IWATA...compressors

Maximus DukusErectus wrote:

Well I thought I had a IWATA SMART JET COMPRESSOR....deal fell through,then I have bid on about five of them on e-bay and have been outbid every time.QUESTION,......Do I invest the extra bucks and get the SMART JET PRO?Or will the SMART JET do the job?I am airbrushing 1/35 armour,and 1/72 armour...base coats,camo,weathering etc.And is the IWATA compressors the way to go?They look sweet and I only hear good things about them.I want a decent compressor,not a low end beginner's compressor.This compressor will go with my previous post concerning AZTEK AIRBRUSHES.  thanx

The Iwata Smart Jet is a reliable 1/8 HP compressor, but definitely a "low end beginner" compressor. It is  a good match for the Iwata gravity feed AB's. For use with your Aztek airbrush which needs more pressure, you should use something bigger than the Smart Jet or the Pro's 1/8 HP motor. The Iwata Power Jet will be the one you need. See the June 2008 issue of FSM for comparison of the Iwata Smart Jet with other compressors.

For the price of the Smart Jet, you can get an Iwata HP-CS airbrush with a more powerful housebrand compressor. See the Airbrush Depot Offer. Their compressor is similar to the Iwata Power Jet in spec.

See my post about my recent experience of upgrading the compressor. I still think that the Paasche DA400 is the best buy for under $200 airbrush compressors.

I used a stand alone air compressor for years and finally got tired of listening to the noise and with the inability to finely control the pressure to the airbrush.  I finally bought a Campell Hausfeld model WL504310AJ at the Home Depot.  This unit is capable of 125 PSI max with an air delivery of 4.3 @ 40 PSI.  Just as important, it contains a 4 gallon air tank which the unit can "top up" automatically or which can be filled manually; that is, the compressor only runs when the tank level falls below a minimum.  You will have to purchase a separate regulator for the brush.

I remember the price being about $200 but it will be higher now, of course. 

Maximus DukusErectus wrote:

WOW,have not airbrushed in a few years,and I feel like a noob all over again.Thank you both for your posts...you saved me from mucho heartache and misery!I really like the specs on the TC-20, but would it be excess to get the TC-20T with the tank? or would that be overkill for airbrushing armour.

Why not if you can afford it. My favorite AB compressor with tank is the Sparmax TC-5000 (same as AC-500) compressor.

Getting a compressor that can last you for a long time is a good investment, not an overkill.