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I know that there have been several threads on the topic, but unfortunately I did not manage to find what I was looking. So I will ask for your patience

I am about to make my debut in proper airbrushing after getting convinced by (yes I know that most of you hate it) GW's spray gun. I have found the airbrush I will go for, but my greatest issue is the air compressor. Well, to put it simply I have no clue what to get. To help you give me some feedback, here are some facts:

-I look for something quiet, since I live in University accommodation and having my own sound proof working space is not an option.
-I will be using the airbrush only for miniatures painting.
-My budget is up to 110 pounds +/-10 pounds
-I have no access to US sites, only to UK ones.

In general, I would be happy to spend my money on somethin of good quality, but I would not like overspending for something that will be way above my needs.

Also, what are your thoughts on these two compressors and what difference two pistons make?:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0036SZ80U/ref=s9_simh_gw_p60_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1JHG2PE2VN7FFJ8HMF61&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=467128533&pf_rd_i=468294

and

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0036T0ZR0/ref=s9_simh_gw_p60_d0_i2?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1JHG2PE2VN7FFJ8HMF61&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=467128533&pf_rd_i=468294


I will be grateful for any advice offered. Especially for the lengthy detailed ones

If you don't mind going to ebay, you can get a few good items.

This is a simple compressor that you can always add an air tank to later

Or a very similar one from an online shop

I use a compressor very much the same as this. It is very quiet (49bd which is about the same volume as someone talking quietly).

This is the cheapest one I could find with a tank. It also comes with 2 airbrushes (double action). It doesn't say how loud it is, but I would imagine it would be in the 50bd range, which is quiet to normal talking.

You can make it quieter by holding it down to stop it vibrating against the surface it is sitting on.

Edits: Epic link failure

Either of those are just fine.

Quiet, they tend not to be. The unit itself is reasonably quiet, but it vibrates. A LOT! Don't put it on a desk, and don't put it on the floor unless you're on the ground floor.

http://www.airbrushcompressorshop.co.uk/products/compressor-kits/airbrush-compressor-kit-i-all-purpose/

This is cheaper, and will suit your needs. Don't overspend for a first foray. You can always upgrade later. This kit is also easier to sell if you decide that airbrushing is not for you, as it's a complete set, which is generally what people look for.

Dual pistons more can produce pressure more reliably than single pistons and are usually used where exact pressure over time is an issue, at least that's my experience from a manufacturing industry standpoint.

EDIT - get one with a tank. It reduces the duration for which you need your motor on, 2 bird 1 stone effect - reducing noise and wear and tear.

Thank you a lot for your advices guys. So, should I suppose that all this talk about buying a compressor with a brand name on it is just b******.

I think I will not take a kit, since I already have the airbrush. But apart from that, what's the difference between a twin cylinder and single cylinder compressor? Should I go with twin cylinder or is it an overkill? What psi should I be looking for?

I would like to get something that will last me for quite some time (upgrading is not something that will happen soon), so considering this at what price range would it be sensible for me to look at?

Thanks once again guys.

the psi out put of a compressor really just means how long you can spray before the compressor kicks in to reload the tank, most airbrush spraying takes place around 7-20 psi, here is the one I use;

http://www.airbrushcity.com/144AC.htm

been working for about 7 years now with no problems.

Ashton

praetor24 wrote:Thank you a lot for your advices guys. So, should I suppose that all this talk about buying a compressor with a brand name on it is just b******.

I think I will not take a kit, since I already have the airbrush. But apart from that, what's the difference between a twin cylinder and single cylinder compressor? Should I go with twin cylinder or is it an overkill? What psi should I be looking for?

I would like to get something that will last me for quite some time (upgrading is not something that will happen soon), so considering this at what price range would it be sensible for me to look at?

Thanks once again guys.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQE1yTwjaGY&feature=related

this guy has a series that should answer your questions. the rest of the series is definitely recommended viewing.

Get a single cylinder with a tank. PSI can be as low as 15, or as high as 40-50 for minis, depending on what you're putting through it. Heavy mixes tend to require more pressure (metallics) and lighter, thinned mixes need less, or they go everywhere!

Thanks a lot for all the info guys.

@Phayse: The youtube channel was really helpful. Thanks mate.

So, final question and I go compressor-hunting. How about the compressor brands? Are no-named ones equally good?

Pass. But there are review sites out there. see if you can get a few reviews of your shortlisted models. It'd be harder to apply it to a mini painting aspect, as they're generally used for other things, but they would indicate how reliable/quiet/useful they are.

praetor24 wrote:I think I will not take a kit, since I already have the airbrush.

You can always sell the other airbrushes (or use them as backups, or use them to spray different colours - whatever). The kit as a whole is still much cheaper than the compressors you linked to, plus you get 2 "free" airbrushes.

Hell, if you didn't want them, I would take them off your hands as my airbrush has died and I need a new one

The tank isn't a necessity if you don't mind a little noise. I run a single-piston electric compressor with no tank and it's quiet enough for me to carry on a conversation without raising my voice.

I don't know much about airbrushes but the best way to reduce the noise from an air compressor or really any piece of machinery is to put a mat underneath it. I work in retail, selling treadmills, and the best product I recommend to people is an insulated mat about half an inch thick, which you can cut to the desired shape and size, that reduces vibration noise considerably. Try it out, and you won't be disappointed.

Thanks a lot for all the feedback guys. I have already commenced the compressor hunting