compressor choice

Hi Jim:

 

What's the noise level on the ABD TC-20T?

 

Thanks

 

Hey Ron, The ABD is a diaphram type compressor as is many hobby types. To get a piston compressor you're talking more money and much more noise, also they won't be listed as oil-less. For a hobby compressor the 1/8 hp is fine. The tank is around 3/4 of a gallon (.7, I think). It is pretty much the same thing as this compressor - #121TK at Airbrush City.

For doing the occasional spray painting of models the compressor is more than adequate. My wife has been playing around doing T-shirts and painting on canvas spraying at 50 - 60 psi with my BCS. For modeling it's been down around 15 - 25 psi depending on what I've been doing. The air tank doesn't seem big enough, but it is. All it really needs to do is prevent the pulsation from the compressor and give enough of a reserve to allow the motor to turn off once and awhile. If you were going to do any kind of production spraying where the compressor would be going non-stop, then I'd recommend getting an appropriate compressor (such as a garage type) as this wouldn't last for that like any hobby compressor wouldn't.

Not that I'm an expert on compressors, but I still have my old garage compressor from when I owned my business. I bought the ABD after testing a lot of compressors looking for a quiet one for use in the house during those long cold winter months. It ended up being the quitest and also had the most power, best part is it wasn't overly expensive either.

-- EDIT --

I'm assuming it's a diaphram type compressor. Nothing is mentioned in the documentation and I haven't taken it apart yet. It is oil-less, so it leads me to believe it is.

I was hoping you'd respond jhande. The money saved between the ABD and the Power Jet is 200 smackers. That's enough for a HP-C+  with air hose and crown cap. A couple of questions for you Jim. Is your ABD piston or diaphram type? DO you feel the 1/8 hp motor is ample? How big is the storage tank? ---Ron

Hi again Ron... I thought I'd chime in even though I don't have the TC5000. Hope you don't mind.

I did a lot of research prior to spending my hard to save cash.

The Sparmax TC-5000 kicks out 40 psi and cost $289.00 delivered. [New AC-500]
The ABD TC-20T kicks out 60 psi and cost $186.93 delivered.

I was told by both Airbrush City and Airbrush Depot (customer service) that offer versions of the TC-20T above, that they believe the compressor was made especially to order for them by Sparmax.

My ABD TC-20T has been running on & off roughly 4 days a week since Christmas without any problems. So far it's proved to be a nice reliable, quiet little hobby compressor. My wife even sprays T-shirts at 50 - 60 psi with it.

Just thought I'd add my for some food for thought. 

Maybe the extra $99.07 could go towards putting together your spray booth?