Bought a used Silentaire 20A...

Kim McCann

Mac-Valve Maestro!
Someone on FB marketplace locally here was selling a Silentaire 20A ridiculously cheap. Well, my old Iwata PJP of 25 years has been getting a bit dodgy at low pressures, so I have been looking at new compressors.

I am super impressed. The Silentaire really lives up to it's name. My studio is in an aparment building, so sound control is a big deal for me, as I have a lot of late night spray sessions.

I honestly didn't think it was on when I plugged it in an turned it on. I was shocked when air came out of my airbrush, because I hadn't heard a thing. You pretty much have to have the compressor right beside you and listen carefully. It's motor has a slight hum that is like a baby whisper. All you can hear in normal work is the sound of your spray. Super impressed. Best of all the pressure is rock solid stable, even running multiple brushes at the same time.

Only downside is that it's a bit on the heavy side. Like it was packed with lead. So if you're mobile, you probably want a rolling cart. You can carry it by the handle, but your fingers won't like you very much if it's a long way between your car and a booth or something.

But for my studio it's a godsend. Everyone claims low decibel levels, but they never are, really. Well, almost never. This shocked me.

I just figured for anyone like me looking for something to work with where sound is an issue, they really do live up to their claims.

Kinda pricey tho, so scope out the used market. This was used and performs amazingly.
 
Thanks for the review Kim. I’ve heard good things about the Silentair compressors. Sounds like it’s a great tool for your needs.


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Other than the price new they are work horses for airbrushing. I have the Silent-Air 50. I did have to replace the rubber seal that goes around the case but that was after 15 years of usage. Plus it does sit in the garage which is only heating when I am painting during the winter months.
The one here at work I use is about the same age but so far I have had no issues with it.
Note make sure to only use the silent-air oil as the regular oil for compressors is too thick and will cause issues .
The tank fills fast and sometimes you do not even hear it kick on .

Congratulations on getting a super quite compressor .May you have decades of great use from it.
 
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