So I getting back into the hobby and I got the Paasche VL airbrush for my birthday and the Passache DA300 air compressor as a christmas gift…were these a good choice ? anyone else using these tools at this time?
The VL is a good general purpose airbrush and should be fine. You might want to add a tank and regulator / moisture separator to the compressor. You can see my kloodge at the bottom of this page.
Don
I know several folks using that airbrush and they get fine finishes. Don’t know anyone using that compressor, but as long as it puts out the pressure you need, compressors are all pretty much the same. And you don’t need that much pressure. I see more folks getting bad results from using too high a pressure than too low. I use about 15 to 20 psi myself. I do recommend a gauge and a water trap, but if a compressor lacks this one can put on outboard accessories.
the compressor came with a regulator and water trap…why a tank??
A tank has a couple of benefits. First, it smooths out pulsations from the compressor and the regulator output will be steadier. It also cools the air, which makes the moisture separator more effective. If you add a tank, it should connect between the compressor and the regulator.
A hose several feet long or longer acts somewhat like a tank, and is an easy upgrade.
Don
In addition to what Don said, I think having a tank is less stressful to the compressor. Without a tank the compressor will cycle on/off several times a second (dependent on length of hose) while you spray but with a tank will only cycle once every few minutes (depends on size of tank). My HF compressor sans tank would cylce more in 5 mins of airbrushing than my current compressor with 3 L tank does in a whole airbrushing session. Have to admit my HF compressor still works after a gazillion cylces though. Just my [2cnts].
My current compressor is a cheap Iwata one without a tank. It does result in a pulsating flow. I was worried at first, but find no trace of irregularity in the finish due to the pulsations. I suspect the pulsations are at about a five Hertz rate. Maybe the pulsations are just too fast to affect the finish.