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Airbrush Compressors & Compressor Accessories
The airbrush compressor that you choose for your work will be dependent upon what you are actually using the airbrush for and the amount of money you are willing to invest in the compressor. From small hobby airbrush compressors to larger shop-style models, there are different types of air compressors, each with different good points. And as there are different types of airbrush compressors, there are also a wide range of prices (some as cheap as fifty dollars, others priced in the thousands). Let's look at the most common airbrush compressors in better detail. My favorite airbrush compressor: Iwata Great White Air Compressor.
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Diaphragm Airbrush Compressors small, very portable, reliable, and relatively inexpensive. The diaphragm airbrush compressor cannot generate air pressure that exceeds 30 psi (pounds per square inch), so they are not suitable for bigger jobs. The diaphragm airbrush compressor uses a vacuum which oscillates a diaphragm that in turn forces air through a one way valve. A downside to this type of airbrush compressor is that the air being forced through the valve may vibrate, which makes it hard to create fine details. This type of airbrush compressor may also generate a lot of heat and can be quite loud when operating. For this reason, many operating guides for the diaphragm airbrush compressor suggest twenty minute sessions or less, which means that most artists find them unappealing for their needs.
Silent Airbrush Compressors awkward to transport because of their size and weight and can be expensive. Many silent airbrush compressors utilize a wheel and dolly type of construction to make moving them from place to place easier. This type of airbrush compressor is very reliable and very low maintenance. A dampening oil bath inside the motor makes the silent airbrush compressor operate in relative silence. Choose a model with an easy-to-operate pressure gauge.
Oil-Less Airbrush Compressors not as expensive as silent airbrush compressors but will not produce the higher pressure that the silent compressor will. Many artists find that the price of this airbrush compressor is relatively mediocre so its a very popular choice.
Industrial airbrush compressor depending upon the size of the compressor, this type can be priced quite moderately. This type of compressor is also "oil-less", but it is extremely loud and very hard to operate indoors. As a plus, the industrial compressor can be used for other tools that require air.
Some of the Best Airbrush Compressors :
| Iwata - View all Iwata Airbrush Compressors | ||
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The Great White is perfect for studio use or for production T-shirt and textile artists, and is powerful enough to drive small spray guns. It features superior moisture separation. A fan blows air across the head of the 5/8 hp motor, a radiator cools the air before it reaches the coalescent filter, and a large capacity 4-gallon air tank sits at the top of the unit, allowing moisture to drop out of the line before reaching the tank. Its components are housed in a dual roll bar cage-on-wheels for easy, safe transport. Has a 10 ft heavy-duty power cord. |
The Hammerhead works great in the studio, and is designed to handle two brushes simultaneously, even at different air pressures. It has a cooling fan and efficient moisture separator, for cool, clean, and dry operation. The Hammerhead is housed in an open cabinet with a convenient carrying handle on the top, and casters on the bottom. Has a 10 ft heavy duty power cord. |
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Iwata's Power Jet Lite is a high-power compressor that's economically priced. It doesn't have a tank reservoir, yet delivers all the power necessary for use with high paint-flow airbrushes. The Power Jet Compressor shuts itself off automatically when not in use. This helps prevent heat-related moisture buildup, reduces running time, and lengthens the life of the motor. This compressor has a 1/6 HP pulse-free motor, with an on/off switch. A high-strength polyurethane air hose is included, which fits all Iwata airbrushes. |
The Power Jet Pro compressor is equipped with twice the features of the Power Jet Lite, such as a powerful twin-pump , 1/6 HP motor, and two air pressure regulators for precise adjustment of airflow at two individual workstations. Built with Iwata's Smart Technology, it automatically shuts off when not in use for longer life and a more comfortable working environment. The economically priced Power Jet Pro has a 2 L (0.5 gallon) tank reservoir and delivers all the power necessary for use with the high-paint-flow, multi-purpose Iwata Eclipse airbrush and the Eclipse G6 pistol grip airbrush. Like all Iwata Studio Series compressors, the Power Jet Pro comes complete with an air hose and adapters so it can hook up to any brand of airbrush. Features include a 2 L air storage tank and an air reserve for spraying at higher air pressures. Also included are dual adjustable pressure regulators, moisture filters, mounted pressure gauges, quick disconnect ports, and built-in airbrush holders. The compressor is housed in a strong, protective outer case. |
