Compressor for Airbrushing

[icie]

Well, I am not sure if this is the correct place to be posting this :P. But since it's regarding help with airbrushing (which is a form of art/creativity) as opposed to merchandise, here it is. :)

What should I look for when I get an air compressor for my airbrush? I go to a hobby shop and I see a compressor for 250 bucks. I go to a car shop and I see a compressor for 50 bucks. The price itself seems compelling that I should get the compressor from the car shop, but is there a difference such as in features or other technical stuff to justify shelling out more money for the compressor in the hobby shop?

[Chayamagog]

IMHO, You could buy the cheap one and replace the moist filter that (if any) come with compressor with high-grade moist filter and regulation valve form art supply shop.

[marsm777]

I use a cheap (compared to hobby shops) $80, two gallon compressor from Home Depot. Try to get about a 2 gallon size or more. The small ones from hobby shops (except the high-end ones) sometimes have a sputtering effect at the airbrush. This is caused by the air being pumped directly to the airbrush. The bigger the tank, the more reserve air you have, and the less pumping that needs to be done while you're painting. I also agree with the previous post, a good moisture filter is a good idea.

[MassaRoddel]

Cheap ones can be really noisy. You should test if you can bear the "sound". Adding a sound absorber is also a good idea.