Hi all,
l’ve been using my Sparmax airbrush and Arism mini compressor for a few years now, and I feel like I want to upgrade. I’ve written about issues with my airbrush on this forum, and while I might be blaming my tools, I feel something that performs better would be a big help. As for the compressor, it doesn’t have a tank, so it’s really noisy.
im prepared to invest money in this, hoping it’s the last setup I will ever buy…might be wishful thinking. What would you recommend?
thanks
Darren
These are what I use on a daily basis:
Compressor:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006ACB6D2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Airbrush (Had mine for more than 35 years now. Never found anything that could do what it couldn’t…and it is completely hassle-free, its like the AK-47 of airbrushes):
I switched to CO2 many years ago and love it. No noise or condensation. I’ll second the paasche H - I use it for 99% of what I do. I do have a Badger Krome double action that I’m learning with so I can’t endorse with any authority but I did read a lot of good things about it. Let us know what you go with.
Thats
that’s very interesting, which model/brand is that?
I think he’s talking about simply filling a storage tank with CO2 rather then a compressor type.
Exactly. This is mysetup with quick disconnect for easy brush changes
Wow that’s serious…too much for me! I just need a compressor with a tank that’s very quiet.
Don’t think you’ll find anything more quiet than John’s setup.
[:D]
You want a Bambi or similar style compressor. They work like a refrigerator’s freon compressor. its going to be the quietest option without going to a CO2 tank. expensive though…
https://bambi-air.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Budget-Range-2.pdf
That compressor is sweet ,I love it but what do they cost and where do you find them?don’t answer that , I will look them up
I use a upright air compressor and put it in the closet So it’s not so loud. Hose and electric cord hang on compressor when not in use and fits under door while in use.
once aired up it usually doesn’t come back on for that painting session. I don’t usually paint much in one sit.
I already had this upright portable and an 80 gallon 240 shop air to begin with. If I need to I can and will eventually run a 1/4" airline from my shop compressor into the house but not until the portable goes out with could be many many years.
Hi, Darren -
It’s a good decision to buy the right gear, at one time.
For an overall, do nearly everything A/B the Paasche H is among the very best, rugged and long lasting, a real value. Mine is likely about age 45, still performs as new. The optional tip sizes available allow a wide range of spray coverage, heavier to finer.
I feel much the same about Badger’s 200, mine gets lots of use for base coats and primers, super easy to clean and rugged. I use mine with the metal cup, not the glass jar, and the optional tip/needle sizes make it very adaptable.
If you want to do really fine work like camo borders, then it may be time to consider a dual action, internal mix A/B, gravity feed or siphon, whichever you prefer. I’ve used both, over time I came to prefer gravity, just my personal choice.
My A/B inventory most used now:
Badger 200 Detail, (the latest 200 model.) For wide area coverage.
Badger 100G, for finer work like wheel wells and small parts. It’s old, looks and works like new, easy to clean and rugged.
Badger 105 Patriot, it’s great for overall work with it’s large cup, with good care it’s a lifetime purchase.
Badger Sotar 20/20, with three needle/tip sizes. It does the finest spray work I’ll ever need, I rely on it for all of my camo jobs. A bit less easy to clean than the others, but still not difficult.
Iwata HP-CS and M-1, excellent A/B’s and qreat spray finish, I just find them a bit more “fiddly” for cleaning than the others mentioned. That’s just me.
For my compressor’s I use California Air Tools:
The model 1610-A, twin cylinder with tank, very quiet and efficient. The advantage is in the refill power, it only runs for about 30 seconds to recover to full when in use, as I airbrush. When the tank is full I can spray for about 15 or 20 minutes before it turns on again, then it only requires the 30 second run to refill the tank. It’s several years old, LOT’S of use, works as new. It is used in the garage hobby shop.
Model 1P1060-S, single cylinder with tank, even quieter than above, just as efficient. Very short refill run time, spray session good for aboout ten minutes before tank refill. Same build quality as the above, over one year old, zero problems. I use it for a second hobby room in the house.
I’m hoping you get lots of recommendations from other members, there are plenty of good options for you. Best of luck in your search.
Patrick
I had an awful experience with Paasche. A Talon had three defects right out of the box. It seems their QC along with Badger’s is contributing to the stigma behind American manufacturing. They’re like the Chrysler of the airbrush world.
Always get one with a tank.
I still have a FengDa/generic copy with tank, fine as it goes, (as linked to earlier), & got the opportunity to upgrade to a
(google for supplier in your country)# This is a bullet proof industrial quality piece of kit, burbles away quietly, & will run 2 airbrushes simultaneously for over an hour, but is expensive.
You could go to your local hardware store & get something intended for tyre or nail gun use, but these will be cheaper & noisy!
The Bambi type are refrigerator-quiet, industrial quality & expensive.
The CO2 rigs are silent. In the UK, only makes economic sense if you have a good supply chain.
Also, there are signicant Health & Safety and commercial regs to comply with having industrial gasses in a home environment.
Good luck