Reddit reviews California Air Tools 2010A Ultra Quiet and Oil-Free 1.0 HP 2.0-Gallon Aluminum Tank Air Compressor,Silver

I think it's cool you want to pick up a hobby your father had. It will be a nice reminder every time you pick up the gun.

I use this 100% for miniatures, and it works great!!

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Alright, here is the list I bought. It's a bit more than you want to spend, but this will ensure you can get going right away, and not be frustrated. I did a fair amount of research on different forums, sites, and youtube videos. If you want to know why I chose something, feel free to ask. I was going to bold the ones that you absolutely need, but I would say everything in the first set are a must.

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• Airbrush - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BQKFAI/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
• Compressor - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TDNKBMC/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (One of the quietest compressors - I use it in the house and my gf can't hear it kick on, and she sleeps in the room right above it.)
  
• Airbrush Hose - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BF7NJ78/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
• Moisture Trap - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BQO8WY/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
• Couplers - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003TFE7WK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (Didn't need this big of a set, but if you end up with tools for the compressor they will come in handy.)
  
• Airbrush Cleaner kit - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06Y3MG6Z4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
• Respirator - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004Z4EB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
• Extra Filters - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NTP9MDO/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
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• Cleaner - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003TJA0S6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
• Thinner - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002X6DTHK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
• Improver - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QD780G0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
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• Primer I use for minis - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004BMZVMK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
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  For the compressor, I keep mine at about 18-20 while doing miniatures and it's perfect.
  
  I do 1 drop Improver, 5 drops thinner, and 6 drops primer and have perfect flow.
  
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  Feel free to ask any questions! Good luck!
  
  Hvstle

I have almost your exact situation. I like to imagine I'm a woodworker, but 2 kids ensures I have little time for my hobby. Most of my work is done in a garage, at night. I had one of those tiny 3 gallon HF cheapo compressors, and ditched it purely because of the noise.

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When I got my current compressor, HF hadn't come out with their Fortress line yet. However, TBH I don't really see the point. They seem to be marketing the same compressors as other folks at exactly the same prices.

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What I did (and what I think you should do) is wait for a California Air Tool compressor to go on sale. Every so often they dip in price on Amazon. Set a watch using camelcamelcamel.com and wait for the dip. They're IMO worth it. The difference in noise between a ~60 db compressor and an 80-90db compressor is astonishing. Once you have a quiet one, you cannot go back.

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I bought the CAT 2010A. https://www.amazon.com/California-Air-Tools-2010A-2-0-Gallon/dp/B00TDNKBMC/ The 1 gal compressor SleeplessInS suggested is probably sufficient for your described cases too. I personally wanted something with a bit more capability and I wanted the aluminum tank. In theory that should extend the lifespan of the tank substantially.

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I have been very happy with this compressor for the things you describe. I use it for airing things up, brad nailing, stapling, blowing things off, inflating packages of balloons for a birthday party, etc. For those use cases it's great. The small tank does mean it runs out of steam when pushed. However, the recovery time (time to refill) is amazingly short, and the 1hp motor means it can keep up with most of my jobs.

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The short recovery time is also really nice for homeowner use. Most of the time when I want to use it, I have some small job. I flip it on, and it's filled up by the time I attached my air tool.

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Given what you describe yourself wanting, I'd avoid the model you linked. Get a California Air Tools compressor, or failing that, at least one of the quiet Fortress models. If you're like me, if you get an 80+db compressor you'll soon regret it.

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This Fortress model is suspiciously like the CAT I got: https://www.harborfreight.com/2-gallon-12-hp-135-psi-ultra-quiet-oil-free-professional-air-compressor-64688.html I would bet money that motor is the same - it looks almost identical. However, it costs MORE and does not advertise an aluminum tank. Again, I really don't see the point. HF's Fortress line has me baffled. Maybe someone else can explain the appeal, but I feel like you can pay less elsewhere for the same product with a better track record.

this is absolutely the best for woodworking, IMO:

https://www.amazon.com/California-Air-Tools-2010A-2-0-Gallon/dp/B00TDNKBMC/r

I say that because in a woodshop, the only time there is loud noise is when you are intentionally making that noise. All the time in between is quiet, and that's part of the relaxation of this hobby, IMO. The California Air Tools line is incredibly quiet. So when it kicks on to top up the air in the tank, you will notice it... but it won't startle you or interrupt your conversation or drown out your music.

I own the one I linked already, and I'm considering buying one of the larger ones to go with it. The 2 gallon works great for air nailers, etc but falls short on anything like a die grinder or cutoff tool. I think the 5.5 gallon should do nicely for that sort of stuff and I'd personally rather have 2 compressors at opposite ends of the shop than to run lines or haul one around to wherever I need it.

as for nailers, I've found that the ones included with that kit and other similar kits generally aren't great. I got burned on a set of campbell hausfield ones and by a Hitachi I thought would be my end-all-be-all 18ga nailer. Now I'm using Ridgid exclusively for air nailers and I couldn't be happier. I have 18ga, 16ga, 15ga, and framing. plus a 3/8" stapler. none has failed me or even jammed once. plus they're all oil-free which means never crossing your fingers because you just ran out of tool oil or can't find the bottle. they're more expensive than the kit ones for good reason.