Only the seller can tell you. You can google it to find out if you can discover the compressor’s original spec, but you still will not know how old this used unit is. Does this used compressor put out higher airflow and pressure than the original spec, or at lease the same? A compressor is something that sees wear and tear everytime it is used. It will even be worse if it was ever abused, i.e., the former owner forgot to keep proper oil level in it.
Besides, 49 dB noise is NOT really silent. The Silentaire Super Silent 20A is only 30 dB. It is very popular with modelers and cost just over $500 new. Was the 49 dB just a regular oilless compressor measured outside of a enclosed box? If so, the used price is very high.
At 48dBA it’s not that quiet, especially considering it’s in an enclosure. Between the noise rating & the fact that it uses “WOB-L” piston I’m certain it’s a regular oil free piston compressor in a box (The output, size & weight suggest it’s a twin piston unit) - I don’t see 300USD as being a bargain.
Spec are 35lpm flow & maximum pressure of 100psi which would be fine for airbrushing, but as has been mentioned without knowing the history (which the seller possibly doesn’t either) it’s a complete gamble.
“LOOK AT THE PICTURES AND DECIDE FOR YOURSELF. BEFORE YOU OPEN A EBAY CASE…” Would concern me.
The ‘John Bunn 400A’ compressor is available new for $600-$700. Now made by Graham Field. ThisSELLER says 100PSI continuous but doesn’t give CFM so difficult to say about airbrush use. Also available from Amazon and some Medical equipment distributors. I think for $300 you could find one specifically for airbrushing which meets your need for ‘quiet’.
I decided to buy a used silentaire super silent 20A from eBay for $240 and a brand new iwata eclipse, gravity feed brush for about 130. Also, I bought a hose and some cleaner/lubricant. I know the compressor is a gamble but as long as I can get six months to a year of use on it I’ll be fine. By then I should be able to spend a little more and not worry as much about noise as well. So thank you all for your help! I can’t wait to get started.
I’ve finally received my 20a compressor and turned it on. It seems to be working fine and everything is doing what the instructions say it should. However I’ve come across another thing I am looking for some help with. Does anyone know exactly what type of compressor oil I should use? Should I only use the silent site brand? I’ve done some research and it says the msds for the oil is 10w synthetic oil. I don’t know much about oil but I called the local lowes and they have some cobalt brand 10w 30 synthetic oil but I’m not sure if the 30 part makes a difference and I’m kind of scared to try it. This may seem like a dumb question to some eternal out there but I’m just starting and do not want to risk ruining my new equipment.
I’m fairly sure it will be fine. 10W 30 simply mean a multiple viscosity performance oil - 10W viscosity at ambient temp and will perform like 30W as temp rises. It doesn’t get thicker, just performs well at higher temps - used by many auto manufacturers in the engines. I wouldln’t be afraid to use it but let your own wisdom be your guide. Glad the buy worked for you - enjoy. And, is it quiet enough?
Yes I was talking about the Lowe’s brand Kobalt. I bought a bottle and put it in and it seems to be working fine. Thank you for the reassurance. And Bick, yes it is very very quiet. I can only really hear it when in making an effort to and it doesn’t run a whole lot to begin with. I read a post where someone said it was quieter than their airbrush and its true. My spray booth with one fan is louder than the compressor. So, needless to say I think I’m going to be very happy with it. If only it lasts a long time now. Fingers crossed. All I’ve done with the airbrush so far is paint a piece of cardboard. It’s a lot easier than hand painting that’s for sure. I think I made a good choice with the Eclipse. I think I’m going to keep practicing for a bit before I start putting on my models, just to be safe. But again, thank you guys for all of your help!
I’m glad you got your equipment needs sorted, Skyy89. And, good luck with your new tools. Practicing on cardboard is great; try some plastic bottles (milk, soda etc) too! Have fun!!
You hit the jackpot when you scored a Silentaire Super Silent 20A in good working order for $240. It is a steal from what you described so far. The Iwata is the right choice too.
Enjoy modeling for awhile without having to worry about airbrushing equipment. That’s all it counts.
If you can afford the initial investment, visit your local welding supply dealer and get yourself a tank of compressed nitrogen and a set of gauges. Noise will not be a problem, nor will moisture or contamination. So convienient. Open the valve on the tank, paint, clean airbrush, close the valve on the tank. $14 to refill tank after countless uses… I’ll never go back to a compressor.
Yup. Found that out the hard way. Gotta read the fine print! Oh well, it was still a pretty good deal. Also found out that $65 was a sale price. Its normally around $85. So far its been a neat little compressor. We’ll see how long it lasts.