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I'm looking for a airbrush compressor that is inexpensive but works well. I am planning on getting a Badger Patriot 105 airbrush. I searched the web and found the paasche D3000r which was fairly cheap (180 bucks) and had a tank. I'm not doing any professional work so I don't need the best compressor in the world, just a decent one.

Thanks!

(p.s A quiet one would be nice but not an absolute necessity)

I have that compressor, it's a little quieter than my Iwata smart-jet, and if you are flowing air consistently, it will still mostly always be running despite the tank but I do like it. It does have an auto shutoff switch too which is nice.

Do you think theres a better option around the same price range? The paashe seems really good for the money but i'm wondering if there is something cheaper but still nice.

Nah its good. I've had it several years now with no issue.

The AS-186 runs at 47db and is pretty cheap for what it does.
Owning one for a month now, and while not extremely quiet, it's not too bad (especially if you construct a box around, which works for basically any compressor)

How are your plumbing skills and how important is ease of setup compared to cost? With a few parts and tools, it shouldn't be too tricky to retrofit a cheaper compressor (like the Harbor Freight model, which regularly lists for $60 and can occasionally go cheaper) with a tank.

Haven't done it, myself, as I've yet to run into any issues with overheating or problematic pulsation using my little HF jobbie, but I've been keeping it in the back of mind, should I ever.

I can actually recommend the AS-186 if you are on a budget. I have had one for about a year now and I am very happy with it both in quality and in noise. I would rather spend the extra money on a good airbrush and some accessories to that rather than on the compressor. When it's time to switch out the AS-186 I might go fancy but for now it does what is is supposed to do and does it well