Bambi BB8 Lubricated Silent Air Compressor Review

[@Fencemaster]

Excellent work. The noise footprint and how long it's likely to last, with how much maintenance and how well made it is were all communicated just right. My plans to get some weird vice-like devices milled from aluminium to hold multiple parts together (undoubtedly unsuccessfully) while the CNC works on 'em are now cancelled. Yes, it's a vacuum table here we come. I thought a vacuum table was not an option without a compressor, which I assumed cost at least £2000 and needed installing in a separate room in my non-existent commercial premises, thanks to the racket they make. Thanks for correcting that incorrect assumption.

[@LGlifeisgood]

I bought one on this review and mine is still going strong had it a few years and oil last for years , I would buy another one once this one gives up but hopefully not for a long time yet

[@fraserhardmetal]

Good review - a couple of tips from someone who has been down the same road a few years ago - Get the biggest air receiver option on the compressor you can - increases the areas of application for the compressor and reduces the cycling frequency of the motor - the Bambi compressor reviewed here is available with a bigger receiver with the same overall footprint, for not much more money.. Don't forget second hand - I bought a used Jun-Air ex dental practice unit from e-bay for £220 - less than the Bambi compressor reviewed here. Had been used for about 6 weeks and had other accessories and filters on it - value £2000 + , similar to the the Bambi but much higher quality, capacity and longevity. Look at the used oil-free compressors (usually Jun-Air ex dental practice) that come up on e-bay, they are really the best choice for airbrushing - don't forget you're not spraying a house, so the demands on the machinery are not that great, and this is professional tackle that is designed for a 50% usage rate i.e. 1 hour on, 1hour off - 24 hours/day. A good add on when you have decided on a compressor is a combined regulator/moisture trap/lubricator unit that extends the compressor's usefulness. SMC and Norgren do good quality units ( and their Chinese imitators). These have tappings and holes for all sorts of kit - it's like meccano for grown ups. - Don't get me started on PCL connectors......

[@ianelley]

Fraserhardmetal, I've just looked on ebay as you suggested and at the moment can only find one Jun-Air compressor which is also a vacuum unit. The price is a little high but I want to find out a bit more about them. Not sure how the vacuum side of things work but it might come in handy for something. I don't have much experience with these kind of things and it would be a big investment I could ill afford if I got it wrong. Any ideas where I can find out more info ?

[@fraserhardmetal]

ian elley Try the Jun-air website - there is plenty of info on there giving assembly drawings and accessories for all their products. Keep looking at E-Bay, they come up pretty regularly - Best regards.

[@ianelley]

Thank you , i'll do that, have a good Christmas

[@vincentpritchett1231]

In the US, larger accumulator tanks and higher head pressure units can be had on the used market for a lot less money. Yes, they’re piston driven and noisy as hell, but if used with an airbrush, it will rarely come on. Mine is an Ingersol-Rand and will fill all four tires on my F-150 before needing to refill the tank. Regulated down, it would take hours to deplete. Just my .02.

[@jeffleblanc8850]

Mine should be here tomorrow can’t wait they are nice and pieceful please let me know what you think I know a lot of pros use them

[@RonWylie-gk5lc]

Great video thank you. I am thinking of this myself, it is £366 in June 2020 so quite expensive but worth it for the flow alone, I live in a flat also so the quietness would be welcome also. Their blurb on site says it is not for air tools though, just letting you know

[@gillian9178]

What do you think of the Bambi BB8, have you had any problems with it. Thanks.

[@markpearce9619]

Thanks Lee. Very comprehensive and objective review. Yours is virtually the ONLY review on the Bambi that I could find on YT, and certainly the only one worth watching :-) And yes…. I'm yet another one that you've made spend all my piggybank contents on one! Got me a Bambi BB24V off Fleabay for a song, which had literally never been used. And yep! … I slightly over-filled my oil level, too!!! Cheers, Mate. KUTGW & thanks for all that you, Paul (and Hanna + James, too, of course!) do for us all. Mark (4 miles east of Wes !!)

