Paasche DA300R and Hobbico Model Maker Mini Air Compressor

The small hobby compressors are about the same loudness a vacuum makes. Maybe even a little quieter. Should be fine for an apartment, unless you like modeling (or vacuuming!) in the middle of the night.

I'm unfamiliar with the Hobbico, but the Paasche is a good make. The 300R has the auto shut off, so its only making noise while you're spraying. If you can afford the extra money, go for the 300SR with the tank. It reduces pulsation, which is a problem with the smaller compressors. It may even give you a few minutes worth of spraying between fills.

The Paasche DA300R is a good choice. For a little more, I like the DA400R much better. (I have one.) The noise is not super quiet, but not bad. You can hold a normal conversation without raising the voice when a DA400 is running.

The Hobbico CP101A Mini compressor does not seem to have auto-on-off which is a feature highly desirable to cut down noise.

If money is no objection, look at the Badger MILLION-AIR MODEL compressor for super quiet operation.

Thanks for the suggestions and advice.

 What makes the 400R better than the 300R?

thespaniard180 wrote:

Thanks for the suggestions and advice.  What makes the 400R better than the 300R?

The DA300R is good enough for most modelers. The DA400R has a little more power for reserve and, thus, a little more vesatile when you want to experiment with different paints. Both can supply 0.7 CFM of air, but 300R up to 20 psi and 400R up to 40 psi. Passche has a good application chart for their compressors:

The DA400R is the lowest priced twin cylinder compressor that I can find. When tested on the July issue of FSM, it has the highest steady pressure at 45 psi among all compressors tested. I tested mine and it runs steady up to 50 psi with an Iwata HP-CS fully open. It has been pulsation free anyway I used it. (I added an one-gallon storage tank to it, but it is not necessary.)

The DA300R was not tested in that issue. It has respectable spec for a single cylinder compressor. But you can find better deals at BearAir or AirBrush Depot. Anyway, all the difference in prices are less than a fraction of a good model kit. 

Very informative post, keilau!

I will seriously consider the 400, but it seems like it will be harder to make an enclosure for, to reduce noise.

Also, I need to take resale value into account since I plan on selling this compressor after 1 painting job.

Ok, so I've finally decided on getting an airbrush, but I have 2 questions.

One, how much paint will I need to cover a submarine hull that's about 30 inches long and 4 inches in diameter? I'd like to have 2-4 coats of primer, 2-4 coats of flat black, and 2-4 coats of clear coat. How many 1/48 model planes (I've built a few of those, so I can estimate) or square inches can be covered by one bottle of 1/2 ounce bottle of Testors Model Masters Acrylic paint (applied via airbrush)?

Two, what's the difference b/w a compressor filter and a compressor moisture trap? I find some models being sold with a regulator and moister trap, while other models are being sold with a regulator and filter. Can I assume they're the same?

EDIT: Is there any difference between the Paasche VL and the Badger Crescendo 175? Is one easier to use, maintain, clean, etc?

Hi, let us know you choice of compressor and how it worked out for you. It would be a good reference for other readers.

 

keilau wrote:

Hi, let us know you choice of compressor and how it worked out for you. It would be a good reference for other readers.

This is the compressor I recently ordered:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=93657

Item #: 93657-6VGA

I plan on using it with a Passche VL airbrush.