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Quick compressor question

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  • Member since
    May 2004
  • From: Indianapolis
Quick compressor question
Posted by chester111472 on Wednesday, June 23, 2004 7:36 AM
I have narrowed my choice down to a Sprintjet, SmartJet, or a Silentaire Scorpion I. Do any of these have moisture traps and regulators? If they don't come with a regulator, how do you regulate the air pressure? Is it difficult to buy a regulator and attach it, and where can I get one that I know will work with any of these mentioned compressors? Sorry for all the questions...I have too many compressors dancing around in my head.
Any feedback both pro/con on these three models would be great!!
thanks!Big Smile [:D]
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, June 23, 2004 1:22 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by chester111472

I have narrowed my choice down to a Sprintjet, SmartJet, or a Silentaire Scorpion I. Do any of these have moisture traps and regulators? If they don't come with a regulator, how do you regulate the air pressure? Is it difficult to buy a regulator and attach it, and where can I get one that I know will work with any of these mentioned compressors? Sorry for all the questions...I have too many compressors dancing around in my head.
Any feedback both pro/con on these three models would be great!!
thanks!Big Smile [:D]


I have a Smart jet. It says that it turns itself off when not in use. Mine does that and sometimes it really is annoying. 'coz once i spray i almost never stop. it has a moisture trap but i have trouble drianing it. Because some of the water still gets stuck inside after i remove the valves. to regulate the pressure it has a bleed valve which i'm not very fond of. 'coz it defeats the use of the 'smart tech'. i think i should have just bough a cheap compressor with a big air tank.Disapprove [V]
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, June 23, 2004 2:46 PM
Addiung to this. Where does one find a co2 tank? and what sizes do they come in?
  • Member since
    January 2004
  • From: USA
Posted by MusicCity on Wednesday, June 23, 2004 6:51 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by chester111472

I have narrowed my choice down to a Sprintjet, SmartJet, or a Silentaire Scorpion I. Do any of these have moisture traps and regulators? If they don't come with a regulator, how do you regulate the air pressure? Is it difficult to buy a regulator and attach it, and where can I get one that I know will work with any of these mentioned compressors? Sorry for all the questions...I have too many compressors dancing around in my head.
Any feedback both pro/con on these three models would be great!!
thanks!Big Smile [:D]

I don't know if any of them ahve moisture traps or regulators, however the specs should indicate whether they do or not. That would be a big advertising plus and I doubt that they would miss pointing it out if it were present.

If they don't have it would not be hard to add one providing they have normal 1/4" NPT threads on the output. That is one of the more common standard sizes, and you can get regulators and moisture traps threaded for that at Lowes or Home Depot. If they have some oddball thread sizes you might have to get one specifically made for the compressor. Check www.dixieart.com They have a good selection of regs and moisture traps and show what they fit.
Scott Craig -- Nashville, TN -- My Website -- My Models Page
  • Member since
    January 2004
  • From: USA
Posted by MusicCity on Wednesday, June 23, 2004 6:53 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by woodbeck3

Addiung to this. Where does one find a co2 tank? and what sizes do they come in?

The best place would be somewhere that sells welding supplies and gases or CO2 for soft drink machines. Sizes I'm not sure about. Someone else will be able to answer that. I know I've seen that here, but I don't remember what the sizes were.
Scott Craig -- Nashville, TN -- My Website -- My Models Page
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Hayward, CA
Posted by MikeV on Wednesday, June 23, 2004 7:47 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by MusicCity

QUOTE: Originally posted by woodbeck3

Addiung to this. Where does one find a co2 tank? and what sizes do they come in?

The best place would be somewhere that sells welding supplies and gases or CO2 for soft drink machines. Sizes I'm not sure about. Someone else will be able to answer that. I know I've seen that here, but I don't remember what the sizes were.


A 20 lb CO2 tank is a popular size for airbrushing.

Mike

Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom. " Charles Spurgeon
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Hayward, CA
Posted by MikeV on Wednesday, June 23, 2004 8:23 PM
Chad,

Have you considered spending a bit more and getting a silent compressor with an airtank? I believe you can get a factory refurbished Badger Million-Air compressor for about $100 more than that SmartJet.