[@markpearce9619]

+Mark Pearce Oh, nearly forgot! That rectangular plate (that you wondered what it was for, Lee) welded to the tank (beneath the main On/Off & pressure switch, is a receiver tank specification and usage data plate (showing where and when the tank was made, tank volume, max safe pressure, and operating temperature limits etc. ) - it is on mine, at any rate. It has been painted over, and so it is not at all easy to read, but the info IS stamped into the plate here if you squint REALLY hard! Another piece of useless information for anyone that will never need to know it!! lol

[@InternationalScaleModeller]

+Mark Pearce Glad you like the review and found it useful. They definitely are excellent compressors :)

[@CeesRegeling]

Very nice compressor! Trust me....got multiple likes these....they last way longer than ten years! Mu oldest is from 1986....and still imacculate! Just take care, bleed the tank...and change the oil every year just to be shure! Very good review mate!,

[@ronaldcurtis1676]

The bloody thing sounds just as loud as the other one to me!

[@davesmith9844]

I've actually bought one of these based of this review, but NOT from airsupplies uk. I sent sent them a question about the choice of connectors they offer via email, nearly two weeks later, still no reply. They don't seem as great these days as the review suggests.

[@M0NXF]

@@davidedmunds i bought my one from them the fittings i ordered was missing so i sent them a email never had a reply but fittings arrived next day

[@thomascook8541]

Heyup mate, my dad gave me his old bambi 75/150 as a present for xmas as I bought myself an airbrush for hobby purposes. I bought a 1/4" BSP hose (as this works with my air brush) but it won't fit the Bambi compressor, and I'm really struggling to find info on what adapters I need to purchase to get the 1/4" BSP hose to fit the bambi compressor, could you advise? Also, the pressure guage on the bottom tank isn't working (presumably seized?) but the pressure guage on the "outlet" valve (the one you can adjust) is working fine - it'd be nice to fix the tank pressure gauge if possible, any advice on this?

[@wallacenock7423]

Really appreciate your video, I'm new to airbrushing and want to airbrush t shirts and also do portrait work, however I live I a flat so I need a very quiet unit. Im sure this will be ideal. What are your thoughts

[@rorymakesstuff]

Thinking of getting one of these, 6 years on how has it been? Oil lasted?

[@WeLoveArsenal77]

Hi i have purchased a bambi compressor after watching your video please can you tell me what is the details of the reducer so i can order one please.

[@gazearl9750]

Its 6 years on, is it still working? What are the oil levels like 😅

[@cosmin-yt]

hi, I am wondering if this could be used with a pressure pot in a flat (with the proper safety precautions), without feeling inhibited by thinking you are disturbing the neighbours with the compressor charging.

[@ThisIsSewMe]

Watching this 5 years later, wondering how it’s gone so far lol

[@Zillawill]

Same lol, I need something better then my AS186

[@InternationalScaleModeller]

Still love it and has never missed a beat :)

[@Zillawill]

@@InternationalScaleModeller I might pick one up later this year, long term investment

[@rossansbro9339]

@@InternationalScaleModeller got my bb8 my is different to yours there's no oil nut on the top ,where do I put it ? Came with oil in but just were to put it ??👍

[@AirsuppliesCoUk]

Fantastic review! We supply the full range of Bambi compressors including the larger Bambi BB24V that has been mentioned in the comments. If you have any questions, please let us know. Always happy to help! If you do want to go ahead and purchase a new Bambi compressor from us we guarantee are prices are the lowest around.

[@johnbirch4234]

Air Supplies™ - Compressed Air Supplies (Nottingham) how many yrs if u use it 3 time a month before it rust inside

[@briansrcadventures1316]

I wonder how one of these would cope with a Procon Boy PS290 with fan spray pattern cap? My Sparmax TC610 does struggle with the fan cap on the PS290...

