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Hi all,
I've been scouring these forums (and the internet in general) to find advice on what airbrush and compressor to buy. I've decided to get a Badger airbrush but I'm having a hard time finding any consensus on a decent somewhat lower cost compressor. I know its easy to drop 300-500$ on a compressor, but for the frequency which I plan on modeling (maybe 2 or 3 a year max) I dont want to drop that kind of coin on one.
I also see that it's easy to buy a piece of junk. So in an effort to avoid scouring these forums for the 20th time I thought Id' just ask about specific models. I'd prefer one with a tank since that appears to be the best way to get a consistent flow of air although not mandatory so long as I can get a good flow. Moisture trap and adjustable regulator also being important.
I am also curious though why some people advise avoiding the diaphragm compressors.
These are what I've narrowed it down to:
Badger TC910 Aspire
http://www.amazon.com/Badger-Air-Brush-Co-TC910-Compressor/dp/B005UH7CVI/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2SQL1FHWEUOM9&colid=2LOQVHH5ERKL2
Paasche D3000
http://www.amazon.com/Paasche-D3000-Air-Compressor-Tank/dp/B0001I9YX0/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1IW91POJYUGI8&colid=2LOQVHH5ERKL2
Paasche D500SR
http://www.amazon.com/Paasche-D500SR-Compressor-Switch-Regulator/dp/B00397DKQM/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS?ie=UTF8&coliid=IAY10Z2I8KHWZ&colid=2LOQVHH5ERKL2
Anyone have any luck with these models or recommend something similar. I'd like to keep the cost under $200 if possible.
Thanks
If you like Paasche, take a look at their DC600R. The retail price should be about $200.
If it is made by the same manufacturer as the Paasche D400R, it should be a very good compressor.
soul68 I am also curious though why some people advise avoiding the diaphragm compressors.
Diaphragm compressors tend to be noisier than piston compressors, the diaphragm itself is a weak point & pulsation can be an issue.
Diaphragm compressors were popular before piston compressors started becoming more affordable & "mainstream".
WWW.AIR-CRAFT.NET
I have the Badger TC910 Aspire and am pleased with it so far - only had it for a month but use it everyday. Chose it over others because of (1) Amazon price (2) Badgers rep for customer service and (3) one year guarantee. Previously used (still have) the inexpensive HF 1/8 HP one and it served well for over three years now but I wanted one with a tank. Physically, the TC910 and Paasche DC600R look the same but don't know if they are different manufacturers - Paasche specifies slightly higher max pressure (65 PSI vs 57 PSI) but I think working pressures are similar. If the TC910 continues to work as it has so far, I'll have no complaints. HTH
Bick I have the Badger TC910 Aspire and am pleased with it so far - only had it for a month but use it everyday. Chose it over others because of (1) Amazon price (2) Badgers rep for customer service and (3) one year guarantee. Previously used (still have) the inexpensive HF 1/8 HP one and it served well for over three years now but I wanted one with a tank. Physically, the TC910 and Paasche DC600R look the same but don't know if they are different manufacturers - Paasche specifies slightly higher max pressure (65 PSI vs 57 PSI) but I think working pressures are similar. If the TC910 continues to work as it has so far, I'll have no complaints. HTH
It is interesting to know whether Badger had found a Chinese supplier who can make compressors that run as cool as those from the Sparmax factory in Taiwan.
After extended session, does the TC910 feel as cool as the room when you touch the cylinder head?
Hi keilau,
After a 1.5 hr session, neither the cylinder head nor the motor case are much above ambient temp (my basement shop is cool though - about 68 deg F). I was aware of earlier discussion on this forum about heat generated with use so the first few days I used it I was frequently doing touchy/feely to see if it was getting warm. I don't bother any more, I just use it. But the real bottom line will be how well it's performing a year or more from now.
I think everyone should have some type of fan blowing air onto the cylinder head of the compressor.
Whether it is a muffin fan or small house fan I think it could add years to the compressor's life.
Mike
GreenThumb I think everyone should have some type of fan blowing air onto the cylinder head of the compressor. Whether it is a muffin fan or small house fan I think it could add years to the compressor's life.
If the compressor runs as cool as Bick's Badger TC910, I would not bother with the fan.
For most Fenghua Bida compressors which run hot, a cooling fan will be a very good idea.
My Badger Million Air does not run hot either but I still put a fan on it.
Heat kills compressors. In fact, if quality silent compressors had an internal cooling system they would never break down but I guess that is about like a light bulb company coming out with bulbs that never burn out.