Mike

Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom. " Charles Spurgeon
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, June 23, 2004 10:03 PM
or that jun-air on ebay
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, June 23, 2004 10:10 PM
I have the Badger/ Thayer & Chandler AirStar V which is a re-badged version of the Silentaire Scorpion 1 (the version with the rectangular metal enclosure) and its pretty quiet, has a real pressure regulator and a decent water trap. I rigged an additional direct switch so it can run continuously at wery low pressure and I love It ! Highly recommended and carries a reasonable price tag.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Hayward, CA
Posted by MikeV on Wednesday, June 23, 2004 10:53 PM

Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom. " Charles Spurgeon
  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Stockton CA USA
Posted by roosterfish on Wednesday, June 23, 2004 11:28 PM
I can testify to the Silentaire 20A that MikeV is pointing to. I have had one for years and wouldn't part with it like that not-too-smart seller is doing on Ebaby. It is very quiet. I've laid my cell phone IN the compressor and my friend taking to me on the phone (hey, I was busy airbrushing and I didn't have time to listen to him cry so I thought the sound of the compressor would keep him quiet) couldn't hear it running. It has been perfectly reliable...for, did I say, years?
Winners never quit; quitters never win.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Hayward, CA
Posted by MikeV on Wednesday, June 23, 2004 11:46 PM
Roosterfish,

I hear you. My new Badger Million-Air is basically the same compressor and it is real quiet.

Mike

Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom. " Charles Spurgeon
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, June 24, 2004 1:56 AM
Thanks for the info on that co2...that might be the way I go.
  • Member since
    May 2004
  • From: Indianapolis
Posted by chester111472 on Thursday, June 24, 2004 7:10 AM
MIkeV....that compressor that you pointed out on ebay, it says that the operating pressure is between 55-85 psi...is it able to put out lower psi (around 15-20) for low pressure painting? also, where do I find a refurbished million-air compressor?
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Hayward, CA
Posted by MikeV on Thursday, June 24, 2004 7:24 AM
Yes, that compressor will go from 0-85 psi with the regulator that is on it.
I am not sure about the availability of the Badger refurbished compressors but I would say to send an email to them here:
info@badgerairbrush.com
Or you can call them at (800)AIR-BRUSH or (800)247-2787.

Mike

Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom. " Charles Spurgeon
  • Member since
    May 2004
  • From: Indianapolis
Posted by chester111472 on Thursday, June 24, 2004 8:08 AM
MikeV....I was also looking at this compressor, airbrush combo. Do you or anyone else have any thoughts, or apparent drawbacks that I haven't thought of? Looks like it would work, but would love anyone else's feedback.....you will have to highlight and copy the address:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=28111&item=8112809468&rd=1
  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Stockton CA USA
Posted by roosterfish on Thursday, June 24, 2004 6:53 PM
Personally, I like compressors with tank on them. And inexpensive compressor with a tank will give me some 'quiet time' and a more expensive compressor/tank will give me me all the quiet time. I know my Silentaire will outlast me because of the quality build.

That compressor at Ebaby doesn't look very quiet to me as it sure doesn't look like it has an air tank. With the air tank you wouldn't get the pulsing of air from a piston/diaphram compressor.

Don't get me wrong as it would work fine for working on models and I'd use it if I had to. The airbrush that come with that kit is first-class.
Winners never quit; quitters never win.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Hayward, CA
Posted by MikeV on Thursday, June 24, 2004 7:45 PM
I agree with Roosterfish.
That compressor may pulsate if it is a diaphragm design and besides that it is too expensive. That airbrush can be bought for $105 elsewhere which makes the rest of the deal cost you $154.99 which I feel is too much for that compressor. If money is tight and you have to have a compressor right now without an air tank then I would look at the one that viper11 mentioned.
It is only $99 on Badger's web site under their "garage sale" deals.
http://www.badger-airbrush.com/garagesale.htm
You could buy that compressor and an Omni 4000 with a hose for another $81 and only have a total cost of $180 plus shipping.

Mike

Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom. " Charles Spurgeon
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, June 24, 2004 11:26 PM
Hmmm now youre causing me problems mike Wink [;)]Alien [alien]. I am ordering tomorrow from Badger and I'll have 180 bucks... sigh. Mike Mike Mike Mike.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Hayward, CA
Posted by MikeV on Thursday, June 24, 2004 11:48 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by woodbeck3

Hmmm now youre causing me problems mike Wink [;)]Alien [alien]. I am ordering tomorrow from Badger and I'll have 180 bucks... sigh. Mike Mike Mike Mike.


You will have to order the airbrush from the place I have posted the number from before to get it at that price. 1-888-499-6996 and don't forget to mention the "Fine Scale Forum Discount" for 40% off the retail price.
The compressor is through Badger direct so you will have to call two places I believe.

Let us know what you get. Thumbs Up [tup]

Mike

Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom. " Charles Spurgeon
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, June 25, 2004 2:15 AM
Hmm well I have little blue for now so The Omni4000 it is. Since I am calling from Pac time and your email implied they are in Chicago what are their hours?
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Hayward, CA
Posted by MikeV on Friday, June 25, 2004 7:22 AM
I am not sure of their hours but I would assume it is 9-5 Central time.
They are two hours ahead of us so take that into consideration.
I will find out their exact hours for you today.

Mike

Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom. " Charles Spurgeon
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