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Iwata's Power Jet is a great compressor for the professional artist doing general or extended airbrush applications at both high and low pressures. The Power Jet also features a 3.5 L (0.9 gallon) air storage tank. The Power Jet Compressor shuts itself off automatically when not in use. This helps prevent heat-related moisture buildup, reduces running time, and lengthens the life of the motor. This compressor has a 1/6 HP pulse-free motor, with an on/off switch. In addition to having a moisture filter, the air storage tank cools the air, which is better for maximum moisture separation. A mounted pressure gauge and air regulator allows precise air pressure adjustment up to 60 psi. A high strength polyurethane air hose is included, which fits all Iwata airbrushes. |
This is a powerful, compact, oil-less piston air compressor that offers quiet, reliable operation and zero maintenance. It is a single-person, light-duty compressor that is ideal for the beginning airbrush artist. It features a quiet 110W motor and working pressure adjustable from 10–18 PSI , making it perfect for cosmetics, tanning, hobbies, models, fingernail painting, bakery, and general airbrushing. Other features include a high strength polyurethane coiled air hose, bleed valve air regulator, the Iwata Pistol-Grip moisture filter, an air pressure gauge, airbrush holder, convenient airhose connector, and on/off switch. |
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The Smart Jet Pro is great for the occasional or professional artist doing general airbrush applications. It can be summed up in four words: powerful, reliable, compact, and quiet. This maintenance-free, oil-less piston air compressor features a protective outer case and moisture filter with air regulator and gauge, which also prevents pulsation. The bleed valve adjustment releases moisture. Smart Jet Technology allows for less heat-related moisture buildup, full-capacity air on demand, reduced running time, less motor wear for longer compressor life, and inherently quieter operation that is suitable for public environments. The Smart Jet Pro automatically shuts itself off when not in use, reducing running time and motor wear. Other features include a carrying handle, high strength polyurethane air hose, and lighted on/off switch. The 1/8 HP motor delivers a working pressure of up to 35 PSI. |
Iwata's Sprint Jet is a great compressor for the occasional and professional artist doing general airbrush applications. The Sprint Jet is powerful, compact, reliable, and quiet. This compressor has a maintenance-free, oil-less, piston motor, with an on/off switch. A moisture filter prevents pulsation. A mounted air pressure gauge allows a working pressure up to 35 psi. A high strength polyurethane air hose is included, which fits all Iwata airbrushes. |
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Iwata's Smart Jet is a great compressor for the occasional and professional artist doing general airbrush applications. The Smart Jet is powerful, compact, reliable, and quiet. Iwata's Smart Jet Compressor shuts itself off automatically when not in use. This helps prevent heat-related moisture buildup, reduces running time, and lengthens the life of the motor. This compressor has a maintenance-free, oil-less, piston motor, with an on/off switch. A moisture filter prevents pulsation. A mounted air pressure gauge allows a working pressure up to 35 PSI. A high strength polyurethane air hose is included, which fits all Iwata airbrushes. The Smart Jet also has a built-in airbrush holder. |
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| SilentAire - View all SilentAire Airbrush Compressors | ||
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This silent compressor unit has a 1/3A? HP motor with 0.9 tank capacity and will operate 2 or 3 airbrushes. Super Silent 30-TC has an automatic pressure switch for start-up and shut-off, factory preset at 84 PSI (on) and 114 PSI (off), but this can be adjusted for individual needs. Offers 1.08 CFM free air. Other features include a tank pressure gauge, line pressure gauge, line pressure regulator, moisture trap/filter, safety-valve, air-intake filter, on/off switch and a handle for balanced carrying. 110V, 60 cycle, Weight: 45 lbs. FOB factory. |
The Scorpion I is a quiet, compact, and portable compressor for general airbrushing work. Its oil-less operation means no maintenance, and it is easy to use via a simple on/off switch. It also has an automatic shutoff feature that reduces noise and minimizes motor wear. Reliable performance comes from a trap and filter that eliminate moisture buildup in the airhose.This single-piston unit operates at pressures up to 30 PSI. It delivers 0.55 CFM at maximum PSI. Includes a coiled plastic airhose. |