[@InternationalScaleModeller]

It will be fine. Used one myself on it

[@Mixa007Master]

Вижу, что компрессором пользуетесь очень часто. С 2014 года уже прошло много времени. В каком он сейчас состоянии на 2022 год? Ломался ли он и сколько раз? I see that you use the compressor very often. A lot of time has passed since 2014. What is its current state for 2022? Has it broken and how many times?

[@DscruGaming]

How long would you reckon a full tank would last on 25psi? I'd be using it for illustration, not modelling, so was deliberating about this or the larger version.

[@davesmith9844]

13:20 ...how is the compressor running now and did the oil last?????

[@jjab99]

Okay, you were not too clear in the video... did you like it? Just kidding, it seems like a very good value for money option if you need a compressor and it did really sound a lot quieter and looks like it will last a lifetime.

[@mrbass3]

I have the MD35/20 - superb compressor although the pressure regulator went faulty - easily replaced with a new one (Condor MDR)

[@WV591]

wow you should hear the porter cable pancake . too bad we can't get that in usa.

[@ginoasci]

if you want an air compressor to last, and not have it fail, it should be emptied after each use. especially if the humidity is elevated. to empty the tank every three months you will ensure that the tank is for sure getting rusty inside. empty the tank even in low humidity and you'll see some water come out, that little bit of water does damage. its the beginning of what is to come.. "empty your compressor after ever use"

[@CPS2]

Bambi compressors have anti-corrosion coatings inside the receivers.

[@RonWylie-gk5lc]

May I ask you what size the reducer is on your unit please?, I have the Ifinity that matches yours and will be buying the same compressor so it would be great to know the size I am going to need.

[@robroy943]

Hello :) great presentation, i have the bb15 i was wondering what adapter/fitting coupling do i need for my bb15 so i can attached a standard airbrush hose to it? the female fitting that comes with the bb15 is the same as the bb8, any help would be much appreciated

[@sixahem]

It's 6 years later 😎

[@halwatura]

Hi, I believe this is Bambi BB budget range compressor. Technical spec said this BB range doesn’t have piston rings. Which mean oil can me carry over with oil supply. Have you ever experienced oil mixed up with paint?

[@InternationalScaleModeller]

None at all in the 5 years I've had it. You can buy an oil trap as a separate item for it though if you're wrried about it....HTH :-)

[@rossansbro9339]

Just ordered one, hope its as good as your review 👍

[@InterCity134]

Right. So KZbin says this video is 6 yrs old and in the video you say the oil would last 6 yrs and if it’s still running you’d report back. How about a rollout video on how well it now runs to compare.

[@atomizer2665]

The maintenance schedule requires the oil to be replaced annually so the oil shouldn`t last 6 years

[@Jikdor]

Thanks, great info, gonna buy one of these.

[@LHUPA]

That's a jewel! Based on refrigeration compressors principle! Tht's an awesome idea to commercialize "fridge compressors" as silent air compressors!...Thanks for sharing

[@dumptonpark]

Nice demo. When I moved in to the house I live in one of the sheds was full of stuff and one of the items is a compressor the same as yours but called a Jun-Air I plugged it in and it is also very quiet. Are these things all made in the same factory then they put different labels on them lol. Cheers.

[@InternationalScaleModeller]

+dumptonpark Bonus!

[@plasticgargoyle]

Hi, thanks for the review. How's this thing doing now 3 years on? Are you still a happy man?

[@louisstlaurent9471]

Can you purchase bambi compressor in Australia?

[@davesmith9844]

You took longer getting into that box than the average board gamer getting into a girl's knickers (ie NEVER)!!!

