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Hi everyone

Just getting into painting again and I was gifted an airbrush but I need a compressor, any suggestions on what I should be getting? also a recommendation on a moisture trap would be great as well.

Thanks

I use the Sprint Jet from Iwata. Works well.

I've had very good luck with this one.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001738DXU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

If you don't care about price, a small Mastercraft compressor from Canadian Tire will work. It might need an adapter for the hose and it's loud as hell, but it does the job.

I just searched 'airbrushing kit' and found a no brand-name unit from Taiwan. Both the compressor and the 0.2mm airbrush have served me just fine.

But I'd definitely buy from Iwata if I could, I like their compressors.

Awesome Thanks for the help.

Hey all,

I am looking at getting back into the hobby. What is the iwata that you guys talked about. Do you happen to have a link?

Hey Lord_Thallium, I went through this a month ago, and also live in Canada, so hopefully can help.

I went to Princess Auto (stores all over Canada, and they will ship too) and picked up their 'Mini Air Compressor'

http://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/vaper-trade-mini-air-compressor/A-p8527483e

It more-or-less the same as the Crappy Tire one, but it has a regulator, no extra parts needed. I've already put a tonne of hours onto this one with a couple different brushes and it works great.

It's more or less like the Harbour Freight ones in the US, that we can't get :(

IMO, not worth shelling out for the brand name ones, you can buy 2-3 of these for one of those.

I got mine from harbor freight. IT is an industrial compressor, normally used in Auto Work. it was about 150.
Its Loud, very load, but with 150 max PSI, I typically only turn it on once or twice a week and get hours of airbrusing out of it.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/291716381102?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT , ive found this one to be a good comprmise between cost and noise and airbrush time between refills , the only down side is when it reachs presure it it makes a blow off sound

To me the most important thing is to have a tank on the compressor so it does not have to run constantly. Just make sure the compressor has a regulator so you can dial back the pressure to the ~20psi you need.

And, I am also a fan of the industrial ones, since not only can you use it for your airbrushes, but if you need to inflate your tire, blow out the garage, hook up a nail gun and fix the fence, etc. it is all easily done. Just use a quick-connect on your airbrush hose and easily interchangeable with any air tool you desire. Put your moisture trap coming right off of the compressor before it goes to your hose.

Last bit of advice: With a compressor with a tank, be sure to always follow the same end and start routine to blow out the last bit of air to purge any moisture in the tank. Use compressor, turn off, blow out tank air until around 40psi, open lower tank valve to blow out last bit of air and any water condensation, leave valve in open position. When starting up again, close lower tank valve, turn on compressor. This will keep your tank from rusting out and dramatically reduce the amount of moisture and prolong the use of your moisture trap. In fact, I have had the same moisture trap in place for over 15 years.

 MDSW wrote:
To me the most important thing is to have a tank on the compressor so it does not have to run constantly.

The ones without tanks only run when you push the trigger; assuming they use a regulator and pressure cut off switch (some super duper cheap ones use a bleed valve, they tend to run constantly depending on what setting the bleed valve is at).

I'd recommend a tanked compressor, but I've also only ever used tanked compressors so I can't really compare From what I read tanked compressors give more consistent airflow, so that's why I bought one, but I've spoken to guys who are experienced airbrushers who have used both and say the tankless ones work fine, so YMMV.