Hello aeroscale,

I have been brush painting my models for a while and decided to move to an airbrush. I was looking at airbrushes and saw that the compressors were more expensive than the actual brushes! So, since money is tight, can I use my large capacity (>30 gallon) compressor for a hobby airbrush? You know, the large drum compressors used for nail guns and the like. Is it even able to be done, or are the air hoses for hobby airbrushes only compatible with the small air compressors? Even if I can hook it up, will I get a suitable coat of paint?


Cheers, and thanks in advance.

YES!!!!!! Most of the hobbe hoses have a end that should be 1/4 NPT which you can adapt to fit a Quick Connect like most airtools have. Just be sure to use a Filter / Moisture trap on the compressor (as close to the Air Brush as possible)

Hi Steve,

I have never owned a hobby compressor and have only used my Porter Cable 20 gallon and it works perfectly. As a matter of fact I've even used the massive industrial air compressor where I work. Matt is absolutely correct, as long as you use the proper fittings and regulator (with a moisture trap/filter) everything will be just fine.

Scott