Master AirbrushModel TC-40T - Cool Runner Professional High Performance Single-Piston Airbrush Air Compressor with 3-Liter Air Tank, 2 Holders, Regulator Gauge, Water Trap Filter & Air Hose

I chose this after deliberating for days and reading different reviews about what would be the best first-time air brush compressor. The tank is a MUST have. I'm doing small 1/48 scale airplanes and I didn't think I needed the capacity but I'm glad I followed other reviewers that said to get the tank. At 10psi and very gentle brushing, the tank will hold about 30 seconds of continuous air before the compressor kicks on. It'll then run for about 10 seconds before kicking off again.The compressor itself is quiet. That was a major selling feature to me. I noticed some other brands claim 65dB+, and this one is quoted at 48dB so that was a major purchasing decision as well. With a simple decibel meter on my phone, with the compressor running approximately a foot away, it was averaging about 58-60dB. Simply moving it another foot or two away would quiet it down some more. For those not keen on how decibel ratings work, its about as loud as a standard conversation. I can airbrush all night with my girlfriend in the next room and its just a gentle hum.The included hose is nice at 6' but I think a 10' would be better. But take it from me, IF YOU HAVE A BADGER AIRBRUSH, YOU NEED THE ADAPTER. I highly suggest getting the "Badger Air-Brush Company Iwata Hose Adaptor". It connects perfectly to the included hose and my Patriot 105. No leaks noted, I will let it sit with a full tank for weeks at a time and pressure holds. Overall, I am extremely happy with my purchase. I would have gladly paid $150+ for this unit, and I think this is the best all-around starter compressor. I would NOT suggest the TC-20 or regular TC-40. Save a few more bucks and get this bad boy.Edit: 6-month update, airbush has about 10-15 hours of runtime and still works great. I came back and did notice the price has gone up by $75, but also noticed they increased the tank size. I think this is wonderful as some people did comment on the lack of capacity. Those of you buying today, I think you will have a very nice unit with the larger tank, and probably a better deal than what I paid. I still love it, and if I were more serious about airbrushing, I'd totally upgrade to the larger tank.

UPDATEDSo far this compressor has surpassed my expectations. I wanted an affordable, compact, quiet and reliable compressor for airbrush tattoo work. So far it has been great. Very quiet and runs very cool. It has auto start/stop based on your desired regulator settings. I have not gigged it just yet, but have used it continuously for 3 hours practicing and dialing in the pressure for my brushes.It looks well built and feels sturdy. I can't yet attest to its long term durability but the added feature of a built in fan and reservoir tank should help it last a long time.Air flow is cosistant and can be easily adjusted by dialing in the pressure. The guage is easy to read but I wish its markings were a little bigger. I had a few questions for its manufacture and the customer service was excellent. I really have no complaints.I rated it four stars only beacuse I haven't had it long enough to really test its reliablity and durability. Will update in a few months.Updates Well i have raised the stars to 5 now. After a few weeks of running this every night, i have had no issues with it. The big test came when i had a 3 hour outdoor gig in over 100 degree heat. The Master TC40T worked flawlessly. I was concerned that it might oveheat but nope. This is going to be a great work horse for me-Two more 3-4 hour gigs in 100f + temps and zero problems.I'm running six brushes via ported manifold from the TC40t.Totally satisfied with the product. Did I mention what a great value this was? Less than than $120 2 day free shipping with Amazon Prime.

I took a chance with this compressor and I'm very happy I did, it has been incredibly reliable and pleasant to use everytime I've set it up. The compressor reaches my intended PSI quickly, the unit is very reasonably quiet (kind of a soothing hum, not a loud whine), it's very space conscious, and the color is nice which is a plus. The included cord fits my Eclipse HP-CS which saved me a couple bucks, and it feels very sturdy and doesn't bend or curl obnoxiously on me. Honestly I have nothing to outright complain about with this unit, and the moisture trap has done a great job keeping water out of my airbrush. I suppose the only nitpick is that the included documentation is not very helpful, and I haven't found a reliable way to bleed air when I'm through painting. There's a release valve on the underside of the tank (large black cylinder), but that is referred to in the manual as the "water release valve". Unscrewing that bleeds air very reliably, but will also leave behind this reddish-brown water the compressor has accumulated, and it makes an awful, smelly mess if you're not careful. So keep that in mind, and maybe someone else can elaborate on a better way to bleed air out!

I haven't spent time airbrushing with it yet but so far I like it. It's light enough to lift and hold in one hand without tiring (thing number one was charge and remove the drain plug a couple times to evacuate any water, oil or particulates from manufacturing; there were no particles or oil and minimal moisture from the venting). It takes ~1:30 to charge from completely empty to shutoff. The regulator is turned ALL THE WAY ON at the factory so make sure you dial it all the way closed (anti-clockwise) before connecting it to your airbrush. The hose is pretty nice, o-ring sealed so you don't really need pipe tape (Teflon tape or whatever else people incorrectly call it). Otherwise it's super nice!Pros: quiet (seriously quiet), light, compact, decent quality hose (black)Cons: 4-star is for my one gripe: mine came with a busted gauge lens (hey TCP Global, can I get a replacement lens or gauge?). That said the regulator and gauge function perfectly but it is inconveniently cracked on the low pressure side where I need sighting the most (see pic).Does anyone want a video review?