This is good to hear. I'm very interested in the TC910 although right now Amazon does not have any in stock. That certainly seems like a nice price for a compressor with a tank. Someone else here recommended the DC600R but I cannot find any for sale online.
Thanks for the info. Now to just wait until I can find one to buy.
My first compressor was a silentair Scorpion II about 10 years ago that cost be about $250 at the hobby store.
Here are a couple of ideas for you.
Some of our local A.C. Moore and Michaels Craft stores sell small hobby compressors thought not all of them.. use one of their 40% or 50% coupons and get you a name brand one for half price.
or
Check if there is a Harbor Freight tools near you they carry several small compressors for under $100
I have one of their 1/5 hp airbrush ones (they also have a 1/8 hp) it came with a water trap and air pressure gauge and cost me about $65 when they had a big sale here.. been using it about 3 years now and although its a bit nosier than my Silentair one, it does as good a job.. Had to retire the old one as it started to over heat all the time.
I will say the harbor freight airbrushes are horrible so don't waste your time with them..
soul68 This is good to hear. I'm very interested in the TC910 although right now Amazon does not have any in stock. That certainly seems like a nice price for a compressor with a tank. Someone else here recommended the DC600R but I cannot find any for sale online. Thanks for the info. Now to just wait until I can find one to buy.
If you get a good quality twin piston compressor, you should not need an airtank. If you have an Hobby Lobby nearby, take a look at the Storm Force compressor. It is the Sparmax TC-2000.
But is may be about $10 over 200 even with the 40% coupon. It is well worth it for a compressor with established track record in reliability.
I'd like to thank everyone for their replies. It's been very helpful.
I think a lot of the suggestions here are worthy purchases. I decided to go with the Badger TC910. I wasn't able to get it for the sweet price on Amazon unfortunately because they are out of stock and judging from the comments one person made on their page, it's been out since February.
I was able to find one at a local Michaels. They have it for full list price at $349, but I was able to take advantage of a 40% coupon (from the Michaels Store iOS app btw, download it if you haven't) and got it for just over $200, which I'm perfectly fine with considering I'm getting my Badger Anthem brush for "free" because of a 100$ credit I've got with Amazon.
I'll have that soon and will be able to do my first model in 25 years.
Thanks again everyone.
s68
On Deck: Revell 1/72 B-17 Little Miss Mischief
s68,
Hope you enjoy the TC910 (and the Anthem AB) and please post your experiences. Were you impressed by how quiet it was when you turned in on? I was!
Welllllll... I wasn't... not because it was loud, but because I haven't received my airbrush yet. I have yet to turn it on.
I will most certainly post my experience after I get a few hours of use under my belt. Thanks again for the reco.
soul68 Welllllll... I wasn't... not because it was loud, but because I haven't received my airbrush yet. I have yet to turn it on. I will most certainly post my experience after I get a few hours of use under my belt. Thanks again for the reco.
You can see some exposed view pictures of the TC910 at MidTenn.com.
It looks like the Chinese made Fenghua Bida AS-186 in a case. If your's runs as cool as the one that Bick has, Badger may have a winner on their hand.
I recently bought a Sparmax TC-2000 from Hobby Lobby, and am very pleased with it. Very well made, quiet, and has a good regulator and pressure gauge.
Gimme a pigfoot, and a bottle of beer...
Cadet Chuck I recently bought a Sparmax TC-2000 from Hobby Lobby, and am very pleased with it. Very well made, quiet, and has a good regulator and pressure gauge.
The Sparmax is a known quality. But it is very pricy when sold under the Iwata brand name.
At $200 for a single piston compressor with tank, the Badger TC910 is also on the expensive side. It may be worth it if Badger has exercise rigorous quality control and the TC910 runs cool and will last.
Most airbrush compressors run quietly enough today. The first question that I ask is whether they run cool enough to last for a long time.
For the mean time, enjoy your tool and make models. That's all it counts.
Bick s68, Hope you enjoy the TC910 (and the Anthem AB) and please post your experiences. Were you impressed by how quiet it was when you turned in on? I was!
OK got this thing running finally. I'm happy with it. It's fairly quiet (though I have no frame of reference from other compressors) and I don't think it runs hot at all. The auto shutoff/tank combo is nice.
So far liking my Badger Anthem brush. Still getting accustomed to the double action, but got some nice smooth painted bombs to show for it.
Thanks again for everyone's input. I'll keep posted about this model for others to reference in the future.
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