I need a new air compressor that is in the $150-$200 range, and was wondering what is a good one in that range. I’ve found three but don’t know if they are any good, here are the links
http://www.tcpglobal.com/airbrushdepot/compress.aspx
(TC-60) for the first
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXMCL5&P=FR
I would say that with the TC-60 that you are paying good money for the funky case, I would consider;
TC-20,
TC-20T (with receiver)
TC-196 (Twin Piston, with receiver) - best bet in my mind
Or if you are happy to blow the whole budget, the TC-700 - but keep in mind you are paying an additional $30 for a case, as it’s just a TC-196 with a case.
The twin piston’s give you more power / pressure / output, while the receiver reduces pulsation, prevents you compressor running continuously when spraying & reduces the likelihood of water even getting near your water filter.
Yeah I’m looking at the TC-196 as a possible choice. Anything you can add on how well it performs?
It should more than satisfy your modeling needs & isn’t a noisy compressor. If you do go for it, or any other receiver compressor, remember to drain the tank after use - as water will accumulate in the tank at a far higher rate than in the water filter.
On second thought the TC20T is less expensive. Do you have any experience with it- reliable? noisy? enough cfm for a badger 250 dual action AB?
Thanks for your help.
Didn’t you just get a new compressor? What was it and what happen to it?
The TC-196 is a good compressor and there were a few good feedback on this unit on this forum. Do a search on TC-196 to see those posts.
For around $200 using the 40% coupon, you can consider the Sparmax TC-2000 at Hobby Lobby. It does not have the airtank, but does not need one. Sparmax has excellent quality control and is the supplier for many of the Iwata compressors. The TC-196 is a made-in-China copy of this.
Don’t touch the Campbell Hausfeld. It is noisy and not a well made compressor.
You can find better value for the money than the Badger 180-10 which is an old diaphram design and lack many of the features in newer, similarly priced compressor for airbrushing.
If you are investing on a TC-20T compressor, I would suggest that you get a better airbrush. The Badger 250 is more like a spray gun. Yes, the TC-20T is an overkill for the Badger 250 with more than enough CFM.
Actually I meant to type Badger 150. Is that really a bad airbrush for a noob like myself, along with a bad compressor? Or did I not take your statement correctly?
Don Wheeler web site give all the info you may need. He chose the Badger 155 over the 150 based on how it feels in his hand.
So would you recommend the TC-20T or do you have another recommendation? I think that might be the 1 that would suite me the best, maybe I just haven’t had enough practice with the airbrush
It all depends on how much you want to spend. The TC-20T is a fine compressor, but will not be my first choice.