Thinking of buying Iwata Compressor

Just wondering... is this compressor any good:

Iwata Studio Series Smart Jet Pro compressor

or any particular recommendations?

I notice that it doesn't have a chamber or something which air can flow into to provide a smooth airflow? Any ideas?

Very good compressor, I highly recommend it.

An A+ compressor!

How does it compare to say against this:

http://www.wonderlandmodels.com/Revell-39138-Compressor-Master-Class-productx365444.html

and

http://www.wonderlandmodels.com/Ripmax-RCP104-Compressor-with-Air-Tank-productx23954.html

Which one would last me basically once and forever ? lol. coz I want to buy one which I won't need to upgrade for ages!

Also, I was reading in some website you can connect 2 airbrushes to a single compressor? How does that work? Do I need to buy some sort of splitter?

How does it compare to say against this:

http://www.wonderlandmodels.com/Revell-39138-Compressor-Master-Class-productx365444.html

and

http://www.wonderlandmodels.com/Ripmax-RCP104-Compressor-with-Air-Tank-productx23954.html

Which one would last me basically once and forever ? lol. coz I want to buy one which I won't need to upgrade for ages!

Also, I was reading in some website you can connect 2 airbrushes to a single compressor? How does that work? Do I need to buy some sort of splitter?
If you have the freedom of having a loud compressor, I would suggest looking for one that has at least 1hp and a large tank(at least 1 gallon). I'm currently using a 1/8hp compressor with a small tank (around 2.5l). It gets the job done but much more noisier than need be, and it turns on too often for me to consider it 'quiet'. With a larger tank you can let it fill up for 3 or so minutes then work in peace for a long while.
The Iwata Studio Series Smart Jet Pro compressor doesn't seem to come with a tank and can only do 35 psi (a little low for automotive paints).
Out of the other 2 I personally choose the Ripmax RCP104 Compressor with Air Tank. Reason: Larger tank, means it doesn't need to turn on as much.
As for the adapters I would suggest you look for the type you need in a hardware store that sells compressors or Mr. One Touch Hose 1/8(S) Straight (http://www.hlj.com/product/GNZPS-280) and One-Touch Plug for Mr. One-Touch Hose 1/8 S (http://www.hlj.com/product/GNZPS-281).

HTH,
Steve

The Iwata uses an attached hose to buffer the pulses. it only comes on when you press the trigger on the brush and is wisper quite when running.
The only thing that has kept me from buying one is the fixed pressure. You can turn down the pressure by opening the drain on the trap a little but then the compressor runs all the time.

Hey Steve,

Thanks for the reply... I had a look at the Revell compressor and it says it develops 5.5 bar which is about 80 PSI. Also, it says in the extras: air tank with condensation drain valve...

What does that mean? Is it an extra tank?

Thx T

If you have the freedom of having a loud compressor, I would suggest looking for one that has at least 1hp and a large tank(at least 1 gallon). I'm currently using a 1/8hp compressor with a small tank (around 2.5l). It gets the job done but much more noisier than need be, and it turns on too often for me to consider it 'quiet'. With a larger tank you can let it fill up for 3 or so minutes then work in peace for a long while.
The Iwata Studio Series Smart Jet Pro compressor doesn't seem to come with a tank and can only do 35 psi (a little low for automotive paints).
Out of the other 2 I personally choose the Ripmax RCP104 Compressor with Air Tank. Reason: Larger tank, means it doesn't need to turn on as much.
As for the adapters I would suggest you look for the type you need in a hardware store that sells compressors or Mr. One Touch Hose 1/8(S) Straight (http://www.hlj.com/product/GNZPS-280) and One-Touch Plug for Mr. One-Touch Hose 1/8 S (http://www.hlj.com/product/GNZPS-281).

HTH,
Steve

Hey Steve,

Thanks for the reply... I had a look at the Revell compressor and it says it develops 5.5 bar which is about 80 PSI. Also, it says in the extras: air tank with condensation drain valve...

What does that mean? Is it an extra tank?

Thx T
With this setup you get 1 compressor and 1 tank. The condensation drain valve is basically a screw type valve located at the bottom of the tank which allows you to empty the tank of air and any water etc etc that might be trapped inside. When using a compressor with a tank, a lot of the water in the air gathers in the tank instead of going to your AB. A storage tank gives you 2 benifits, (1) it stores air, letting your compressor work less. (2) it works basically like a cheap water trap. 90% of the moisture, dust, and anything else in the air settles in the tank before the air reaches your AB.
Most tanks will come with some sort of drain valve.

The pressure should be enough for modeling needs, but if you are determined to get this set I would suggest you also look into a larger storage tank if you don't have the liberty of letting it run all the time.
One strange thing I just noticed... It doesn't state the HP the compressor has, but guessing from the size I'd say 1/8 HP...1/4 max.

