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Testors Aztec AC500 Airbrush Compressor
I’m a big Aztec user and this compressor is precisely what I have been waiting for!
I checked the Testors site and while I think the units are nice and may be quiet, I was amazed at the prices for their compressors, especially when you can get excellent 6 gallon compressors from Lowes or Home Depot for as low as $179 for name brands like Porter-Cable, or kits with nailers and staplers by Bostitch and Porter-Cable for $279. You can even get compressors in the 1 to 2 gallon variety by Senco or Campbell-Hausfeld for less than $100.
Many years ago, I had a Binks compressor and Paasche model H airbrush, and later a little Miller Atlas compressor/airbrush combo. I currently have two compressors - a 7 gallon Campbell-Hausfeld and a 6 gallon Bostitch kit with a brad nailer and stapler (which I got on sale at Lowes for $199. I also have a Paasche Model H airbrush again.
While I don’t have this particular compressor I recommend you consider a “silent” compressor if you do a lot of painting. The more traditional compressors one can purchase a Seas, Lowe’s, etc. will provide the air, but they are noisy, very, very noisy. Great for the garage, but not the train room. I have a Shark compressor by Media, it is quieter that our refrigerator, which is great for those late night painting sessions. I do not disturb anyone who may be sleeping and can still listen to my favorite music, movie or ballgame, quietly.
je suis très contant de la qualité de se produits
j’ai le compresseur plus le pistolet a peinture de la
meme marque
Does anything special need to done to a compressor from Home Depot to use it for air brushing.
I have long wondered if I need two compressors
I have tried the Menard and home depot small tank compressors, in the basement they sound like Im breaking concrete, my old sears dosent do it anymore so I ordered the thayer-chandker from walthers. It is used in art studios and supposedly quiet, time will tell.
Gi Guys,
You are completely correct about the “hardware store” units are noisey. If you can keep them in another room they work great. Otherwise, I used ear plugs when I used to have one.
D
Well, I’m glad you like this unit, but $400+???
Take a look at airbrushcity.com or Dick Blick, they have quiet airbrush compressors with tanks and valves in the $150 neighborhood, I don’t see what Testor’s is giving you for all that extra money.
Hi William Ryan,
Yes, there are a couple of things that you should do. First, you should have a moisture trap to clean any water out of the air. Also, you should have a pressure regulator to make the air flow at a level that your airbrush likes.