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![: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.[V]
Addiung to this. Where does one find a co2 tank? and what sizes do they come in?
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.
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
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
or that jun-air on ebay
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.
This is a pretty good deal also:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=28111&item=8113627614&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW
Mike
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?
Roosterfish,
I hear you. My new Badger Million-Air is basically the same compressor and it is real quiet.
Mike
Thanks for the info on that co2…that might be the way I go.
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?
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
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
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.
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
Hmmm now youre causing me problems mike [;)][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. [tup]
Mike