Old Aerograph

Possibly from the 1920s. Is marked with Chas L. Burdick on the handle. Does not fit the box properly, looks like it may have had an original push on hose fitting but has been fitted with a screw on fitting. It is weighted nicely and feels solid in the hand.

After being stripped, I found the parts are held in place with tiny screws which is annoying and slow to fit back together. I could not remove the trigger as it is attached to the needle guide tray. The needle guide and spring are held in place by the needle itself. There seems to be no way to remove the nozzle without a long forgotten proprietary tool.

Close-up of the interior setup. Turning the gnarled ring moves a cam internally and adjusts the trigger much like the small screws at the front of Badger brushes. It does not give much adjustment in practice.

Test spray patterns done on graph paper with a 5mm grid.
Click image to see full size.

 A ruler showing the average spray width in millimetres
Spray width is around 1/2mm to 7mm

Product used: Windsor & Newton Calligraphy ink to insure clog free testing.

Compressor : Hansa Aero-Pro set to 20psi and 10psi.

Pressing down on the trigger, it catches a little bit and there is no way to adjust the spring tension so it is fairly stiff on the pull back. It takes a little time for the product to start flowing but when it does it atomises well with a nice clean spray that maintains it's width well while you keep it going but it is hard to get the same spray if you stop a start. The needle tends to slip back slightly, probably due to the spring screw setup and it's age, this means it is hard to get it to shut off completely without pushing the needle back. 

Overall it is a nice brush to hold but the need for multiple tools to take it apart makes it annoying to use.

1960's Thayer & Chandler

I will be reviewing the 60's Theyer & Chandlers that I recently bought. Plus I have the 80's version also.

Test airbrush chosen

I will be using the Sparmax DH-103 as the brush I will test products with.

Vintage Thayer & Chandler

1960's model A in original case with instructions and test sheet.

1960's A model with original hose fitting.

1980's model A with original case, instructions and box, which is now squared off.

1980's model A with included accessories, note nozzle cover is now plastic.

UPDATE: All cleaned and the parts have arrived, now to try it.

I recently received two 1960s and one 1980s model As. All are in good condition with their original cases and instruction sheets. The cases are fantastic hard shells with nice metal trim and silk lining and a velour base. The base has a metal clip riveted on that holds the brush firmly in place without damaging it. the only difference between the 1960s and 1980s cases are the shape, with the 80s one being squared off.

First Review Sparmax Portable Battery Compressor

Everything included with the compressor. Sp-35 airbrush pictured is recommended by Sparmax as it has a low 10 psi operating range.

• DAC-25 Compressor
• 100-240v Mains power
• NiMH battery pack (not banned for travel like Lithium)
• Multi voltage battery charger
• Australian plug adapters 
• Braided hose 1/8th" fitting with a proprietary compressor fitting.
• Padded bag with belt loops and two style carry strap

Pictured with a 20c piece for size comparison

Specifications: Sparmax DAC-25

• Airflow: 6~7 lpm
• Constant Air Flow: 3 L/min at 10 psi
• Max pressure: 26 psi
• Power: 100-240v mains and 12v  battery pack
• Weight: 0.4kgs/0.9lbs
• Size:  Lx10 Wx5 Hx10.5 cm

I personally own this compressor and have been using it for a couple of years. I have hooked it up to a pressure gauge and it reaches exactly 26psi. Sparmax recommend the SP-35 Air Brush  for this model compressor and I got it as a set. The same set is also sold under other names, Temptu, Graftobian, OCC and Kett. Sometimes with the compressor housed differently. Temptu having the fanciest packaging.

Running the compressor continuously does not over heat the unit, it can also be run inside the carry bag. I have run mine for over 1 1/2 hours with no trouble. The battery pack on a full charge will last just over an hour if run continuously and much longer if you use it in shorter bursts as would be normal.

Here are the results for maximum continuous  pressure with product. I fitted a pressure gage between the compressor and guns that were all fitted with quick connects. The product used to test was Badger Air Opaque.  I also used the mains power and not the battery. I have listed if the brush will spray and the maximum continuous psi reached with each brush.

• Sparmax SP-35 YES  @12 psi (recommended by Sparmax for use with the compressor)
• iwata HP-C+ YES @12 psi
• Sparmax DH-103 YES (similar to the old HP-C)  @12-13 psi BEST
• Thayer & Chandler Vega 2000 from the 1990's ONLY WITH PROPERLY THINNED PRODUCT @ 8 psi
• Thayer & Chandler from the 1950/60's YES @12 psi
• Harder & Steenbeck Infinity .4mm needl YES @ 8-9 psi
• Paasche H #3 nozzle NO @ 8 psi (consistent pressure but low air supply, only use it if you need a spatter effect)
• Paasche Talon .38mm needle YES  @ 8 psi
• Aztec A470 Tan fine nozzle YES @ 8-10 psi
• Badger 200  Medium needle NO  @ 6 psi WORST

These tests show that you do not have to use the recommended SP-35 brush with the compressor.

Two brushes did not fare well,  the Paashe H needs more air flow and will only give a grainy stipple coverage, this is to expected as it is the only external mix brush. The Badger 200 also needs more air flow and would only work in spurts.
The Sparmax DH-103 was the unexpected standout.

Check the links

Adding links to the various official manufacturers sites and other interesting airbrush sites.

Welcome

Reviews on airbrushes, compressors and the different products used with them will follow shortly.

Airbrush Equipment Reviews

Soon I will be reviewing airbrushes, compressors, products and accessories used for make-up.

IMATS Sydney 2010

The International Make-Up Artist Trade Show—better known as IMATS—will bring world-class make-up talent to Australia September 18-19, 2010 at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre. This year will be bigger and will have the student competition.