Would like some recommendations as to what type of air compressor would be the most suitable for a beginner. I am looking into getting a Paasch airbrush after reading some of the suggestions on beginner brushes. Now just wondering what type compressor the more experienced guys and gals would recommend? Thanks in advance for the help.
Return to Beginners Category Menu
If you do, buy the 30 gallon tank models they sell at Tractor Supply or Harbor Freight. The cost between $200 and $400 depending on the size of the compressor head. To buy a GOOD small compressor with, you'll end up spending $150 anyway. The large units give you more than sufficient air for your brush, but you'll find a zillion other uses for compressed air that the smaller units won't give you. I bought a small unit to take to the taxidermy convention seminars from Northern Hydraulic. It has a 2 gallon tank with the motor attached. The namebrand was "Quiet Air" by Campbell Hausfeld and is an exceptionally good and versitile unit that lives up to it's name. I think it was $80.
George is giving you good advice. Get one large enough to run air staplers and brad nailers. I think you can get by with a ten gallon tank, it will just kick on and run more. The larger capacity tanks are nice though. DO NOT buy one of these little "artsy" daiphram type compressors, like you find at a hobby shop. As long has it has a regulator, any larger compressor will do the job better.
Chip Stamper
Missouri Taxidermy Institute
get as big as you can afford and have room to store. Nothing more annoying than the compressor kicking on every couple of minutes. I also have one of those little Campbells, and the auto shutoff doesn't work anymore, so i have to switch it off everytime it hits 100 psi in the tank or it will trigger the emergency valve.
Thanks for the information. I figured I would have had to buy a regular airbrush compressor. Never even considered a regular tank type compressor. Was needing to get one of those anyway as my old one burnt up a while back. Thanks again.
Unless you want to use your air hose for blowing dust or drying or anything that will hold the tank open for any amount of time I would say you can get away with a 5-10 gal. (I can use small compressors to frame, roof, ect.) If you start to use it blow drying capes or anything go as big as you can....I have a 35gal and it runs constant when I'm drying or cleaning. Remember compressors are ment to run to recharge it's self, so if you charge your compressor and it dosen't run at all while working...you have more tank than you really need (not that thats bad but if your on a budget you can get away with small tanks for a majority of things)