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I really want to get an air compressor but my dad thinks otherwise
i was thinking if i could solve his main problems with it i might be able
to get one for my birthday =D

ok here are the problems

1) need open area (i was thinking out in the back yard on top of a box)

2) need an air compresser, according to him are very loud and disruptive. So does
anyone know a silent one or if the GW stock compressed air for their airbrush lasts long
enough for the price (according to him will not be consistent flow)

3) price limit uhh i think i'm aiming for around 80USD =D probably can squeeze a little more
even that amount is in question =P

my only supplies that i have available is a air compreser for bike tires (he says its too powerful)
and models

all help appreciated

Actually you can get quiet run compressors but generally are more expensive, mine is $800 and hums like a fridge.

As for your budget you can get a $60 compressor and a $20 regulator and a $30 airfilter and you should be fine.

You dont need the air filter but the day you get dirt or oil in your paint you'll curse to the high heavens.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=40057

No noise fill it up at the gas station for like $1.00

It sounds like he's being a dad (am one myself) and not letting you get into something that he's afraid you're going to make a disastrous mess with.

Basically when you're airbrushing you're merely making an oversized can of spray paint that gives you control. GW compressed air (and similar types) offer the same flow as a can of spray paint.

So here's my question to you, are you doing this on a base coating level or are you attempting some detail work on vehicles? If its the former then the GW airbrush with a couple of cans of propellant will cover you just fine for around 50 dollars initially. Buddy of mine did 100+ models with two cans.

The other thing to keep in mind is that airbrushing will go through material much faster than hand painting. The waste is reduced if you're doing detail work or bulk base coating.

I don't think I helped much

With an airbrush you don't want an open area. You can place the compressor in another room and run an airline to wherever you are allowed or permitted to work. You will however want to either engage your dad to help build a proper spray booth or invest in buying one (~$150+ USD) and a respirator mask so you're not breathing in particles.

If you go with the compressor route make sure you buy one that has a storage tank, which will enable the compressor to build up pressure to a certain level in the tank and then turn off, which means you won't be constantly hearing the compressor it will just engage when you hit certain pressure levels.

Using a tank like the one mentioned from Harbor Freight can work as well; however, you will need to buy a pressure regulator, moisture trap and a few adapters.

I use a TC-700 compressor (~$200 USD), which is a lot quieter than your standard shop compressor; however, it certainly would wake people up if used near bedrooms.

I have been wanting an airbrush for quite some time now and after reading the FW modeling book I've finally decided to bite the bullet and invest in one. I'd just like to add a couple of more specific questions to this thread: firstly, what kind of psi should I be looking at in an air compressor? Also, what is a good size for the airtank? The one that I am looking at is 3 litres with a single piston compressor. Is this suitable for modeling?

This is the one that I am looking at:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/COMPLETE-AIRBRUSH-KIT-AIRBRUSH-COMPRESSOR-WITH-TANK_W0QQitemZ370222259459QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Crafts_DrawingSupplies_EH?hash=item5632f75d03&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A1688%7C240%3A1308%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

Any advice and suggestions would be appreciated.