Sparmax TC-2000 Questions

1) The correct voltage for the country of purchase

2) After switch off, either trigger you airbrush or press the valve at the bottom of the moisture trap

3) Yes, very good, you will be able to find cheaper airbrush compressors of Chinese origin but these aren't built the same, tool compressors may also be available for less, but are noisier (if that's an issue).

WutDaFunk

Hi, I'm new at airbrushing and I'm currently looking at the Stormforce compressor at Hobby Lobby.

3. Is the TC-2000 a good compressor for a beginner?

A definite yes.

WutDaFunk

3. Is there a better one?

Also a definite yes.

WutDaFunk

3. Is there a better one for under $200?

The answer is probable not new, unless you can find one of the used Supersilent compressor dirt cheap.

I recently bought a Sparmax/Stormforce TC-2000 compressor and am totally happy with it.  High quality, and well built unit.  

After I turn it off, I hold the trigger on the airbrush open until all of the pressure bleeds off.  If you don't, when you start it up the next day, it will not run because of the compressed air still inside, closing the pressure switch.  Faked me out the first time, until I figured out what I had done wrong.

I think it is an excellent unit and will give you many years of service.  

The  only problem I might mention is that the only service location I could find was in Iran!

Cadet Chuck

The  only problem I might mention is that the only service location I could find was in Iran!

Thanks, that's good to know.

Before I figured out my problem, I e-mailed the Sparmax technical support which is located in Taiwan, I believe.  I received an immediate reply asking me to give them a serial number and check some things.  They were certainly ready and willing to help.  Then I replied to them the problem was the guy behind the controls- "Operator error"!

Thank you so much for the quick answers! Just another quick question, I'm going to use an Iwata HP-CS, which has a .35 needle/nozzle. How much PSI should I use? I'm mainly going to use enamel, and the occasional acrylic.

WutDaFunk

Thank you so much for the quick answers! Just another quick question, I'm going to use an Iwata HP-CS, which has a .35 needle/nozzle. How much PSI should I use? I'm mainly going to use enamel, and the occasional acrylic.

I use an Iwata HP-CS too. The pressure setting is dependent on how the paints are thinned and the user habit too. Even from the same brand of paint, different color may act slightly different. Adjust the pressure to be high enough for good atomization which means a even mist on the model surface. Adjust the pressure low enough to avoid excessive overspray.

I usually spray at 17 psi for most acrylic, thinned 1:1 to 3:1 thinner to paint ratio. Enamel paints tend to need slightly less pressure, like 15 psi. I use lower pressure for NMF paints at about 12-14 psi. I have a good pressure regulator which changes less than 0.5 psi in reading when I push on the trigger.

The bottom line is that you experiment and learn what works best for you. Let us know what you find.

Kind of reviving this thread, because I didn't want to make a new one just for a couple questions.

For those of you that OWN or USED a TC-2000, how is the the regulator and gauge that comes with the compressor? After reading JackB's small review on the TC-2000 he bought, it made me a little paranoid on the PSI reading fluctuating so often it's hard to tell what pressure you're spraying at.

@keilau Which regulator do you use that only changes by .5?

The regulator and gauge on my TC-2000 are entirely acceptable.  The regulator is easy to set at exactly the pressure you want, and the gauge reads nice and steady. You will see the pressure drop down a few PSI when you are spraying,  but this is normal for any compressor.  The gauge is large enough for my elderly eyes to read with no problem.  Highly recommended!

Reviving this topic again. Does the user HAVE to use the desk mount thing to attach the regulator/moisture trap or can it be attached directly to the compressor like the other compressors?

I didn't see any provision for mounting it on the compressor.  I mounted it to the workbench near the compressor.  No problem.

sorry I never updated on that... I did not replace that TC-2000, store did not have another so I took a refund at the time.

I have only heard from 1 other user with a problem regarding the TC-2000.  Said that his arrived damaged, the company replaced it and he is very happy with the replacement unit.