[@isleofwightoogaugemodelrai8802]

i cant seem to find the the adapter for the airbrush hose

[@dimitrousis]

How amazing! you posted this video just in time! i bought Bambi BB24V couple of months ago and only now unpacked it, and i had no idea how to set it up.. i was looking desperately for any videos and your video was really helpful.. i called the company where i bought it from(apparently very good price £317 inc VAT), but lets say i am more visual person… i am using my air compressor for upholstery and stapling and still confused with the connectors.. What is this brass connector looking, next to the black plastic box? Although you specialise in airbrushing and your air tools are different from the ones for upholstery, if you can, Could you do a video and explain more about the reducing nut and connectors with hose? Thank you for the video again really happy! :D

[@RonWylie-gk5lc]

Back again and I am more or less commited to buying one of these on the back of your video, thank you. I have a question that was raised further down the comments, Does oil get into the air supply on these?, Apparantly Bambi dont fit piston rings to the budget range that this compressor is part of and oil can get into the air, you have to buy another fitting { BPB1112 Coalescing Filter } and this stops MOST of the oil but the part is £127 in June 2020!, has anyone here ever found oil in the air?

[@InternationalScaleModeller]

I've still not found any oil in mine at all :)

[@RonWylie-gk5lc]

@@InternationalScaleModeller Thanks for the reply, I will make sure they know where I got the info from when I buy mine next week, thanks again

[@DJSHADDY2K7]

Thank you lee for doing this video may mind made up on bye this air compressor.

[@mountainbike00]

Is this available in the USA. Thanks!

[@InternationalScaleModeller]

I'm sure it is, but don't know who the distributor is ....

[@georgepowell5021]

I get a sense you recommend this compressor

[@InternationalScaleModeller]

lol - I do indeed.... :)

[@bruce6362]

Hi mate, Would this compressor be suitable for light/medium duty nailer ? Thanks

[@roadshowautosports]

First, thanks to the author of this video for taking the time. The answer to your question is No. The author says he can use it for painting a car as well and the answer is no. You have a very small tank with this compressor and the flow of air is not enough for air powered tools or spray paint guns. The CFM for and HVLP spray gun would go from 6-9 CFM to 10-12 CFM. A nailer uses more than this compressor can serve depending on the nailer model besides the fact that these air compressor aren’t cheap for being so quiet and specific for the airbrush purposes. I’m working on a helmet and i have a similar compressor from Silentaire that wouldn’t do much for a bigger gun, it’s smaller than the one he shows here but i had to buy a 20 gallon 3HP, around 5CFM compressor to use a small HVLP gun with it, a big one would’ve overpowered it, and that’s what you’d use for painting a car. Check the CFM/SCFM your nailer needs and buy a bigger compressor, also research on the duty the air compressor can be used. Some are half duty, meaning it can work only half of the time or it will end up damaged. Manufacturers will disclose such info i.e. works 15 min, rest 15 min or whatever they recommend. I hope this can help anyone watching this video since it’s been five years.

[@pidgeo202]

I just got my Bambi BB24V today. The tank only filling to 40psi. Is this right? It doesnt seem to be leaking as I then turn it off and its totally silent and the tank pressure is sitting pretty at 40psi. Seems weird though as your BB8 goes way higher. Is this right? Thanks

[@InternationalScaleModeller]

+Michael Morris Hi Michael, you're better off contacting Bambi as I'm not sure about any of their other models. :)

[@pidgeo202]

+International Scale Modeller I contacted bambi. Turns out it was the pressure gauge needle was getting stuck against its plastic case. they sent me a new pressure gauge. perfect.

[@InternationalScaleModeller]

Good customer service :)

[@pidgeo202]

+International Scale Modeller Yea i must admit they were excellent.

[@chrisdeere2694]

Do you have any other similar recommendations that are more easily procured? Shipping out bambi products seems like a paaaain! (I live in australia)

[@InternationalScaleModeller]

Sparmax 610 is what I currently use and would highly recommend

[@chrisdeere2694]

@@InternationalScaleModeller do you do much continuous airbrushing? Id like to use it for art too which means it’d been to use it for A3 ish sized boards and skateboards etc

[@InternationalScaleModeller]

Yes loads and it’s fine

[@chrisdeere2694]

@@InternationalScaleModeller thanks mate!!

