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Air Brush Compressors

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  • Member since
    April 2004
  • From: Windy city, US
Posted by keilau on Wednesday, May 15, 2013 12:21 AM

Jeremy
I got a Sparmax TC-2000 about a month ago and I'll say I've been very impressed with it and I'm happy I bought it. The compressor is very quiet, runs nice and cool, and it's really small.

It has an auto on/off feature, comes with a coiled and braided hose, regulator/trap and an air brush stand and adapter fittings for the most common brands of airbrushes. Right out of the box I was very happy with the quality and finish of the machine. It looks nice and you can tell its built well. I put quite a bit of research into compressors and this one seemed to be very highly regarded and I learned that Sparmax has a good reputation for reliability. In fact, Sparmax actually manufactures some of the compressors labeled under and sold by companies like Iwata, etc. Though its not a cheap unit, it's still not as much as others with the big name labels even though in some cases it's made by the same company.

I would buy it again, and recommend it if its along the lines of what you're looking for.

A small oilless airbrush compressor is one item that you get what you pay for. It has moving parts where the piston rubs against the cylinder wall. Most design use a thin layer of telfon coating to minimize the friction. Heat is the worst enemy of this type of compressor. This approach requires precision engineering and good manufacturing quality control.

The Sparmax TC-2000 does not run that much quieter than the Chinese imitations, but it runs rings around them in lower cylinder head temperature. Paying a little more now will get you more durability and satisfaction over the long run. You made the right decision.

  • Member since
    April 2013
Posted by Jeremy on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 11:59 AM
I got a Sparmax TC-2000 about a month ago and I'll say I've been very impressed with it and I'm happy I bought it. The compressor is very quiet, runs nice and cool, and it's really small.

It has an auto on/off feature, comes with a coiled and braided hose, regulator/trap and an air brush stand and adapter fittings for the most common brands of airbrushes. Right out of the box I was very happy with the quality and finish of the machine. It looks nice and you can tell its built well. I put quite a bit of research into compressors and this one seemed to be very highly regarded and I learned that Sparmax has a good reputation for reliability. In fact, Sparmax actually manufactures some of the compressors labeled under and sold by companies like Iwata, etc. Though its not a cheap unit, it's still not as much as others with the big name labels even though in some cases it's made by the same company.

I would buy it again, and recommend it if its along the lines of what you're looking for.

  • Member since
    November 2010
  • From: Florida-West Central
Posted by Eagle90 on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 11:47 AM

Allende, well I finally got the parts I needed.  Glad I ordered the 2 different pieces!  The adapter worked, the hose did not (I guess there are multiple 5mm sizes in the world).  Anyway, I can not be more happy with this compressor!  This compressor is quiet, and more than powerful enough.  I just finished ABing 2 airplanes (just basic stuff) and man I love my brush and compressor!  If you're in the market for another compressor, I would definately recommend this one. 

 

 

  • Member since
    November 2010
  • From: Florida-West Central
Posted by Eagle90 on Wednesday, May 8, 2013 7:23 AM

Khalee2

the TC20T which is what I have is a good compressor, HAd it for a year now and no problems with it or complaints from the neighbors as I live in a apartment  it's quiet.

I like the auto shut off feature dang sure saves on wear and tear for the unit.

I was VERY impressed by the low noise of this one.  I turned her on to make sure she was at least doing that (as I wait for the hose and adapter!), and she was purring like a kitten!  Look forward to getting her going!

 

  • Member since
    October 2009
  • From: Oklahoma USA
Posted by Khalee2 on Wednesday, May 8, 2013 1:45 AM

the TC20T which is what I have is a good compressor, HAd it for a year now and no problems with it or complaints from the neighbors as I live in a apartment  it's quiet.

I like the auto shut off feature dang sure saves on wear and tear for the unit.

  • Member since
    November 2010
  • From: Florida-West Central
Posted by Eagle90 on Tuesday, May 7, 2013 9:15 AM

So....there I was, tackling the UPS guy to get my compressor!  Get it into the house, just to find out my youngest is terribly fussy!  Long story short, after a trip to the ER, we find out he has an ear infection!  ...What could be worse!  Poor little man.  So around 11:30 at night I finally get down to the basement.  Pulled the compressor out, went to hook up the hose and.......what? WHAT!?  Having a Testors Aztec airbrush means you need a 5mm to 1/8" adaptor!!!!!!!!!  (at least I think that is what I need).  I was NOT a happy camper.  SOOOOOOO, my wife has medical things to do today, but after she gets back I will run up to the hardware stores to see if by some chance they have this adaptor I need.  If not I think I know which adaptor I need to get from TCP.  So another week wait!  Bang Head

Sorry Allende....It looks good out of the box! Embarrassed

 

 

  • Member since
    November 2010
  • From: Florida-West Central
Posted by Eagle90 on Monday, May 6, 2013 6:48 AM

allende

Thx pal looking forward to the report.

allende

I haven'y forgotten about you Allende.  Got home Friday night and no package!  Checked the tracking and it had been "updated" and said it was due Monday (today).  So I should be getting it shortly after getting home today.  I'll take pics of the packing, unpacking and compressor itself.  I hope to do some quick A/Bing too! 

Eagle90

 

  • Member since
    February 2015
Posted by Bick on Thursday, May 2, 2013 4:56 PM

Allende,

There's a brief video review of the TC20T (same as TC20 but with a tank) HERE. I own and used the Harbor Freight clone of the TC20 for over 3 years without problems. Another one which I think is very good  (I have and use one) - is the SparMax TC620X at DIXIE ART - the SparMax TC2000 on that same page is also a good one. Specs on the Paasche DC600R look good too - there are lots from which to choose!

  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Sussex County, Delaware
Posted by allende on Thursday, May 2, 2013 7:37 AM

Thx pal looking forward to the report.

allende

  • Member since
    November 2010
  • From: Florida-West Central
Posted by Eagle90 on Wednesday, May 1, 2013 9:03 PM

Hey allende, I'll let you know about the TC-20 from TCPGlobal this weekend.  I ordered it this week and I should get it Friday.  So this weekend will be an airbrush fest for me.  Take a look at TCPGlobal on-line.  They have a variety of compressors and accessories.  They also sell on Amazon and eBay (sometimes cheaper...just saying).  

Eagle90

 

  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Sussex County, Delaware
Air Brush Compressors
Posted by allende on Wednesday, May 1, 2013 5:54 PM

I am going to trash my pressurized air tank and invest in a quality, dedicated compressor for airbrushing.  I need some recommendations.

Tags: Compressors.
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