Silent airbrush compressor?

[Baugher Garage]

I've not used an airbrush yet for painting. I know... I know... but I'm ready now! I paint in my basement and want to find the most quiet way to supply air to the airbrush. What are some methods y'all use for that? I assume a tank with regulator and moisture trap?

Thanks for the help!

Edited January 24, 2014 by Baugher Garage

[Casey]

There really is no such thing as a "silent" compressor to be honest, but some are designed to be quieter than others. It's all a balance between air volume, maximum pressure, tank size, type of compressor, etc., so if noise is your #1 concern, look into some of the small hobby compressors and check out their noise ratings.

[jaydar]

A couple of things: Silence is golden, or at least that is what you will think when you price the real quiet ones. The only truly silent rig is running from a large canister of CO2. Otherwise, a GOOD $60 compressor will be fine if you build a plywood box for it with carpet padding lining all the sides. Be sure to leave an opening so it can breathe.

[J Smith]

Here is what I use

[Kit Basher]

You could try a portable air tank. Fill it with a compressor in another location (or at a gas station). Pump it up to 100 psi, add a water trap and regulator. I bet you could do a lot of painting between refills.

[Harry P.]

"Silent" compressors aren't literally silent, but they're not loud. You can have one running and easily carry on a normal conversation. They're not much louder (if at all) than your typical running dishwasher.

[rmvw guy]

My first airbrush had an adapter for a spare tire valve. You just pumped the tire up to 45 lbs or so, enough to do a model car body usually. I have a 30 gallon tank now with 2 1/2 hp electric motor compressor that holds enough pressure at 125 lbs to hardly ever come on. Just purchased a small one at Lowes before Christmas with a nail gun for under $90 . It is loud but very portable.

Edited January 25, 2014 by rmvw guy

[rmvw guy]

Here is what I use

Does this hold compressed air or something else?

I tried the portable air tank with regulator for a while but, it kept running out of air just like the spare tire. If you want quiet the bigger tank might work for you.

[J Smith]

I fill it with co2

[sportandmiah]

Harbor freight sells a $60 airbrush compressor that is really quiet. About as noisy as an electric toothbrush. Had mine for a few years and is perfect.

[Skydime]

Harbor freight sells a $60 airbrush compressor that is really quiet. About as noisy as an electric toothbrush. Had mine for a few years and is perfect.

I've got that but, have yet to try it. I did turn it on to check it when I got it. It really isn't too loud.

[greymack]

Hi there so your looking for a nice and quiet compressor hey.Well if your handy and thrifty I have the perfect solution for you. First find

yourself a good used or new compressor (small size) with all the fittings in place . Then find a old fridge,home air cond. or freezer and remove the

compressor and attach it to your tank .With a few simple mods you'll have your self a awesome little compressor.Its also very easy to hook up.If you check out my youtube channel I have a video on how to build this compressor.Its cheap and quiet.

[clovis]

My first airbrush had an adapter for a spare tire valve. You just pumped the tire up to 45 lbs or so, enough to do a model car body usually. I have a 30 gallon tank now with 2 1/2 hp electric motor compressor that holds enough pressure at 125 lbs to hardly ever come on. Just purchased a small one at Lowes before Christmas with a nail gun for under $90 . It is loud but very portable.

I was going to suggest the exact same thing. My first AB was a Badger, and the instructions showed how to use an old tire as an air source.

Two years ago, I thought about trying it, and even though the guy at HTUSA looked at me like I was getting naked in their store, they actually had the adapter on the shelf! Brass adapter, about $6.

[DirtModeler]

I purchased an Iwata Power Jet Lite last year, and i LOVE IT!

there are non airbrush specific airbrushes out there that work, but i have to say having a compressor designed for aibrushes it worth every penny!

For years i dealt with a craftsman oil-less compressor and it was incredibly loud!

The iwata is very quiet and is only on when you have your finger on the airbrush.

http://www.amazon.com/Iwata-Medea-Studio-Series-Double-Compressor/dp/B000PIG0PQ

they are spendy, but utrecht had a 40% off coupon when i got mine, and it was only around $175 shipped.

I'll never go back to hardware store air compressors

[Brett Barrow]

"Silent" compressors run off what is basically a refrigerator compressor, so that is the level of noise to expect from one.

I've used CO2 for many years and love it. Silent, dry, no electricity needed... My only gripe is I wish I had a smaller cylinder (like a 5lb) so I could take it outside. Mine is a 20lb and is a bit difficult to lug around, but I only need to have it refilled every 2 years or so.

[Baugher Garage]

Thanks everyone for the info! I had actually thought of trying to adapt my dad's old CPAP machine into an airbrush compressor, since it's so quiet... crazy? maybe ...

As for the CO2 option, I'm really liking that direction. I'm seeing small tanks on craigslist pretty cheap. Can you tell me more about what I'd need to do to make that work? Do I need a regulator? Where do you refill them?

Sorry - I have ZERO experience with an airbrush, but have done about every other form of art, and know if I get the air source right, I'll be an airbrush addict!

[J Smith]

Mike,

they make 2 kinds of gauges

1. single- how much pressure is in the take

2. dual- same as above, but with a regulator & gauge so you can reduce the pressure coming out. (I use this one)

Go to your local gas/welding company should fill it less then $10.00

You will also need a coupler on the gauges to hook-up your airbrush to it.

If you need anything else just let me know.

J

Edited February 7, 2014 by J Smith

[Bgrgbldr]

if you live in a town without a welding supply call the local beer or soda vending company. They always have C02 tanks many will just exchange bottles with you when you are empty. I use C02 when I am paitign at nigh when evryone else is asleep. One word of caution. Use C02 only in a well vetilated place. C02 displaces oxgen and will sufficate you if you are working in a closed basement or garage with nto fresh air supply.