[@eu3145]

Anyone know if this compressor is being sell outside UK, within EU?!

[@RedeyeX23]

The most usefull compressor review ever seen so thanks. Definitely interested in buying one of these. Not sure what you meant by ' one charge ' though ? Does this it cuts out after a certain amount of time?

[@JohnFHendry]

+Jon Simpson I didn't get that either... if it's the air volume in the tank then a cheap oilless with a bigger tank would do as well I'd think. It won't last as long and is loud running but no oil either to enter the air supply and not sure how this one prevents that. In the end it's just a tank with regulated dry clean compressed air that you need and the bigger the better so the used market has a lot to offer if you have the space... but it is a really nice air compressor for airbushing.

[@stephennoble2647]

One charge means when the tank is full. He said he will paint an aircraft model on one charge. There is enough air in the tank to paint a full aircraft model without the compressor having to switch back on and fill the tank again. If you're doing models you'll probably charge the tank at the start and then whilst you airbrush the tank empties of air. Once the pressure drops in the tank the compressor will turn on an refill the tank. The bigger tank you have the less the compressor will need to run, as it will take longer to empty the tank once full. There's one of these with a 24ltr tank. I would imagine you could spray a long time with 24lts of air on stand by, meaning the compressor will hardly run at all...

[@YG3BMP-JZ13FLI]

I was very curious and I wanted to try it for me to use PCP rifle charging. Thank you for the info, I like to send and subscribe, I am waiting for the shipment to be returned ok🙏👍

[@tombass]

Great video and I'm now in the process of working out the cost of shipping one of these babies to Australia. Quick question, how long did a single charge last you with spraying at 20PSI on the 9L tank? And did you have issues with oil in the air?

[@InternationalScaleModeller]

+Tom Bass Hi Tom, I've had no issues with oil in the air so far. Apparently it is a rare occurrence, but can happen. The tank discharges to about 4l then refills. Lasts a while for me :-)

[@tombass]

+International Scale Modeller Thanks for the reply! Did you end up getting the '1 plane' out of a tank as you thought you would?

[@InternationalScaleModeller]

Not quite...

[@tombass]

+International Scale Modeller Hmmm may have to stump up for the BB15 then... Shame, I really liked the fact that this one is called BB8! Droid for a compressor...

[@karleetoss1713]

+International Scale Modeller hi, do these ever spray a little oil or condensation out? after one for cleaning electrical components Thanks

[@davesmith9844]

Bambi do not fit piston rings to their budget range compressors, which means small amounts of oil may get into the airline. Bambi recommend a BPB1112 Coalescing Filter to prevent this.

[@RonWylie-gk5lc]

Wow thanks for that!, June 2020 and these extra filter units are £127!, quite an expence, I wonder If anyone else has found oil in the air, that would not be good for your other equipment

[@just1lifexx11]

great video..

[@norman-king]

Based on your glowing review, I have just ordered a BB8 today from Air Supplies, can't wait to give it a try. Do you leave your BB8 charged all the time or discharge it daily? Also, how often do you empty the tank? Thanks

[@InternationalScaleModeller]

+Norman King Awesome Norman, you won't regret it! I leave mine charged to be honest and empty once a month :)

[@DJSHADDY2K7]

Do they do shipping out side there country.

[@jamesnaylor8273]

Hi Lee, great review I have just got the BB24V but if I leave mine charged then it slowly discharges itself. Overnight it will lose around 15 psi. Is this normal? There are no leaks on any fittings, no airline attached and both taps closed but tank pressure falls slowly over time even after initial charge and after couple days it's lost about 2 bar. Does your do this? The manual says it should be discharged weekly but at the rate it loses tank pressure I doubt it will have anything left. So I would like to know if this is normal or if mine is faulty.

