 P mitch wrote: |
| I've finally got tired of messing about with cans and tyres etc and now I'm looking to get my first compressor. I'm not looking to go over board as I dont do that much painting but I'm wondering what the experts here think about this one? Taken from our good friends at ebay. I know the airbrushes will be rubbish but I have a Badger 200 which I'm happy with. I'm just wondering if this "looks" ok for my first, its cost is about £80. If anyone wants the link I can send that later if that will help. Its descibed as a single cylinder compressor so not sure if I'd need anything extra but sure someone can tell me that here! Thanks in advance |
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It is hard to tell a compressor from a picture. It looks like one of the made-in-China compressor. The £80 price is somewhat expensive compared to price of similar unit in the US.
Most of the low cost airbrush compressors sold around the world are either made by Sparmax in Taiwan or various factories in China. I like the Sparmax compressors because of their established track record. You can find them easily in UK at very reasonable price. Sparmax used to make the compressors for Iwata, Paasche, among others. But it may have changed now.
Many dealers are switching to Chinese manufacturers for the lower end models. You can tell because the Chinese makers double the horsepower quote (but not more powerful motor) for similar compressor. For example, a single piston compressor is 1/8 HP from Taiwan and 1/5 HP from China. Similarly, twin piston compressors are 1/6 vs. 1/3 HP.
Look for these items in the spec:
1. Noise level. The lower the better, but not to exceed 59 dB.
2. Flow rate (L/min) must be specified with pressure (BAR or psi). 25 Litres/min at 4 BAR will be quite good. Stating max flow rate and max pressure separately is typical trick to inflat spec.
3. Auto on-off. If it switches off at 5.5 Bar or higher, it is good. If 4 Bar or lower, not good.
4. Manufacturer's name. It will tip off the reliability of the compressor.
Ask the seller/dealer about their return policy. If they have a good return policy and after sales support (repair, parts, etc.), the Chinese compressor may be worth a try. There are many different factories in China turning out airbrush and compressor and the quality varies a lot. But they are usually cheaper than the Taiwan made ones. For example, Paasche changed sourcing their DA400R compressor from Taiwan to China two years ago as well as Airbrush Depot in the US. It is an indication that some Chinese factories are improving their quality control to meet foreign market requirements. But the durability record is waiting to be verified.
When you take the compressor home, check how quiet it is. A quiet running compressor is usually a sign of quality made. You should be able to talk to your family and friends in normal voice when the compressor is running. Normal conversation in home or office is about 65 dB. So the compressor noise should be -6 dB down or about 59 dB or lower. You can still hear it, but it is not distributing to you. Return the compressor if it is noisy or it gets too hot quickly after short usage. You should be able to keep your hand on the compressor cylinder after 30 minutes of intense use. A powerful motor and a cool cylinder is another sign of quality.
Come back in 6 months to tell us if you keep and are still happy with the compressor.