Iwata Compressor (Searched FAQ)

[kicth]

Gooday.

I am thinking to get an Iwata compressor to go with my Paasche VL airbrush. I am looking for a real quiet compressor since I am living in an apartment.

I have heard only good thing about Iwata and so far it seems to be the quietest compressor. I have tried to plug in the Silentair and Paasche compressors at the store but they both make quite a lot of noise. And, I didnt get a chance to try the Iwata out as none of the stores I have been carry this brand (wonder why since it had real good reputation, the stores here dont even carry the Iwata airbrush).

I am thinking to get either the smartjet or sprintjet, can someone pls tell me what is the differences besides paying extra $40 for the auto-shut off features?

TIA.

[freakray]

The only difference is the auto-shutoff, although it is a very nice feature to have, other than that though they are the identical compressor in every aspect.

[Hiroboy]

I have the smartjet and say the Autoshut off is worth the extra cash, with out a doubt.

[RallyRaider]

How much noise do these supposedly "quiet" compressors make?

[scaleracecars]

Originally Posted by kicth

Gooday.

I am thinking to get an Iwata compressor to go with my Paasche VL airbrush. I am looking for a real quiet compressor since I am living in an apartment.

I have heard only good thing about Iwata and so far it seems to be the quietest compressor. I have tried to plug in the Silentair and Paasche compressors at the store but they both make quite a lot of noise. And, I didnt get a chance to try the Iwata out as none of the stores I have been carry this brand (wonder why since it had real good reputation, the stores here dont even carry the Iwata airbrush).

I am thinking to get either the smartjet or sprintjet, can someone pls tell me what is the differences besides paying extra $40 for the auto-shut off features?

TIA.

Silentair makes compressors in a wide range. If what you are looking at is less than $400.00 then it is not one of the super quite air compressors. Check out the silentair website for a chart on noise levels and http://www.dixieart.com for many compressors. You can spend around $400.00 and get a compressor that is not any noiser than your refrigerator. I would think that what you find at your loal hobby store is the value line which is still quite loud no matter what the brand of compressor.
David
http://www.scaleracecars.com

[freakray]

Just a low hum Phil, it's nothing intrusive at all.
The noise is from the air being compressed, the motor itself is pretty much silent in comparison.

[kicth]

Thanks guys.

I read the comparison chart in dixieart. However, am wondering if the smartjet and sprintjet are exactly the same besides the auto-shutoff, how come it seems like smartjet is rated Excellent whilst sprintjet is rated as Good according to the chart?

Thanks, Scaleracecars. Right, the Silentaire that I tested are below $400, it was the Scorpian I and Scorpian II.

[freakray]

Probably because of the auto shut-off.
With the SprintJet you have to turn the compressor on and off as you go, with the SmartJet it will turn itself on when you start and off when you stop spraying.
Makes a big difference to you when you're using it.

[kicth]

ok, Thanks Ray.

I think I will get the Smartjet from dixieart.

[kicth]

one more question

I have the Paasche VL airbrush set and a Paasche adaptor to connect the airbrush hose to the Propel Can. I am getting the Iwata Smartjet compressor, what else do I need to get to make them work?

I have email Dixieart last week but they never got back to me. Do I still need a different kinda adaptor to connect my airbrush to that compressor?

Besides, the smartjet that I gonna order doesnt come with a regulator. Can I just get any kinda cheaper regulator from places like Walmart to install to the compressor? Because Dixieart is charging extra $50 for the smartjet that comes with a regulator.

Please advise.

TIA.

[freakray]

The Smartjet comes with all the fittings you will need to adapt to the airbrush, you don't need an expensive regulator, but you will want a decent moisture trap

[kicth]

Thanks Ray. But, I thought the smartjet comes with a moisture trap?

[freakray]

Originally Posted by kicth

Thanks Ray. But, I thought the smartjet comes with a moisture trap?

Well, mine did, but the moisture trap and pressure regulator are one unit, so I assumed when you said it came without the regulator they were excluding the moisture trap too.
I will look on Dixieart to confirm this.

EDIT:
Reading their descriptions, I think they're trying to trick you into buying an additional regulator, it tells you in the model features it comes with one:

Moisture-filter also prevents pulsation
Mounted pressure gauge
Bleed valve air regulator to adjust air pressure
Working pressure from 1 psi to 35 psi

[kicth]

Cool, big thanks to you, Ray!

[MustangMuscle]

Note that the "bleeder air regulator" is nothing more than that, a bleeder: In order to reduce the air pressure from the compressor, you have to let some air out at the regulator, generating a constant and noisy hiss that, at the same time, defeats the auto-shutoff feature. So, in fact you NEED to invest in a quality regulator to have this compressor really "silent" !

However, once modified, this is a very very nice compressor, never gets hot (thanks to the auto-off), and does not generate pulsated air (thanks to the long coiled hose and the water trap!). Note, however, that it can hardly go beyond 25PSI with an average (0.5mm nozzle) airbrush. This is enough for me, but it may not be for some people.