As for the price... let me put it this way... I could get 2.5 compressors for more or less the same money. I paid around 60.5 GBP for mine and it has the same functions capabilities as the revel.
Here's the website for the company that made my compressor:
http://www.sparmax.com.tw/

BTW: max pressure :5.5 bar (80psi... that's the max pressure it can produce, but working pressure will be maxed at around 55-60psi.)

HTH,
Steve

Thanks yet again for your reply... I was browsing our local shops website and I had a look and saw this compressor at half the price

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/bandit-air-compressor/path/diy-semi-professional-air-compressors-2

My main concern was the weight but I need to pop down to the shop to see if they have any for me to check. Anyway, It says that it has a 6l air reciver ? Is that just the tank? It has 1.25hp - is that going to be noisy ? Finally, it seesm to say main uses is for airgun - so do u know if it will fit the airbrush ?

It also has a output pressure regulator valve which I assume means that the pressure can be changed? And also has safety valve.

Max PSI is 115 - do u think this might be a bit too powerful ?

I might well buy this if it isn't more than 15kg - a bit of a beast to carry me thinks!

I use a similar kind of thing except 4-times larger (24l tank) and am veryhappy with it.

Yes, it is quite noisy when filling but the 24l tank takes 90 seconds to fill from empty and 24l o4 air compressed to 8 ATMs is good for several days modelling so I have not found that a problem (I just fill during the day and not at 03.00 a.m. :D)

You will need to add a water trap and air filter to the set-up or yo will regret it ;)

Thanks yet again for your reply... I was browsing our local shops website and I had a look and saw this compressor at half the price

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/bandit-air-compressor/path/diy-semi-professional-air-compressors-2

My main concern was the weight but I need to pop down to the shop to see if they have any for me to check. Anyway, It says that it has a 6l air reciver ? Is that just the tank? It has 1.25hp - is that going to be noisy ? Finally, it seesm to say main uses is for airgun - so do u know if it will fit the airbrush ?

It also has a output pressure regulator valve which I assume means that the pressure can be changed? And also has safety valve.

Max PSI is 115 - do u think this might be a bit too powerful ?

I might well buy this if it isn't more than 15kg - a bit of a beast to carry me thinks!
First off, why are you concerned with the weight? Are you planning to move it around a lot? If not, I wouldn't really worry about the weight. If you are worried about transporting it a lot, have a look for one that has wheels.
6L air receiver = 6l air tank
1.25 HP = Slightly noisy, but as Klutz pointed out if you get a larger tank it won't bother you. The higher the HP the faster your tank fills up.
Main use airgun = most compressors come with 1/4" attachments... you will have to buy and adaptor with a 1/8" head.
The regulator valve on the 'bandit' is one of the more basic types, thus giving you poorer control. If you plan to add a water trap and a good air regulator, then this won't be a problem.
Max PSI 115: There is no such thing as too powerful. Sure, you might not ever crank it up to 115, but its there if you need it. The higher the HP of the compressor, the higher the PSI will be. It can always be regulated. I have a max of around 60 psi on my compressor. Do I use it to paint? No. But I use it a lot to dry off or clean my models, and I wish I had more PSI.

I am planning to get a 2HP compressor once I move. If I can afford it (the noise) I might even get a 4HP and place it in the garage or somewhere, then connect an air line to where I model and have a large storage tank there.
With the HP amount on compressors, all I can say is the more the merrier.
If you are into other things, such as photography, woodwork etc etc... a compressor will make your life a lot easier. (I use my compressor the shoot air when cleaning my camera lenses, clearing sawdust from my woodwork, etc etc.)

What kind of budget are you on for this setup? Do you have a dedicated area for modeling? If you have a compressor running on and off, will you get in trouble?

Glad to help,
Steve

Right...

I've decided to go for this Clarke Bandit as you guys recommended it... Just wondering, regarding the adapter, which one should I get:

http://airbrushes.com/index.php?cPath=2_158&sort=2a&page=2&osCsid=74ccc0f5fb1be5b02d1bc7f0d36a6077

I notice it says that you can get some Y piece so you can connect 2 airbrushs to 1 compressor? Which one should I get to have that specific setup?

I noticed that when I browsed the website, one of the related items to the compressor is a 1/4" male adapter or something...

I also have this

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10006429

I'm not sure if it is some sort of moisture trap but I got recommended this by someone in a model shop when I bought an airbrush in hong kong...

There are a few choices here but I see they are quite expensive but I don't mind investing in it if you guys think it should be done?

http://airbrushes.com/index.php?cPath=2_157&osCsid=74ccc0f5fb1be5b02d1bc7f0d36a6077

Anyway, thanks a lot for your help so far! :)

Can anyone help?

My advise:
If you need to connect 2 or more AB's to the compressor (1/8 BSP Ab's only) then I would strongly suggest you buy Gunze's Ps-280 Ps-281 seen here (http://www.hlj.com/hljlist2/?range=descript&Scale=0&Word=one%20touch&MacroType=Tool&SeriTxt1=&Maker1=GNZ&Dis=-2&GenreCode=All). These 2 'sets' will allow you to connect 3 x 1/8" AB's on your compressor. (This is what I use, cost me around 40 bucks(can't really remember the exact figure) for the lot)

If you want a futher detailed answer, let me know what you are planning to attach to your compressor, and what you might consider getting in the future. That way I can make a more detailed suggestion. (BTW, a lot of the stuff in Airbrush.com is out of stock.)

