so confused!

Thlorian, last November, I returned to model building after more than 40 years away from it. I bought an Iwata Smart Jet within a couple months. It's easy to use and easy to adjust the air pressure, and it's incredibly quiet, which was one of my main requirements. I will be adding an air tank and pressure regulator soon, however. I don't feel like it allows me quite enough fine control of air pressure. Other than that though, I have no complaints with it. A lot of folks here really like the stuff from Harbor Freight, too.

I just looked at that link. The air compressor is almost certainly the same compressor Iwata sells as its Sprint Jet model. I understand they are nice compressors as well. In fact, I think the Sprint Jet compressor is the same as the Smart Jet compressor, just without some of the additional Smart Jet features.

I use the cheapie Campbell Hausfeld that Walmart sells for around $70-80. It has a tank, and doubles as a tire inflator for bikes and autos.

Ok thanks for your thoughts above on the Iwatas.  I am hesitant on the Iwatas as they do not have an easy way to control/change the psi (at least for a beginner like me).  The reviews said something to the effect that there had to be some type of pinching/bleeding or some such to the lines in order to adjust the psi.  Uh huh?  As a newbie, I just want to turn a dial or something similar and see that my psi went from 10 to 15.  I guess this is what a regulator and gauge do?  So the Passche above looks like it may fit the bill as it has a regulator and gauge.  Do you have any thoughts on this one by chance?  I just don't want to drop a couple hundred+ dollars on something that will be frustrating to use and thus making the hobby un-enjoyable!

Thanks!  I may have to go with something that will baby me a little more for now as I am new to the hobby!

how much do you want to spend?

I would have a look around for a Sparmax compressor - they are more expensive than anything that originates from China, but that are less expensive than comparative Iwata models.

As far as I'm aware virtually all airbrush compressor currently originate from either Sparmax in Taiwan or "choose your brand" from China.

Sparmax units are of good quality, well made & specified, Iwata's compressor range is manufactured by Sparmax (as is Revells (GmbH)).

The Chinese units, which are sold under a plethora of house & no names brands are capable & exceptionally cheap, but quality control is a issue, particularly on the tanked models. Longevity also seems to be an issue...

I've never used the Passche, so I can't speak from experience, but I have never heard anything negative about them. My guess is that you would do just fine with one.

Ok thanks!  One last question please on this.  I found a REALLY good price on the Paasche D3000R 1/8 HP Compressor w/regulator and moisture bottle at $150 shipped!  Would my Badger Air Brush (or any other air brush brand for that matter) work with this Paasche compressor system, or does each compressor require that modelers ONLY use THEIR specific brand of airbrush?  I would think any airbrush will work together with just about any compressor but as a newbie, I though I would ask first please . . .

The D300R should work just fine with any airbrush but you may need an adapter at the compressor outlet to match your AB hose (I don't know the spec's for the regulator thread).

Well this is a bit embarrassing but in a good way.  BARRETTDUKE, when you were recommending the Iwata compressors, I had heard of the name and the rapport out here is very good.  The one thing that kept me away was a review I read that talked about adjusting the psi would be difficult for a beginner as you have to "bleed a line".  Well, I just saw a 10 minute video on YouTube that ran through the entire set-up and usage of the Iwata Sprint Jet and the "bleeding of the line" is nothing more than adjusting a small dial so I think you are right on in recommending this compressor to me!  It looks very simple!  So now I am down to either the Iwata or the Paasche.  I really did not think this would be such a big deal but I just do not want to make a "bad" purchase!  Is the extra tank that comes with the Paasche a better purchase than the Iwata?  Are they both the same in quality?  The Iwata costs about $75+ more so I would think it is a better quality product?  Now that I am open to the Iwata, what are your comments on these two compressors please - anyone!  I REALLY appreciate your replys as I want to make this purchase soon this weekend so I can get started painting!  

I have an Iwata Smart Jet. Very quiet and works 100% all the time. I don't see why it would be difficult to adjust the psi on Iwata compressors. How difficult is it to turn a knob?????  Press the airbrush trigger and adjust the psi knob to a number (e.g., 20).  It'll be your working psi.  

Sooner or later, you'll get a FEEL for a right psi and won't even look at the psi gauge.  I bet that you'll end up with setting your compressor's psi to its max and adjust the psi with an external MAC valve, which is much more convenient than adjusting the psi at the compressor.

Thiorian,

Some other info you might want. Hope it doesn't add to the confusion. I believe the Iwata Sprint Jet and Smart Jet compressors do not have a tank but do have 'bleed' regulation rather than a diaphragm regulator. Setting pressure of either type is not difficult but they are different in operation. With 'bleed' regulators you open a valve on the bottom of the moisture trap while your AB trigger is depressed in order to adjust pressure. The compressor will then continue to run but AB pressure will be as set and extra air will be bled out the valve. With diaphragm regulation , simply depress your AB trigger and adjust pressure by turning a knob on top of the regulator - there is no bleed air, the compressor simply cycles on/off as pressure is needed. Nothing inherently bad about either - just different. Bleed regulation might be a little 'fussier' to use and maybe that's what was meant about difficulty for a beginner in the article you read. BTW, as Milairjuckie said, Iwata compressors are made by Sparmax and the Iwata label is usually a little more expensive. Your might look at the Sparmax TC2000 (or Stormforce), an excellent compressor (twin piston) and quiet but doesn't have a tank.