New Airbrush Compressor--Perhaps Multi-cylinder?

[pnolan48]

The advertising bar on the forum has been filled with ads for air brushes and compressors. I'm getting tired of trying to haul all my tools between Ohio and Alabama--just try fitting my manufacturing stuff into a medium sized sedan along with Kay, who is a bit of a clothes person, and a big boisterous dog who takes up most of the back seat.

Anyone have any experience with the TCP Global two- and four-cylinder compressors? They are not that much more expensive than single-cylinder models. Are they overkill? It seems they might be quieter, and run less often--although even a single doesn't run that much with a suitable tank. Any experience with TCP Global products in general? I think I got my vacuum pump from them and it has been a gem.

I don't need the high pressures from a multi-stage compressor, or a huge tank. These seem a nice compromise when I'm doing some of my larger N scale hulls, which approach needing a small spray gun.

[wcfn100]

What do you need this for again? 

For painting I use something similar to what's in this picture:



Without a tank, obviously it has to run while you're spraying, but it's so quite compared to my other compressors, it's not an issue.

Jason

[Philip H]

I picked this one up last spring on a Father's Day sale :

http://www.tcpglobal.com/itemdetail_AB.aspx?itemno=ABD+TC-20T



Quiet little puppy - which makes the wife happy; good even air flow, easy to clean out water trap, and easy to set up and operate - which makes me happy.  I haven't done a TON of painting with it since, but I like it so far.

Plus, I think it looks a lot like some of the other compressors badged for more "expensive" companies.

[pnolan48]

Jason,

I've got that one, except it's a Sears model from 30 years ago! It's not quiet, needs a bleed hole to run while spraying (or it labors painfully), and doesn't even have an on-off switch. I looked at a foot switch years ago, and it was as expensive as the compressor.

[wcfn100]

If transportation space is a big issue, maybe you could try out a newer version.

On thing I will say, if you get any pulsing, try a smaller (dia.) hose.  I don't use the one that comes with the Paasche (same as the picture).  I just use an el cheapo yellow coil.  Between that and the moisture trap, I can't fell any pulsing and haven't seen any issues when painting.

Jason

[C855B]

Wow. Thanks, guys. Just what I was looking for. That's a great price on the one with the small tank.

I had converted a 10-gallon auxiliary tank for airbrushing to use away from the (insanely noisy!) shop compressor, and was unhappy with its weight and bulk.

[Philip H]

The little tank one I have probably weighs half or less what your aux tank does.

[C855B]

Heh. I don't know what was worse... the bulk or the weight. I tripped over the SOB more than once, so something that tucks under the bench would be soooo much better.

[pnolan48]

On thing I will say, if you get any pulsing, try a smaller (dia.) hose.  I don't use the one that comes with the Paasche (same as the picture).  I just use an el cheapo yellow coil.  Between that and the moisture trap, I can't fell any pulsing and haven't seen any issues when painting.

Jason

I found that out too! I think the ID is the same, but the cheaper stuff bulges to even out the pulses.

[C855B]

I picked this one up last spring on a Father's Day sale :

http://www.tcpglobal.com/itemdetail_AB.aspx?itemno=ABD+TC-20T

...

Still a good deal, but I have to offer a few tips about TCP Global from firsthand experience:

1) Do not online order, call directly: (858) 909-2110. Their online communications is poor. I received no e-mail to confirm order or advise on order status.

2) Second reason to call to order - no stocking info online. They will hold your entire order if you ordered items not in stock.

3) Credit card is charged at time of order, not at shipment. That's just bad form, especially when you've been charged with no confirmations and no ETA of shipment.

They're a little bit "old school", I suspect. Phone response is good.

[pnolan48]

Thanks for that tip! I've found this to be the case in many firms.

[Philip H]

I actually ordered mine through Amazon, so they handled shipping and tracking.

[reinhardtjh]

I actually ordered mine through Amazon, so they handled shipping and tracking.

and it's $20 cheaper through Amazon... 

[reinhardtjh]

I'm wanting to get a compressor and this still looks like a good candidate.

Any more input from those that actually bought one of these?    How is it working out for you?

Master Airbrush Air Compressor Model TC-20T

[C855B]

Not whole bunches of experience with it as yet, but so far I like mine. Very quiet. It vibrates a little more than I expected and will "walk" across smooth surfaces. So don't be tempted to put it on your worktable 'cause it will wander off and possibly crash to the floor (like mine did... ). No damage other than explaining the noise to my wife and dog.