For a bunch of years I got by with a Sears portable with a 20 gallon tank and something like 2 hp. It served me well. I painted a couple of cars and boats with it (one was my '27 footer) and I finally gave it to a friend when I got our 60 gallon model.

Is it something a pro would use? Not really, but it was better than nothing, and with the addition of one of those round, screw on air/water filters right at the gun, gave me pretty good results.

I think I paid something like $ 150.00 when I bought it (used) and as far as I know, it is still going strong.

I'm not suggesting this is the ultimate set up, but for the occasional painter they can be ok.

Don