[@InternationalScaleModeller]

Mine does lose charge, but it takes about a week before the pump kicks in again. I would get in contact with Bambi, or where you purchased it and see what they say

[@jamesnaylor8273]

Hi thanks for the confirmation that yours does the same. I contacted Bambi and they said "We test each unit when we build them, they are left with air in the tanks for 1 hour, we allow 15 psi in the test" so it would seem that my drop was perfectly normal and below the level they'd deem an issue. I have no leaks on any fittings so I suspect this is on the check valve but seeing as it's within their limits and yours does the same then I'm happy to ignore it. I will just keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't get any worse.

[@chrisdeere2694]

Does anyone know a good substitute for this thats available in australia? Shipping this far south is a paaaaaaaain. I cant find a silent compressor down this way. HEEEELLLPPPP

[@InternationalScaleModeller]

Can you get the sparmax th610

[@chrisdeere2694]

@@InternationalScaleModeller yeah, oh wow ive just realised how big your channel is! Haha. Im just putting the feelers out. Ill watch some of your videos. Is it pretty quiet? Is that what you use for all your airbrushing?

[@InternationalScaleModeller]

Yes what I use now and it’s no louder than the first booth really. So not too bad

[@TheMixEmperor]

Bought mine three weeks ago based on this review. The compressor is amazing and worth every penny, the delivery though was abysmal.

[@InternationalScaleModeller]

+TheMixEmperor Glad to have helped. It is a great compressor for sure :)

[@rethonn]

Have you refilled the oil yet?

[@InternationalScaleModeller]

Nope :)

[@rethonn]

Bought myself one on the back of this video thanks for such a good review.

[@oxbi24]

I have both of them, i dont like bambi compresor cause mix air with oil tank was full of oil so i put them in one ,my setup babmi tank with regulator + oil free compresor

[@oxbi24]

bambi BB24V

[@DaveM2]

5 minute video stretched out to 30 minutes. Its late here, I fell asleep 3 times and the compressor still hadn't been turned on.

[@CoxJoxSox]

Good job - Cheers

[@jeffleblanc8850]

I just bought one of these used from Italy it’s a zem Italy about the same as mine got mine almost new for 150 the guy paid over a thousand for it will they spray a car I’m sick of These junkie little compressors it’s a very good qulity could you let me know what you think

[@InternationalScaleModeller]

Not heard of thgem I'm afraid - But I'm sure it'll be fine....

[@jeffleblanc8850]

What kind of oil

[@InternationalScaleModeller]

Any light machine oil

[@KaneLono]

almost 8 years later... This same type in a Jun Air will cost you 2500.

[@herculeholmes504]

I own a model 600 Jun Air. It's very old (1995) but I bought it secondhand for £60. I wonder how long these things last?

[@KaneLono]

@@herculeholmes504 probably just depends on how you take care of it, keep an eye on the pressure. Don't ever let it get too high. These pressure switches need to be adjusted over time. The pressure only needs to be as high as the application you're using it for. I've seen these creep up to 160 psi. Also change the oil and don't let it run too hot. Even if you don't use it that much it the oil still gets old. If you're not using it everyday, all day long in an an industrial setting it could last a lifetime.

[@herculeholmes504]

@@KaneLono Thankyou Kane. Mine is an oil-less type. I don't think there's much maintenance required, but I suspect they don't last as long; also it seems quite noisy to me - granted it's the only compressor I've owned but I really would like something quieter. If and when it breaks down, I'll keep my eyes open for a secondhand lubricated Bambi unit, or I might even go all out and buy a shiny brand new one. I'm in the UK so prices on the Bambi units are reasonable - a little under £400 for the BB8.

[@atomizer2665]

@@herculeholmes504 I`d suggest paying a little extra for the bb24v. Bambi`s tend to hold their value so genuine bargains are few and far between.

[@herculeholmes504]

@@atomizer2665 I can afford it, but it might be a little too big. My available workspace is measurable in inches rather than feet!

[@robertmacfarland9401]

Xx

[@shadowwolf4430]

Its been 3 years how much oil has it gone through?