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Hello Dakka,

I currently have a tankless harbor freight compressor, and am looking to upgrade (gets hot too quickly then causes moisture issues). I'm not opposed to spending a bit more for a premium product (still probably leaning towards a "best bang for your buck" purchase though).

Does anyone have any experience with this compressor?

https://www.amazon.com/Master-Airbrush-Model-TC-40T-Single-Piston/dp/B00WBT7PTW/ref=sr_1_14?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1473704465&sr=1-14&keywords=airbrush+compressor

What is the diffence between that and the TC-20T? The other compressors that I am considering are the Badger tc910, or the Paasch d3000r. Do you guys have any recommendations? What compressors have made you happy?

Haven't had any experience with the one posted, but it seems okay. Has a seemingly solid cooling system on that single piston for that project longevity you're looking for, as well as a compressor-side moisture trap and a diaphragm pressure regulator. Provided all of its features work as expected -- and by checking out some reviews, it seems it does quite well -- it seems like a pretty reliable device.

Personally, I can vouch for my Badger TC908. Been used almost every day for the past two years with zero problems. The only minor complaint I have about it is that although it has a cooling system it still can get slightly hot after about a consistent "always-on" hour-or-two use, which at the tail end of that time frame, does cause some moisture issues.

Suks wrote:
The other compressors that I am considering are the Badger tc910,

I bought one of those in May 2012 and I died in July of this year, which in my opinion, is not a long enough life for a $200 compressor (especially since I went almost a year where I rarely used it).

I did exhaustive research when deciding what I wanted to buy to replace it and in the end, I went with the Iwata Power Jet. The difference has been amazing; the Iwata is quieter, pressurizes fast, holds pressure better, and the quality of the parts is noticeably better. If you can afford it and you're serious about airbrushing, I would definitely recommend going with a top-quality compressor that will last you for years to come.

Thank you both for your feedback. That is a real shame about your TC910 dying on you. One of the main reasons I was considering it was I assumed it would have a longer life, but it sounds like a master brand will be the same thing.

$450 for the Iwata is just too much of a pill for me to swallow I think. If my airbrush skills improve over the next few years, I could do it, but frankly I'm not good enough (or consistent enough) to invest that much in a compressor, especially considering the amount of equivalent plastic (or transport cases which I desparately need) that money could buy.

As of now I'm leaning toward the TC40t, although I remain confused as to what the actual difference is between that and the TC20t. I think maybe the 40t has a better cooling system?