ESzczesniak Posted August 27, 2016 Share Posted August 27, 2016 (edited) I'm thinking about making an upgrade to my compressor and am looking for suggestions. The one I currently have is: http://www.harborfreight.com/16-hp-58-psi-oilless-airbrush-compressor-60329.html Overall it's been good for me, but my main complaint is the relatively low airflow rate can be limiting at higher PSI's. By the specs it's about 14 lm / 0.5 CFM and max 58 PSI, but can't maintain greater than about 20 PSI while spraying. That's not bad for hobby airbrushing, but is a touch limiting at times. I'm happy with the noise level, but wouldn't complain about quieter (about 58 db by specs). I use it with Iwata airbrushes mainly, but a couple of Badger brushes for really fine work. I don't have any spray guns at the moment, but do have some interest in being able to use a light duty spray gun. Things I'm interested in adding to a compressor, I think in decreasing order of importance: 1. Higher airflow 2. Small tank (to reduce pulsations) 3. ? quieter (not a bid deal). The two I've primarily looked at are: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004KNHGCI/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=15BN06XK6B35I&coliid=INR4H0GLQZSYM and: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U6KQHCE/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=15BN06XK6B35I&coliid=IHQT1Z2A4SYW1 The first one appears to be a generic version of the Sparmax (second). It has a small tank. The only draw back I'm seeing at all is by the specs its 59 db vs 54-56 db. The second is a brand name with reputation (Sparmax) and may be a touch quieter. Both will be similar at about 28 lpm / 1.0 CFM and a max pressure of about 60 PSI (working range probably only up to about 30 PSI). Any thoughts on these or others I should look at? I am willing to spend a decent bit of change on this, but don't think I'm ready to drop about $400 on a whisper quiet refrigerator based compressor. Thanks for any input. Edited August 27, 2016 by ESzczesniak Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Janissary Posted August 28, 2016 Share Posted August 28, 2016 I have this and I am quite happy: https://www.amazon.com/Iwata-Medea-Studio-Sprint-Single-Compressor/dp/B000BQPNWS There is also a smart jet version, which is more expensive, but for me the additional features don't justify the price diff. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
marcinnyc Posted August 28, 2016 Share Posted August 28, 2016 (edited) I got this and I am very happy with it. It is as loud as your refrigerator. Silent Compressor Edited August 28, 2016 by marcinnyc Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ESzczesniak Posted August 29, 2016 Author Share Posted August 29, 2016 Thank you both for the replies. That silent compressor had caught my eye in the past too. The one from Amazon is too similar to what I have already though. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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