What Air Compressor?

WutDaFunk

keilau

No question that you buy a lot more compressor in the Sparmax TC-2000 than the TCPGlobal TC-20, but not necessary 2000 to 20 times.

I have tested 2 twin piston made-in-Taiwan compressors, the Sparmax TC-2000 and the Paasche DA400, and 2 single piston made-in-China compressors, the TCPGlobal TC-20 and a similar one from Northern Tools in Minnesota.

Wouldn't the TC-20T last longer than the TC-20? I think the extra $30 is a good deal since the tank will keep it from running continuously. Also the tank would allow for stronger airflow right?

I got this compressor from Northern Tools for $40 plus shipping:

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200354872_200354872

It looks identical to the TC-20T. Unfortunately, it is no longer in stock at Northern Tools. It does not run cooler than without the tank. The tank is small enough that it does not take long to draw down the pressure that the motor kicks in again.

TCPGlobal has other twin piston compressor with tank at $150 free shipping on Ebay. It was made in China. I don't know how quiet or how cool it runs. Will be very interested in seeing some user feedback on it.

keilau

No question that you buy a lot more compressor in the Sparmax TC-2000 than the TCPGlobal TC-20, but not necessary 2000 to 20 times.

I have tested 2 twin piston made-in-Taiwan compressors, the Sparmax TC-2000 and the Paasche DA400, and 2 single piston made-in-China compressors, the TCPGlobal TC-20 and a similar one from Northern Tools in Minnesota.

All are reasonably quiet for sitting next to your workbench, the single piston ones has higher pitch noise, but no louder than the twin piston ones when new.

But the single piston ones run much hotter. I forced the compressors to run continuously for 30 minutes or until the piston head temperature stablized as measured by a laser thermometer. The single piston ones ran at 50°F above room temperature and felt very hot to the touch. The twin piston ones ran at 20°F above room temperature and felt warn but not hot to the touch. The difference in temperature convinced me that the later will last much longer. In normal on-off type modeling use, both are fine.

The single piston ones provide sufficient airflow at up to 35 psi to the airbrush. The twin piston ones provide enough air for 2 airbrushes at up to 50 psi. The later is obvious an overkill for most users except the durability question. I will recommend the TC-2000 is money is not an issue. It wins in the long run.

My tests were done on one sample each. It is nice to hear your comparison. How hot did your TC-20 get when running continuously?

Wouldn't the TC-20T last longer than the TC-20? I think the extra $30 is a good deal since the tank will keep it from running continuously. Also the tank would allow for stronger airflow right?

I have a compresser which looks very like these with a brand name of Heng on it. Its a double piston which I'd recommed as you don't get the pulsing you do with a single. I've had it for a few years now and its still fine (fingers crossed I've not just jnixed myself).

What ever you get good luck with airbrushing and have a good look at the forum to get as many hints as you can

Phil

tyhe314

I actually have that exact model the tc-20. It was my first compressor and I've used it for well over a year (it's painted a good 15-20 models within that time). Do not get the the master airbrush kit though because the airbrushes are crap (they are useable but the build quality is so bad that I don't think they would last long.). It comes with a moisture trap, airbrush holder, and an air hose that fits Iwata/grex brushes (I believe I got the kit and don't know if the compressor alone has it). For the price you are paying you won't get any better. However I have since upgraded to a sparmax tc2000 stormforce. It is around $200 so it's twice as much. I didn't upgrade out of necessity just that a friend wanted a compressor but didn't have the money so I upgraded so he could have the tc20. Bottom line the compressor does what it is suppose to do and does not sputter. Max psi is about 35 and the psi drops about 2-3 psi between static and when using. It auto shuts off and turns on when air is needed so if you have a less air demanding brush like an Iwata hp's or badger then it cuts in and out. If you use something like a grex then it stays on the entire time. It does get hot after about 10-15 minutes.

Now if you want to spend closer to $200 you will be looking at compressors with tanks (so less cutting in and out) or compressors that have a separate line to the regulator and then to the airbrush to eliminate any change in psi which works in tandem with dual pistons (while one exhales the other inhales).

Let me know if you want any suggestions on the slightly higher end $200 ones

No question that you buy a lot more compressor in the Sparmax TC-2000 than the TCPGlobal TC-20, but not necessary 2000 to 20 times.

I have tested 2 twin piston made-in-Taiwan compressors, the Sparmax TC-2000 and the Paasche DA400, and 2 single piston made-in-China compressors, the TCPGlobal TC-20 and a similar one from Northern Tools in Minnesota.

All are reasonably quiet for sitting next to your workbench, the single piston ones has higher pitch noise, but no louder than the twin piston ones when new.

But the single piston ones run much hotter. I forced the compressors to run continuously for 30 minutes or until the piston head temperature stablized as measured by a laser thermometer. The single piston ones ran at 50°F above room temperature and felt very hot to the touch. The twin piston ones ran at 20°F above room temperature and felt warn but not hot to the touch. The difference in temperature convinced me that the later will last much longer. In normal on-off type modeling use, both are fine.

The single piston ones provide sufficient airflow at up to 35 psi to the airbrush. The twin piston ones provide enough air for 2 airbrushes at up to 50 psi. The later is obvious an overkill for most users except the durability question. I will recommend the TC-2000 is money is not an issue. It wins in the long run.

My tests were done on one sample each. It is nice to hear your comparison. How hot did your TC-20 get when running continuously?

I actually have that exact model the tc-20. It was my first compressor and I've used it for well over a year (it's painted a good 15-20 models within that time). Do not get the the master airbrush kit though because the airbrushes are crap (they are useable but the build quality is so bad that I don't think they would last long.). It comes with a moisture trap, airbrush holder, and an air hose that fits Iwata/grex brushes (I believe I got the kit and don't know if the compressor alone has it). For the price you are paying you won't get any better. However I have since upgraded to a sparmax tc2000 stormforce. It is around $200 so it's twice as much. I didn't upgrade out of necessity just that a friend wanted a compressor but didn't have the money so I upgraded so he could have the tc20. Bottom line the compressor does what it is suppose to do and does not sputter. Max psi is about 35 and the psi drops about 2-3 psi between static and when using. It auto shuts off and turns on when air is needed so if you have a less air demanding brush like an Iwata hp's or badger then it cuts in and out. If you use something like a grex then it stays on the entire time. It does get hot after about 10-15 minutes.

Now if you want to spend closer to $200 you will be looking at compressors with tanks (so less cutting in and out) or compressors that have a separate line to the regulator and then to the airbrush to eliminate any change in psi which works in tandem with dual pistons (while one exhales the other inhales).

Let me know if you want any suggestions on the slightly higher end $200 ones

Both compressors are made-in-China. The "made-in-China" compressor has been improving in recent years, but quality control is still a major issue. Too many copycat manufacturer without any quality process. It is a higher chance (relative to Taiwan or Japan made ones) that it could fail after a few months. Therefore, the 2-years warranty offered by TCPGlobal tiled to its favor vs. the 90-days from Harbor Freight.

If your luck allows you to get a good unit, it is very good valve for the money.