Are Diaphram compressors a bad product?

They are not bad, they just don't always last really long because they get so hot running all the time.
Putting an on/off switch on them helps a lot.

Mike

I agree with ABARNE. I have Badger's 180-2. I have the same results has him.

Jesse

I have a Badger 180-1 which is of the oiless diaphram type, and have no complaints regarding its performance. I've heard about the pulsating effect, but at least in the case of the Badger is not a problem. Under a no-load situation in which the air-brush has been removed, I can feel slight pulsations. However, with the air-brush attached, even if opened all the way, there are no perceptible pulsations in the air pressure and/or flow.

Actually, as far as I know, most small airbrush-type compressors are of the diaphragm, oiless variety. I know that is true of the Paasche compressors, such as the D500 compressor I have...so I would say it is a good thing. Diaphragm compressors, however, do tend to be pulsatile in their delivery of air, which could effect fine work--an air tank alleviates that problem.