I would suggest you buy attachments in person not over the internet, compressor too, frankly. Reasons: cheaper, you know what you are getting (what the stuff is made of matters too), you know where to go if the attachments leak (I work for a plumbing supplies store and KNOW that even the best brands have stuff that is messed up).

HTH,
Steve

How many of each should I get? because I notice that they don't seem to 'split' or divide one connection into to?

I found some in stock here:

http://www.luckymodel.com/scale.aspx?department=TOOLS&toolstype=AB

If you want a further detailed answer, let me know what you are planning to attach to your compressor, and what you might consider getting in the future. That way I can make a more detailed suggestion.
Once again, I can't tell you what is my suggestion until you have given me a more detailed description.

If you are talking about the GSI PS-280/PS-281 then:
A. 1 set of each- giving you the capability to switch between three 1/8in BSP tools.
B. The PS-280 MR. ONE-TOUCH HOSE 1/8(S), has a 1.5m PVC air hose with a female 1/8" BSP head, and a 1/8" fast connector female head.
The PS-281 ONE TOUCH PLUG FOR MR. ONE TOUCH HOSE, is a set of 2 MALE 1/8" fast connector 'plugs'.

So, if you have say, 2 AB's the you will need 1 ps-280 and 1 ps-281 leaving you with an extra fast connector plug for later use. Basically it's 1+2+2+etc

From the sound of your last reply it seems that you are planning to use 2 or more air-tools simultaneously?

Steve

My advise:

I would suggest you buy attachments in person not over the internet, compressor too, frankly. Reasons: cheaper, you know what you are getting (what the stuff is made of matters too), you know where to go if the attachments leak (I work for a plumbing supplies store and KNOW that even the best brands have stuff that is messed up).
:iagree:
Excellent advice - especially for someone new to it all and not knowing much about it. The potential for buying unnecessary and/or non-fitting materials is huge - I know, because that's what I did :)

A salesman in a specialist store will sort you out much quicker and more efficiently than the internet IMO

BTW Steve, I have the impression that you'll end up going to the shop with AceCobra1 pretty soon :evillol: Your perseverance in offering help does you credit :thumbsup:

:iagree:
Excellent advice - especially for someone new to it all and not knowing much about it. The potential for buying unnecessary and/or non-fitting materials is huge - I know, because that's what I did :)

A salesman in a specialist store will sort you out much quicker and more efficiently than the internet IMO

BTW Steve, I have the impression that you'll end up going to the shop with AceCobra1 pretty soon :evillol: Your perseverance in offering help does you credit :thumbsup:

Klutz- Well....If he doesn't mind flying to Taiwan or giving me the money to fly to the UK, I wouldn't mind at all...I mean I could get him set up in a couple hours lol.:naughty:
AceCobra1-: Really, just go to a store and ask them what you need. Frankly you should get the whole setup at one time. That way there is less margin for error. BUT before you go, make sure you know :
1: What budget you are on. (Let the salesperson know right away, this will save you a lot of time)
2: What uses you want from the compressor. Just for ABing? or COULD you have other possible uses in the future. (IE: me, I use it for woodwork, cleaning my camera lens, even blowing dust off my modeling area)
3: How many possible tools you want to attach at 1 time. (I only have 1 attachment on my setup a 1/4"x1/4"x1/8" Tee, which connet to : 1/4" fast connector, 1/4" head of my airtank, 1/8" fast connector (Gunze Ps-280) Thus giving me 2 tools I can use symulatiniously and the option of switching tools without the need to worry about air leakage.)

As for parts, I would suggest you go for copper made items. RE: The metal is softer than steel, stainless steel. Thus giving it better grip and lessening the chance of leakage. Price wise: Steel < copper < stainless steel.
A lot of the parts are actually copper or brass with a chrome plating.

Steve

PS: you will also need to buy 1 roll of anti-leakage tape (I don't know the correct name in English), it's basically very thin rubbery white tape that fills the threads.

PS: you will also need to buy 1 roll of anti-leakage tape (I don't know the correct name in English), it's basically very thin rubbery white tape that fills the threads.
PTFE or Plumber's tape (http://www.tapes-direct.co.uk/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=150)

Thanks Klutz, its Gas grade PTFE tape (http://www.tapes-direct.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=150&products_id=944&zenid=4b4fdf040bc7925013badb11a3a110df).
I used a pair of Lock jaw pliers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Locking_pliers.jpg) for tightening the round nuts and a Adjustable spanner (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adjustable_wrench) to hold the other side what ever it was. If you don't use 2 tools, 1 to tighten and 1 to hold the part, there is a good chance you will damage your airtank as the metal is very thin.