Paasche DA300 Compressor
Can anyone tell me if this compressor is worth investing in. The description states 20-35 psi, does this mean it will go lower than 20 psi if need be? I am planning on using both a Badger 105 Patriot and Paasche H series single action, external mix brush. My old pancake compressor is failing and I want to invest in an airbrush dedicated compressor this time. Any info will help…
Thanks, Mark
I don’t own one, but here are the factory specs for it –
I would like to know if anyone on this site has one of these or the Aztec equivalent.
Both of these airbrushes have no control other than the on/off switch. The ads for these two compressors indicate the adjustments are automatic depending upon which nozzle is being used.
On the otherhand, back in the days before i had an airbrush I used to use spray cans, and i had very few problems with the items i was painting.
I like being able to set the air pressure on my compressor, I vary the setting between 20 psi and 30psi.
I’m with DON7,about being able to regulate the air pressure, I’ve been using a Craftsman,oil free compressor,2HP,4GAL,pancake tank 150PSI,with regulator,going on 15yrs now without a hitch and I use Paasche,air brushes,single and double action…
Cheers,
Frank
There are so many other options for small compressors now, I feel you should seriously look to a replacement for that “old” pancake. The Craftsman as noted, Husky from Home Depot, Porter cable, Cambel Hausfeld, Hitachi and the list goes on. I have a few larger units, that are everyday work compressors, they are just too much to use for “just” airbrushing. Bought a small Craftsman 1.5 gal I call the “RTD2” and it has worked great for over 10 years. Another reason for a compressor as these, is that you can still use it for brad, finish and staple guns. I never liked any of the “airbrush” compressors, especially w/o any tank as they can allow pulsating through the airbrush and usually have poor pressure control. The airbrush compressors usually cost as much or more than any of these alternatives.
The Craftsman and the Hitachi I found to be some of the quietest. With a 1.5 or 2 gallon tank the compressor usually will not need to come on for most painting and/ cleaning work.
Whatever compressor you decide to get, be sure to get an in-line moisture trap. Slugs of water can really mess up a paint job.
S&S
If I recall correctly you said you have a Paasche model H air brush,Paasche has a in-line moisture trap that goes on your air line that the brush is connected to…I find that works the best…
Cheers,
Frank
You may want to look at a DA300R or a D500R. Both have the regulator and moisture trap that the DA300 does not. I have a DA500R and am very happy with it. The only difference seems to be the DA300 series has 20-35 PSI and the D500 series has 20-30 PSI. You can adjust the regulator pressure on the R series.
I have one like this:
http://www.harborfreight.com/1-6-hp-40-psi-oilless-airbrush-compressor-93657.html
Same basic design as the Paasche, but about half the price.
I’m not a professional air brusher or anything, but I’ve been very pleased with its performance for airbrushing. The outlet pressure is regulated by a control knob, and there is a dial pressure gauge and moisture trap right on the outlet. It cycles on and off to maintain the pressure setting - the higher the set pressure, the more frequently it cycles. The highest practical pressure I can squeeze out of it with continuous flow is around 30 psi, which is more than plenty for what I do. I’m also able to dial it down to almost zero psi; I suspect the Paasche is the same way, since they’re the same basic design.
Theoretically, you could get some air pulsing because it’s basically a heavy-duty aquarium pump, but I haven’t noticed it being a problem.