Iwata aircompressor question

Here's a link to a review of the Smartjet:

http://www.cybermodeler.com/hobby/tools/iwa/tool_iwa_smartjet.shtml

It appears (but I'm not positive) that the Smartjet comes with adaptors so other airbrushes, such as Paasche, can be used with it.  'Quiet' can be quite subjective, but I've never heard any complaints that the Smartjet is too loud.  It can't be any louder than my Paasche 500!

I'm looking into getting either it or the Sprintjet.  I've heard from a couple of sources that the automatic shut-off on the Smartjet doesn't operate at the lower PSI that modelers typically use, so it's an extra feature you would be paying for but not using, unless you use the airbrush for other applications such as t-shirts.  I've also heard that the 'regulator' that comes standard with either model is only a bleed-valve, so it can be difficult to adjust to a specific PSI.  As a result, I'm leaning towards getting the Sprintjet with a true regulator.  It looks to be cheaper than the Smartjet but will do the same for my needs. 

You might want to do a search in this forum and on other modeling websites, like I've done, for past posts on Iwata compressors.

Hope this helps,

Mark

Greetings,

As an owner of a Smartjet I can "ditto" everything that Mark wrote in his response.  The Smartjet is a fantastic compressor but if I had to do it again and to save a little money, I would get the Sprintjet.  At the low pressure settings that modelers us the auto shutoff is a waste of money.  Also the regulator that comes with the compressor is not a true regulator and you will soon find yourself looking to upgrade it.  If you go to Coastairbrush, they will sell you the compressor and the better regulator with all the necessary fittings to attach it.  It is not a big deal to do it yourself (they might also connect it for you before shipping).  I ordered my compressor from Dixie but got the regulator from Coast.  I would imagine that Dixie also has the better regulator.  

Good luck,

Chuck B.

cbreeze wrote:

Greetings, As an owner of a Smartjet I can "ditto" everything that Mark wrote in his response.  The Smartjet is a fantastic compressor but if I had to do it again and to save a little money, I would get the Sprintjet.  At the low pressure settings that modelers us the auto shutoff is a waste of money.  Also the regulator that comes with the compressor is not a true regulator and you will soon find yourself looking to upgrade it.  If you go to Coastairbrush, they will sell you the compressor and the better regulator with all the necessary fittings to attach it.  It is not a big deal to do it yourself (they might also connect it for you before shipping).  I ordered my compressor from Dixie but got the regulator from Coast.  I would imagine that Dixie also has the better regulator.   Good luck, Chuck B.

Hi Chuck,

I was hoping you would chime in, because one of my sources about the automatic shut-off was a previous post of yours I found while searching the forums for Iwata compressors.  By chance, do you know the make (Iwata?) and model number for the regulator you got for your Smartjet? 

Thanks!

Mark

Mark,

Sorry it took so long to respond to your last post.  I looked at my regulator/moisture trap and the only name on it was Parker.  Personally I have never heard of this brand but it does the trick.  When I wanted to replace the regulator that came with my compressor, I simply called Coast airbrush and asked them to send me a regulator/moisture trap that would fit my Iwata Smartjet and they did.  They also provided the correct fittings and it was very simiple to install.  Just make sure that you use teflon tape on the joints because you don't want any air leaking.  If I remember correctly, the whole thing was about $35.00 and well worth the money.  I did a quick on-line check and Coast, Dixie, Bearair and Iwata all show the better regulator/moisture traps as an option.  The prices vary.  Paasche also makes one that might fit.

Hope this helps.  Feel free to ask if you need anymore of my $.02.

Chuck B.

cbreeze wrote:

Mark, Sorry it took so long to respond to your last post.  I looked at my regulator/moisture trap and the only name on it was Parker.  Personally I have never heard of this brand but it does the trick.  When I wanted to replace the regulator that came with my compressor, I simply called Coast airbrush and asked them to send me a regulator/moisture trap that would fit my Iwata Smartjet and they did.  They also provided the correct fittings and it was very simiple to install.  Just make sure that you use teflon tape on the joints because you don't want any air leaking.  If I remember correctly, the whole thing was about $35.00 and well worth the money.  I did a quick on-line check and Coast, Dixie, Bearair and Iwata all show the better regulator/moisture traps as an option.  The prices vary.  Paasche also makes one that might fit. Hope this helps.  Feel free to ask if you need anymore of my $.02.   Chuck B.

Thanks for the info, Chuck.  It's much appreciated!

Mark