Compressor recommendations for air brushing

[Overread]

So for Christmas I was rather lucky and got an Iwata Eclipse airbrush!

However thus far I've no compressor however I might be able to afford one in the coming month; so I'll be interested to hear what is recommended for a good quality compressor for model work! I really have no idea about this market area at all so any advice would be greatly welcomed.


For reference I'm in the UK

[jimmyp]

Well I started off with a nasty cheap Compressor AS series...over heated and moisture etc.
But recently I got this sparmax TC610h which is superb!

Gorgeous looking too, lightweight and quiet and refills so fast. Highly recommended

[jimmyp]

i can send you the company name i got mine from it was the cheapest and free delivery within 2-3 days...if your in the uk lol

[Overread]

Ah totally forgot to mention the country! Yep in the UK here so do please tell me Jimmy!

I've noticed some on ebay - one problem is that I'm not really sure about all the specifications and terminology so its tricky to work out how to compare. Iwata appears to have their own range in a scale of prices around the similar values to the one you say; however not being quite sure how to compare them properly for airbrushing on models its hard to tell what are better or worse options and what are needed or not neede features.

[jimmyp]

After asking a few professionals who miniature paint and do airfix what they use and mention sparmax a lot the version above my one which provides you to run two airbrushes simultaneously.
The sparmax I got is perfect and I use a harder and Steinbeck evolution 2-1 with the upgraded quick fix rear assembly....
I will message you the link for the provider because admin won't like advertising company's.

[Overread]

Thanks for the info.
One thing I've noticed is that the Iwata (at least on wayland games website) talk in their mid to higher range options about variable pressures whilst the Sparmax doesn't seem to or is talking about it in a different way?

[jimmyp]

Feb 2, 2016 18:45:26 GMT Overread said:

Thanks for the info.
One thing I've noticed is that the Iwata (at least on wayland games website) talk in their mid to higher range options about variable pressures whilst the Sparmax doesn't seem to or is talking about it in a different way?

Hello you can adjust the pressure on the output section easily on the sparmax. I work between 20-35 maybe 40 psi.
Was you looking at the iwata silver jet on way land? It only works up to 18psi...not high enough really

[Overread]

Ah I was, interesting to hear that you feel 18 isn't enough. So what does the increased psi give you over the lower? I assume more psi results in a stronger blast of air and paint and thus I would think easier control of a thin sliver (painting more volume down rather than having a weaker amount of air and thus requiring two or three passes for the same effect?)

It would seem only the Iwata Smart Jet Plus and Pro go higher than the 18psi from their range. So on that front the Sparmax is already a good saving in cost

[jimmyp]

Feb 2, 2016 23:25:10 GMT Overread said:

Ah I was, interesting to hear that you feel 18 isn't enough. So what does the increased psi give you over the lower? I assume more psi results in a stronger blast of air and paint and thus I would think easier control of a thin sliver (painting more volume down rather than having a weaker amount of air and thus requiring two or three passes for the same effect?)

It would seem only the Iwata Smart Jet Plus and Pro go higher than the 18psi from their range. So on that front the Sparmax is already a good saving in cost

When doing small details or just being more careful work etc using low pressure is better...where as higher is better for spraying further away with a large needle.

[Overread]

My thanks, clearly I've still a lot to learn!

I saw the video yu linked to and it sounds like the Sparmax is going to be the tool for the job. I'll keep doing some research but it certainly sounds like for its cost and my needs it should do all I need it to and more