pminer Posted November 14, 2022 Share Posted November 14, 2022 Gentlemen....as the title says....what is the best and/or most popular compressor and tank? Thanks! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Pete Beck Posted November 15, 2022 Share Posted November 15, 2022 I think everybody will have their personal favorite. I use a Silentaire DR150. It's pricey (700-800 dollars) but it is so quiet that I have to sometimes check that it's working. I've had one for 5 years and, as long as you remember to check the oil level...it runs beautifully. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
A-10 LOADER Posted November 16, 2022 Share Posted November 16, 2022 For the money, I think California Air Tools makes a really good one. I've had mine now since January of 2015 and I love it. It's very quiet and, no oil to check. I always empty the tank when I'm finished using it too. It's 6.3 gallon and 1 HP. It cost me $179.30 with tax. They don't make my specific model anymore but, they have something very similar. Good luck with your search. Steve Quote Link to post Share on other sites
A-10 LOADER Posted November 16, 2022 Share Posted November 16, 2022 Just GOOGLED "California Air Tools compressors" and found the replacement for mine, it's a 1 HP 8 gallon ( #CAT-8010 ). It's on sale for $211 with free S&H from Air Compressors Direct. Steve Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ElectroSoldier Posted November 16, 2022 Share Posted November 16, 2022 3 hours ago, A-10 LOADER said: For the money, I think California Air Tools makes a really good one. I've had mine now since January of 2015 and I love it. It's very quiet and, no oil to check. I always empty the tank when I'm finished using it too. It's 6.3 gallon and 1 HP. It cost me $179.30 with tax. They don't make my specific model anymore but, they have something very similar. Good luck with your search. Steve As a piece of equipment the only downside these things have is the noise. Provided you dont buy a cheap one then it will last you a whole life time and then some. They will always be better than any hobby orientated compressor. But most people just roll with something like a Sparmax or Iwata compressor Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Scott Smith Posted January 2, 2023 Share Posted January 2, 2023 This little Harbor Freight 1 gallon is great for airbrushing. I’ve had it about 3 months now. No regrets. $165 or less with coupons that come out on occasion. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
CFster Posted January 20, 2023 Share Posted January 20, 2023 (edited) Best? Not sure. Most popular? Any AS-186 style compressor for sale on Amazon. They’re all out of the same factory in China and are rebadged by everyone. Most people have no problems with them. Get the version with the tank. Edited January 20, 2023 by CFster Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tato Posted January 20, 2023 Share Posted January 20, 2023 I have a Sparmax TC-160H. Really good compressor and very quiet. I live in an apartment and use one of the rooms for my modeling. My wife sitting in the next room can't hear it. A little bit pricey for a hobby compressor (around 300-350) but worth every penny. Been using it for three years now and I have not had a single problem. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Fishwelding Posted January 21, 2023 Share Posted January 21, 2023 I've had good luck with California compressors, too. I have a pair that I use for various jobs. Their smaller models balance lower noise with reasonable power. Occasionally I've had to snug up some connections with a wrench, but I don't mind; I'd rather be able to take it apart anyway, to do my own maintenance. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ytsejam87 Posted January 21, 2023 Share Posted January 21, 2023 California Air Tools for the win. Durable, able to be worked on, and (if you get the aluminum tank) light weight. Also, don't know if you perform car work or light house work, but this compressor is truly a "jack of all trades" for a good bit of "light" work. https://www.californiaairtools.com/ultra-quiet-series-of-air-compressor-contractor-grade/1-0-hp-air-compressors/cat-8010a/ Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Scott Smith Posted January 21, 2023 Share Posted January 21, 2023 My Harbor Freight is a knock off of the Cali Air. Probably went down the same assembly line. “One for you, one for me. One for you, one for me….” Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Delanie Posted January 24, 2023 Share Posted January 24, 2023 I dont mean to hijack the thread but I don't want to get a new compressor but does any one know if you can get add on tanks in the uk? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Helmsman Posted January 24, 2023 Share Posted January 24, 2023 Something like this? https://www.amazon.co.uk/Torin-Portable-Horizontal-Gallon-Capacity/dp/B001HAV61Y/ref=d_pd_day0_sccl_1_3/260-0064140-2951941?pd_rd_w=RyWXb&content-id=amzn1.sym.8ec13b8a-30d2-48fc-8503-84c56766370d&pf_rd_p=8ec13b8a-30d2-48fc-8503-84c56766370d&pf_rd_r=EX33MYKN9AB7HR2ZS4QR&pd_rd_wg=1j3wx&pd_rd_r=191f2f7b-165a-4f7a-a22b-20a1676a029a&pd_rd_i=B001HAV61Y&psc=1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
caudleryan Posted January 26, 2023 Share Posted January 26, 2023 I've had good experience with my No Name brand compressor. 3 gallon tank and comes with built in moisture regulator and pressure guage. Cost around $130-150 and is an invaluable tool to have. I purchased mine from spraygunner.com. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.