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.