instead. The corrosion resistance properties of aluminium are very good. Aluminium is actually very reactive, but it creates a layer of corrosion and this prevents the oxygen from reaching the metal, thus preventing further corrosion. I designed an installation for aluminium LPG gas tanks in a Proton car. LPG gas is used extensively in Malaysia in place of gasoline. The aluminium tank was not used in the end; cost concerns and also implications of a collision direct hit. The manufacturer assured us that it passed the same tests applied to steel tanks. Dave 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark poulson Posted December 1, 2015 Report Share Posted December 1, 2015 Steel tanks dent. Do aluminum tanks dent, too, or do they crack when impacted? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vodkaman Posted December 1, 2015 Report Share Posted December 1, 2015 Mark - you're scaring me. Perhaps you should stick with steel tanks Dave 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