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This double-piston compressor is built for applications requiring up to 55 PSI. It delivers 1.10 CFM at maximum PSI. It is quiet, compact, and built-in handles make it extremely portable. Oil-less operation means no maintenance. The Scorpion II is easy-to-use via a simple on/off switch. An automatic shutoff feature reduces noise and minimizes motor wear. Reliable performance comes from a moisture trap and a filter regulator mounted into the table top airbrush holder. Two coiled plastic air hoses are included as well as a pressure gauge. The compressor head carries a finned lid, which provides for better heat dissipation. |
Designed for one operator using one or two airbrushes, the SilentAire Super Silent 20-A Compressor is virtually soundless and is a totally automatic compressor with a tank pressure gauge, line pressure gauge, line pressure regulator, moisture trap/filter, safety/bleeder-valve, air-intake filter, on/off switch and a handle for balanced carrying. It includes a 0.4 gallon tank, 1/5 HP motor, 110V, 60 cycle, offers 0.70 CFM free air with an automatic pressure switch for start-up and shut-off, factory preset at 55 PSI (on) and 85 PSI (off), but this can be adjusted for individual needs. Weight is 40 lbs. (18 kg). |
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| Paasche - View all Paasche Airbrush Compressors | ||
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This piston compressor is a tank mounted unit, designed for compactness and portability. The sturdy air tank stores reserve air volume and reduces pulsation. Air pressure in the tank is regulated with an automatic on/off limit switch to a maximum of 40 PSI, and the unit maintains 20 PSI for extended periods. The compressor features a 1/8 HP motor that operates on 115V and draws 0.9 A, and a 5 ft (1.5 m) grounded three wire cord. Weighs 14 lb (6.4 kg). |
The Paasche DA400R is a medium duty, 1/6 HP oil-less piston compressor with an operating pressure between 30–50 PSI, depending on the airbrush being used. It operates on standard household current (110–120V), and delivers 1.48 CFM. The auto shutoff feature enables the compressor to turn itself off when the airbrush is not in use and back on when the user resumes airbrushing. This eliminates heat-related moisture buildup, reduces running time, and minimizes motor wear. The DA400R includes an R-75 regulator and moisture trap. Weighs 12.2 lb (5.5 kg). |
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The D500 is capable of delivering 20a?``40 PSI operating pressure depending on the airbrush used, and delivers 0.4 CFM at 20 PSI. It operates on 110a?``120V and features a grounded three-wire cord. CSA approved and UL listed. Weighs 8 lb (3.6 kg). |
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| Badger - View all Badger Airbrush Compressors | ||
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Badger's small oil-less compressors never need oil or lubrication. Each unit is designed to operate one airbrush. These compact compressors weigh only 9 lbs, and they measure 8½" × 5" × 7½" (22 cm × 13 cm × 19 cm). Smaller than a shoebox, they are ideal for artists in crowded urban studios who have occasional need for an airbrush. Each compressor includes an on/off switch, a 1/10 HP motor that generates 2 CFM , enough for an operating pressure of 30 PSI, and rubber feet for stability. A one-year manufacturer's warranty is included. |
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| Whisper Aire | ||
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Whisper Aire's 1000 Compressor offers the airbrush artist a fully featured, low-noise compressor that’s portable and compact. Its oil-less operation means no maintenance. This compressor is a pleasure to use, with a sound level that’s barely above a whisper. The automatic shutoff switch permits the compressor to turn itself off when not in use and back on when the user resumes airbrushing. This eliminates heat-related moisture build-up, reduces running time, and minimizes motor wear. The single-piston, 1/5 HP motor is capable of delivering up to 38/40 PSI of pressure with a flow rate of 0.80 CFM. It features a moisture trap with filter, air regulator and gauge, and a 6 ft coiled air hose. |
Whisper Aire's 2000 compressor is a fully featured, portable, and compact compressor that is ideal for the airbrush artist. An automatic shutoff switch permits the compressor to turn itself off when not in use and back on when the user resumes airbrushing. This eliminates heat-related moisture build-up, reduces running time, and minimizes motor wear. The quiet, double-piston 1/6 HP motor delivers 1.2 CFM at maximum 100 PSI. A moisture trap with filter, an air regulator/gauge, and a 6 ft air hose. are included. |
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Whisper Aire's 3000 Compressors are a new line of professional compressors. Extremely quiet with a 20 db rating, the 3000 series features high-performance, ¼ HP oil reciprocating piston motors with a 1 gallon (3.78 liter air tank. Many extras are standard with each easy-to-carry unit. Each compressor includes an auto shut-off, a regulated pressure gauge with valve adjustment, a lighted on/off switch, a moisture trap, and a coiled air hose. |
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| Testors Airbrush Compressors | ||
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Features a single-piston pump that delivers 24 PSI maximum pressure and a flow rate of 0.36 CFM. Operates at a quiet 54 dB. Weighs 6 lb. Green. |