Hi all,

I was thinking of getting a new compressor, and then my work-horse died last night. It only lasted 28 years; quitter!!


Anyway, I've searched the forums and looked at other sites. The TC-40T seems to be a favorite, but some of the negative reviews on Amazon have me concerned. Broken pipes, only worked twice, required 200 yards of vinyl tape. Granted these are only about 9% of the reviews, but still...


Any insights? Are the reviewers out to lunch?


I'm looking at the TC-40T, Zeny Pro, and PointZero. There are others that look interesting and less expensive, but I'm thinking a tank is necessary for no pulsing and less moisture. Any help or thoughts are appreciated.

Hi Joe.
Yea you right about reciver - must have at least 3 ltrs. volume,bigger better.But not forget about compressor capacity - same reason biger-beter at least 20 ltrs/min.
About compressor - all compressor same design(inside),same material,so forget about "Brand name" and Amazon(it's crazy prices) and switch to an Chinese shop(Aliexpress or another)or post soviet country shops(like Russia,Ukrain,Baltic state)-you will be shoked by price level.I'm use JAS 1203 II chinese compressor for 15 year - no problem.Price about 60 usd.

A tank is an absolute must as is a moisture trap and remember to periodically drain the tank or it will rust out faster. You can go to Home Depot and get a nailer for about $90 but they are noisy.

Thanks for the feedback gents. I'm not terribly concerned with noise level, so the Home Depot nailer sounds like route I might take.

If you don't need to have the compressor right at your elbow then you might as well have it in a separate room (garage??) and have a long hose. This also prevents the air inlet filter on the compressor from clogging up with paint particles/dust when you are airbrushing.
/ Robin

I bought another big compressor last January (traded my old one for some firewood), 20 gallon one from Home Depot. Put it in my 3rd bedroom which has morphed into my tool room. I just run a hose to my painting table and attach it to my airbrush regulator. Water traps on both ends of the hose to keep it dry and I can probably paint for a month solid without the pressure dropping enough to kick on the tank.

You may not need one that big but I'm inflating tires, running air tools or blowing dust out of equipment. Need something with a bit of oommph.

Joe, I have an italian made compy (AirCom) with a 5 liters airtank, which is 13 years old now. Okay, you most likely don't get it in the US. But I would recommend that look for a silent compressor. Most airbrush compressors are no louder than a fridge motor today (35-40 dB). And I further recommend that you don't use a vinyl tube for your airbrush, because it can easily break apart. You're far better with a longer lasting fabric tube.

Happy modelling!
Torsten