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Hi guys,
long time forum reader, first time poster here. I have questions regarding airbrushing. I want to get into it but where i live theres not really any good hobby stores around, so i will have to order an airbrush online. The thing is that i dont know what i need. After reading lots of reviews, i have decided to buy a Harder & Steenbeck Evolution 2 in 1 airbrush (0.2mm-0.4mm). The thing is I have no idea which compressor to buy, and if i need any other accessories than just the airbrush and the compressor. I will probably be ordering my stuff from this website: http://www.carminahobbys.com/compresores-lp-1-50-familia-72/ i want to spend about 150 Euros on the compressor which seems to be more or less in the middle of the range... so can anyone gice me some good advice on which compressor i should buy, preferably from that page? and if i need anything else? any help will be veeery much appreciated,

thanks & regards,
Victor

http://www.carminahobbys.com/set-aerografia-experto-p-1-50-7981/

That one. Although, it comes with an airbrush there, Can probably get it cheaper on its own somehwere. Its a AS186, made in China, Pretty much the most common airbrush compressor going. Itle do the trick, but you could get quieter by spending a fair bit more.

Other things you're going to want is a hose (unless you get a freebie with the compressor or airbrush? )
Depending on the climate where you live, and inline moisture trap (in addition to he one built into the compressor) - I live in the UK midlands, and use two of these.
A stand... somewhere that you can put the airbrush down while working without spilling the paint.

Good choice on the H&S Evolution I really enjoy my Evolution Silverline Solo. Theyre quite well made bits of kit.

Thanks for the reply. I definitely want it to be as quiet as possible. i was thinking maybe this one http://www.carminahobbys.com/compresor-automatico-15-hp-p-1-50-5658/ as it says its silent.. also i have another question what does 1/5 hp mean? 1/8 hp ?

Hehe it wont be actually silent... its likely around 50 decibels.

the 1/5 hp and 1/8 hp refer to how much horsepower the compressors motor has.

Depending if you want to be airbrushing a lot... say more than 30-60 minutes a sesion, with more than one sesion a day, then you want a tank.
As the motor gets hot, it condenses moisture from the air, which comes out in your spray and ruins your hard work.
Having a tank lets the motor stop and rest when the tanks full.

Does that one have a tank ? it doesnt say anything about it in the description.. Also are the hoses and filters universal ? Or do the brushes have different sized fittings ? also btw i dont mind ordering from another country like the uk, if you have any better suggestions that is : )

If it doesn't say it has a tank it doesn't have one. Hoses are not universal so see what your airbrush requires. Also make sure your compressor has or can be fitted with a pressure regulator, you will want to be able to dial it down.

Hoses are pretty universal... Theyre only not when talking about badger or paasche.
The H&S Evolution has a 1/8inch standard thread.
And comes with a Male Quick release coupling for those who own the female part.

i see, i see... Ive been looking around a bit more today and i came across this website aswell here in spain and was wondering if anyone has any comments about this compressor ? http://www.goblintrader.es/compresores/3890-compresor-para-aerografa-con-tanque-mtm-cp150.html It has a tank, an air filder and a pressure regulator build in like you guys suggested.. thoughts?

Yep thats the same AS186 compressor, for a better price without being bundled with an airbrush
I've been running an AS 196 (which is the same, but with twin pistons) and its still running fine a few years later with minimal maintenance.

Edit; the twin piston 196 version isnt really necessary, I like it to fill up faster because I occasionally varnish a canvas with it using an HVLP touchup gun, which kills the tank in seconds, and leaves me waiting on more air. For just airbrushes, 1 piston is plenty for the most part.

very nice. thanks alot for your advice ! i think i will go with this option then.

I also have the AS196 - I love it. For keeping under the €130 limit, though, the AS186 is great.

If you've already purchased it, rest easy. You made the right choice.

not yet. im still looking and cannot decide.. They seem to be quite loud when i looked at them on youtube.. the really silent ones are very tempting but seems to be quite expensive. are there any good silent ones for about 200 euros ?

I'm doubting it, but maybe if you find a good deal.

Typically what makes a compressor 'silent' (still makes audible noise; just kinda like a fridge or something) is the have the motor submerged in oil.
All of the compressors youre looking at are Oil Free, and as such are natrually louder.
Oil cooled compressors are usually a bit more heavy duty, run harder, faster, longer and power much more than a little airbrush.
One of the reasons oil free compressors are suggested for airbrushing is because the oil can come out in the air and needs filtering out as it can affect the paint quite a lot.
Oil free doesnt have that problem, the air is much cleaner.... but they are typically much louder.

My AS196 runs at 59dB according to the manual, i can happily put osme music on at a moderate volume and it wont bother me ... but can't run it at night as it is loud enough to disturb others in my house.

Edit; one brand of compressor i know of that is impressively quiet is Bambi, they made Dental Surgery quality air compressors. Oil cooled, with enough filter to give medical use grade air. Sadly the price reflects the work that went into making it!

I think if you are looking for a cost effective but quiet compressor you are already on the right track. Buying a compressor with a tank means the pistons don't run constantly, therefore only having periods of "loudness".

As others have said, you will have to splash a lot more cash on finding a quiet compressor - I think you'll end up compromising a lot for one that is.

ok, one last question then (hopefully).. if the air tank is 3 litres, how often does it have to pump up ? is it something like a minute every 10 minutes of spraying ?

That depends on the pressure your compressor has filled it to, how fast compressor refills it, and how fast you are emptying it.

If you are looking for a quiet compressor with a tank, after a bit of research, I found the paasche dr3000 - it is very quiet and a good compressor.

One note on a tank however - some people find the on again / off again more annoying than one that constantly runs....but that is kind of subjective (i.e. about to spray an intricate detail and the compressor kicks on, surprising you and messing up your paint).

I purchased from "California Air"
http://www.ccinetwork.com/c-13-air-compressors.aspx?gclid=CNHX67aKkLoCFepZ7AodFQcAXw

I have the duel tank 1 hp and it is quiet enough that I use it indoors in my office with the kids sleeping in the next room with no prolblems. About as loud as a regular talking voice as far as decibles go.

hi guys, little update. i ended up buying a Eurotec 16A compressor.. it was a bit more expenisve so i boughta slightly cheaper airbrush.. its nice and quiet I bought a bunch of stuff, like paints and acryllic thinner for airbrushing i just forgot to buy a airbrush cleaner. so i have a question for you guys, Can i use acryllic thinner to clean the airbrush ? can i use water? or do i have to go buy some special airbrush cleaner to do it?

Dont use the thinner to clean out your brush use that for paint.. Water is fine to clean out your airbrush.. I sometimes use 90% alcohol also to help keep it clean..

Cool, thanks

Yeah, I use 91% alcohol from the grocery store for cleaning...works well and is cheap.

If I am an idiot (it happens....) and forget to clean my brush and leave it for a week, I might use mineral spirits to get out the nasty stuff.

I don't use it all the time, due to the smell and its prolly not a good idea to breathe it that often.