Hello:
Have decided to purchase an airbrush & compressor. I have a contact at Iwata who will give me a good discount on an airbrush/compressor combination.
I am looking at the smart jet pro compressor. This is the compressor recommended by the Iwata technical guru. It does not have a tank. The tech guru has said a tank style compressor is way overkill for my requirements (armour & aircraft 1/35 and 1/48 scale).
Should I invest in a more expensive Iwata compressor with a tank??
I'm after some advice on tank or no tank - hopefully from Iwata users.
http://www.iwata-medea.com/products/compressors/smartpro_info.jsp
Thanks.................Willow
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Iwata compressor advice - tank or no tank?
willow
Tasmania, Australia
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Member Since: March 28, 2008
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Posted: Thursday, March 27, 2008 - 10:07 PM UTC
HawkeyeV
Wisconsin, United States
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Posted: Friday, March 28, 2008 - 08:47 AM UTC
Like with engines there is no replacement for displacement...go with a tank! Some airbrushes consumer more air (CFM) than the compressor can push out...having a tank helps a great deal. You'll also reduce the chance of pulsating pressure.
willow
Tasmania, Australia
Member Since: March 28, 2008
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Member Since: March 28, 2008
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Posted: Friday, March 28, 2008 - 01:29 PM UTC
Thanks for your note and advice.
It seems then that I probably should be aiming at having a tank on a compressor.
Is 3.5 litres enough when it comes to tank size?
http://www.iwata-medea.com/products/compressors/power_info.jsp
This is the compressor I'm thinking about.
Is it overkill for general modelling (aircraft/armoured vehicles 1/35 & 1/48 scale)??
The Iwata tech guru says this model is not necessary and I should opt for a cheaper non tank model (smart jet pro) - but the consensus is that a tank version is better. Seems Iwata may have too many of the cheaper non tank conmpressors in stock and want to get rid of them.
Thanks Willow
It seems then that I probably should be aiming at having a tank on a compressor.
Is 3.5 litres enough when it comes to tank size?
http://www.iwata-medea.com/products/compressors/power_info.jsp
This is the compressor I'm thinking about.
Is it overkill for general modelling (aircraft/armoured vehicles 1/35 & 1/48 scale)??
The Iwata tech guru says this model is not necessary and I should opt for a cheaper non tank model (smart jet pro) - but the consensus is that a tank version is better. Seems Iwata may have too many of the cheaper non tank conmpressors in stock and want to get rid of them.
Thanks Willow
SSGToms
Connecticut, United States
Member Since: April 02, 2005
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Posted: Friday, March 28, 2008 - 04:47 PM UTC
You heard from one guy - that's a consensus?
The Smart Jet Pro is an excellent compressor that is perfectly suited to model airbrushing. You don't have to have a tank. I use an Iwata airbrush and my compressor doesn't have a tank. I never have a problem. For airbrushing purposes, a tank compressor is good if you have two guys airbrushing from the same compressor at the same time, but for one guy - your Iwata friend is right, the bigger one is overkill.
The Smart Jet Pro is an excellent compressor that is perfectly suited to model airbrushing. You don't have to have a tank. I use an Iwata airbrush and my compressor doesn't have a tank. I never have a problem. For airbrushing purposes, a tank compressor is good if you have two guys airbrushing from the same compressor at the same time, but for one guy - your Iwata friend is right, the bigger one is overkill.
willow
Tasmania, Australia
Member Since: March 28, 2008
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Member Since: March 28, 2008
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Posted: Friday, March 28, 2008 - 06:07 PM UTC
Hi - Well actually I've heard from several people (on a different forum). Most recommend a tank (a more or less consensus). You and Iwata are the only folks who have indicated otherwise.
It makes it difficult when you must mail order and cannot trial a compressor before purchase. All I can really go on is what folks state on the various forum threads.
Does your non tank compressor pulsate?
It makes it difficult when you must mail order and cannot trial a compressor before purchase. All I can really go on is what folks state on the various forum threads.
Does your non tank compressor pulsate?
SSGToms
Connecticut, United States
Member Since: April 02, 2005
entire network: 3,608 Posts
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Member Since: April 02, 2005
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Posted: Saturday, March 29, 2008 - 05:56 AM UTC
I have a Testors AC200 and I've tried out several of the Iwatas and none of them pulsate. A good compressor doesn't. BUT if you have the money, get the one with the tank. The bottom line is to get the one that makes you happy! Kind of like buying a car.
willow
Tasmania, Australia
Member Since: March 28, 2008
entire network: 129 Posts
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Member Since: March 28, 2008
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Posted: Sunday, March 30, 2008 - 09:22 PM UTC
Thanks - ended up going for the Iwata IS 925 with a tank.........Iain