Hi,
I am planning to start airbrushing and was looking through the compressors. I ended up with 3 choices:
Iwata Smart Jet
Paasche D3000R
Paasche DA400 w/ R-75 regulator
Which one would be a better choice for a beginner?
Thanks
The one with the regulator. You need to be able to adjust the psi output.
D3000R and DA400 both come with regulators.
As for Smart Jet, I am not clear. It says “Bleed valve airflow adjustment to lower air pressure.” How is that different from air regulator model Smart Jet Pro? Aren’t both capable of PSI adjustment?
Paasche DA400 w/ R-75 regulator is the most powerful and likely most versatile in the long run. But Paasche switched supplier 3 years ago and it is not sure if the new model is as reliable as their old ones. I have the old model Paasche DA400 and am very happy with it.
The Iwata Smart Jet is the most expensive, but it has the best and proven track record in reliability.
Both are very good for beginner.
Paasche D3000R is fine too, but not a very good buy compared to the DA400R.
I always try to get quality stuff even if it costs more $. Long term costs are lower. From what I read, Iwata is worth every dollar. So I will go with their equipment.
Thanks for the advices.
That’s nice but Iwata doesn’t make their own compressors, in fact none of the airbrush brands do.
I can’t agree more with your principle in buying quality equipments. Particularly for compressors because they wear, a precision made one last a lot longer. It runs quietly and coolly. It does not have to be expensive.
Both the Iwata and Sparmax piston compressors come from the same factory in Taiwan. If you have a hobby lobby store nearby, you can get the Sparmax TC-2000 for just $210 with the 40% coupon. It is call the Storm Force Dual Piston Compressor.
A bleed would not hold pressure constant if volume flow changes. Probably be okay for a SA brush, but not a DA.
If you have a Harbor Freight nearby, check out their 1/8 hp compressor, constant pressure (even without tank), adj regulator, moisture trap, quiet as can be and inexpensive.
Let us know how it works after you put a few more hundred hours on it. It would be wonderful to have a cheap compressor that can last.
Will do, I figure as short of bursts as I do for 1/48 it should be a good number of years before that takes place.
agreed! i got the harbor freight compressor. comes with a line and air pressure regulator. i also got the extended warranty. i been using it for about 3 months now with no problems. my friend also used one for around two years with no problems till he got a Paasche compressor. he said theres nothing special, just a high price tag.
the HB compressor looks exactly the same as the paasche D500SR. id say they are from the same factory but one has a higher tag because of the name.
http://www.harborfreight.com/1-8-eighth-hp-40-psi-oilless-airbrush-compressor-93657.html
From an Airbrusher & Pinstriper Artist - Sign Painter - don’t spend a lot on those supposed air compressors , most of us sign Painters and Airbrushers - use a very simple small sears craftsman type Aircompressor, with a regulator and filter, like a panacake compressor, about 160.00 bucks if that or get one from Harbor Freight tools, or even Home Depot or Lowes, I use a small Aircompressor with a 4 gallon storage air tank with a regulator and an Add on’ moisture trap, easy to move around and store too, and it builds up air, and doesn’t constantly run, economical and cheap and works too , I can spray up to 120lbs to 5lbs of air if I need to using a variety of paints and spray guns ! theres your secret painting tip everyone - Sears- Home Depot - lowes - Harbor Freight - !!