AFV Painting & Weathering
Answers to questions about the right paint scheme or tips for the right effect.
Answers to questions about the right paint scheme or tips for the right effect.
Hosted by Darren Baker, Matthew Toms
Reccomendation on airbrush compressors
Posted: Thursday, October 15, 2020 - 06:14 AM UTC
I am looking for a good quality/ reliable compressor. Cost is secondary. I was thinking Sparmax or Iwata but I am open to suggestions. I think I perfer one with a tank of sometype. The primary use is modeling. If you make a suggestion please throw in a "because" please.
Posted: Thursday, October 15, 2020 - 06:44 AM UTC
I can recommend the oil-lubricated one I have, which is an Italian affair which looks remarkably like the Bambi BB8. Near silent (like a fridge) but with a decent size tank so most of the time it’s not even running. It’s quite heavy though, so luggable rather than portable. Still, I don’t need to move it about much.
Bought an ex demo one on eBay for something like 2/3 of retail price.
Bought an ex demo one on eBay for something like 2/3 of retail price.
iam2brb
Posted: Thursday, October 15, 2020 - 09:46 AM UTC
I bought one of these two years ago vie flea-bay at what i am pretty sure is this link, and couldn't be more pleased. Very quiet, works like a champ!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Portable-Twin-Cylinder-Airbrush-Compressor-Tattoo-Nail-Art-Hobby-Spray-Brush-Set/333753261445?epid=13023391995&hash=item4db53e9d85:g:8v4AAOSwvl1fhi1M
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Portable-Twin-Cylinder-Airbrush-Compressor-Tattoo-Nail-Art-Hobby-Spray-Brush-Set/333753261445?epid=13023391995&hash=item4db53e9d85:g:8v4AAOSwvl1fhi1M
Posted: Thursday, October 15, 2020 - 10:12 AM UTC
I think the first fundamental question is .... is noise a problem or not? ... do you work in the garage or at home, because if the noise is not a problem buy the biggest tank you can even if when it is on it makes your walls shake it lights up once in a while
Posted: Thursday, October 15, 2020 - 10:33 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Note, quiet is a plus where I am.I am looking for a good quality/ reliable compressor. Cost is secondary. I was thinking Sparmax or Iwata but I am open to suggestions. I think I perfer one with a tank of sometype. The primary use is modeling. If you make a suggestion please throw in a "because" please.
Posted: Thursday, October 15, 2020 - 10:36 AM UTC
Yes quiet is a concern. I work in the garage but the knocking of a loud compressor travels through the house leading to grumbles.
Posted: Thursday, October 15, 2020 - 10:37 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Note, quiet is a plus where I am.I am looking for a good quality/ reliable compressor. Cost is secondary. I was thinking Sparmax or Iwata but I am open to suggestions. I think I perfer one with a tank of sometype. The primary use is modeling. If you make a suggestion please throw in a "because" please.
Posted: Thursday, October 15, 2020 - 10:47 AM UTC
Ok....now I can tell you a secret ... which is not a secret .... Sparmax has been the compressor manufacturer for Iwata for at least 15 years.
Iwata gives them the specs, quality control etc .. not just banging on their logo but the manufacturer it is the same, if I had to choose between the 2 I would look at the price and after sales service in your area, noise and performance should be the same
Iwata gives them the specs, quality control etc .. not just banging on their logo but the manufacturer it is the same, if I had to choose between the 2 I would look at the price and after sales service in your area, noise and performance should be the same
Posted: Thursday, October 15, 2020 - 12:27 PM UTC
Quietness was an issue for me as well, and being aware that Sparmax manufactures for Iwata, I have been using a Sparmax AC-27 for 18 months without issue. It is basically the same as the Iwata Silverjet for 2/3 of the price.
Posted: Thursday, October 15, 2020 - 03:12 PM UTC
Get a tank type. Oil lubed ones are quieter. But no matter what get two really good water traps. One on the output side of the compressor and another as part of a mount/holder for the inlet to your airbrush. I have an automotive compressor that I can fill for 5 minutes and paint for 5 months. I have a water trap on the output of the compressor that the 50ft hose attaches to. I then plug the other end of the hose in another water trap slash regulator that my airbrush attach to. The secondary regulator has finer regulator control for lower pressures, under 100psi while my output regulator/water trap can go to 250 psi. It's a bit difficult to set if for 20psi.
Posted: Thursday, October 15, 2020 - 03:29 PM UTC
If the price is not a big problem and you really want something very quiet go to Silentaire, they are the Ferrari's of the silent compressors, produced in northern Italy like the Ferrari! ... 
http://www.silentaire.com/silentaire/aboutus.asp
http://www.silentaire.com/silentaire/aboutus.asp
Posted: Friday, October 16, 2020 - 01:50 AM UTC
I have an Iwata Power Jet Pro and I highly recommend it. Over the 40 years I've been airbrushing, I've had just about every type and make of compressor out there, and I finally treated myself to this one. It's about as loud as a fish tank (hmmmmmmm) when it runs. It has 2 cylinders, a tank, and 2 hose outlets/regulators. It will last longer than me, so I'm totally happy with it.
Posted: Friday, October 16, 2020 - 04:49 AM UTC
Gotta agree with the tank type for two reasons:
1) Hobby use compressors with a tank (i.e.; Iwata, Sparmax) will be much quieter with a tank, since they only cycle on to keep the tank pressurized rather than running continuously. These compressors are usually quieter to begin with than the industrial types.
2) Because a tank compressor only cycles to fill the tank, the wear and tear on the compressor is much less than on the continuously running types, which means they’ll last longer in the long run, require less maintenance (although you’ll still need a water trap and to drain the tank after use, especially in the NW). They’ll stay cooler in the summer heat too.
VR, Russ
1) Hobby use compressors with a tank (i.e.; Iwata, Sparmax) will be much quieter with a tank, since they only cycle on to keep the tank pressurized rather than running continuously. These compressors are usually quieter to begin with than the industrial types.
2) Because a tank compressor only cycles to fill the tank, the wear and tear on the compressor is much less than on the continuously running types, which means they’ll last longer in the long run, require less maintenance (although you’ll still need a water trap and to drain the tank after use, especially in the NW). They’ll stay cooler in the summer heat too.
VR, Russ
Posted: Friday, October 16, 2020 - 09:42 AM UTC
Matt, I was eyeballing the same Iwata you have or the Sparmax Quantum, but was keeping an open mind as I may not need a Ferrari or a Peterbuilt. I like to buy good tools but you do not always need a tool set from British McLaren to work on a Subaru. So I ask around just to keep the extravagance in check.
Posted: Friday, October 16, 2020 - 10:46 AM UTC
I have a 20 lb co2 tank that I bought at my local welding shop. No moving parts to wear out and the only sound it makes is the air coming out of the airbrush. I exchange it once a year after it runs out for about $20. Also there is no condensation in the air to to worry about.
Posted: Friday, October 16, 2020 - 12:06 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Matt, I was eyeballing the same Iwata you have or the Sparmax Quantum, but was keeping an open mind as I may not need a Ferrari or a Peterbuilt. I like to buy good tools but you do not always need a tool set from British McLaren to work on a Subaru. So I ask around just to keep the extravagance in check.
If you are concerned about cost, check ebay, Amazon, Model Expo or Micro-Mark for lower cost knock-offs. I bought a knock-off compressor via Micro-Mark 16 years ago, and it’s still going strong. It’s a little “rougher” than some of the newer Iwata and Sparmax types, but it also saved me about $150. One word of caution, stay away from the compressors at Harbor Freight— unless you want to replace it.
VR, Russ
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