Thread: What size compressor to get?

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As I recently asked about airbrushes, and learned they can be used with any nice shop compressor, I've decided that my birthday this year is going to be a compressor and airbrush.

Now, I know I just need a little ole thing for the airbrush, but as long as I'm getting a compressor, I may as well get one that will run a webcaster as well for future use. Run a few shop tools, and things of that sort. Maybe even one day eventually getting some pneumatic props going.

Since I know nothing of compressors and the like, what size do I really need? (and can get for a resonably budget)

Sometimes the tool(s) that you will be powering with a compressor will give you some formula with their instructions as to being to figure sizes of air compressoers.
I did fantastically well with a $98. pancake tanked compressor made in Italy I got at the Farm & Fleet store. I ran pretty quietly too.
Noise a consideration? Most are pretty noisey. I put mine in a small seperate building to eliminate the sound, or at least most of it.
50 foot of air hose is cheap for the quiet it buys.

I paid $89 for my 8 gallon and it has been excellent. I use it to run my airbrush but have also used it to help a friend build a tool shed. I can tune the pressure from 10 PSI to 115 PSI. This is the one I have.

you mainly need to look at the cfm at about 90psi the higher the cfm the better, and i would suggest getting an oiled compressor as they are usually more quiet than an oil-less compressor. here is the one we have Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

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it will run props and air-nailers well, and an air ratchet for short periods of time. i would not use anything this small for spray guns or sanders and the like. but an airbrush should be fine

Originally Posted by RookieSpooker

I paid $89 for my 8 gallon and it has been excellent. I use it to run my airbrush but have also used it to help a friend build a tool shed. I can tune the pressure from 10 PSI to 115 PSI. This is the one I have.

That's the exact one I was eyeballing.