dbsmith88 Posted November 21, 2009 Share Posted November 21, 2009 (edited) Guys I'm taking the plunge and buying a compressor. I'm tired of running out propellant at the worst times. I've been looking around and have a question. Do I need a compressor with or without a tank? I really like what I've heard about the Smart Jet. Anybody use the Paasche D-3000 with the tank? Any input would help. What says the hive mind? Regards, B. Edited November 23, 2009 by dbsmith88 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jetdx Posted November 21, 2009 Share Posted November 21, 2009 Hey ya I have now and only have used a tankless compressor. I take that back...my first airbrush was an "el-cheapo" Testor canned propellent airbrush. Along the same lines as your topic is Post # 1834091. I am not sure how to copy and paste a whole topic that many have posted to and I don't have time where I am at to figure it out. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
CorsairMan Posted November 22, 2009 Share Posted November 22, 2009 I have a badger type of compressor. No tank - oiless. The good - cheap and maintenance free. Mine has lasted for over 20 years with 0 maintenance. The bad? Well - I occasionally get water in the hose (despite the fact I have a moisture trap), its noisy and its difficult to control the pressure with any sort of precision. It also 'pulses' air and in most uses, it won't matter. For very fine lines though - it can get annoying. They are everywhere and I would get one to start out. I want to get a tank type oil compressor for dual use - I want to finish the basement and I want to have a quiet compressor at the end of the day. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
MarkW Posted November 22, 2009 Share Posted November 22, 2009 The Iwata Smartjet is essentially pulse free due to a coiled hose in the system that acts as a small reservoir and natural dampener. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Joseph Osborn Posted November 22, 2009 Share Posted November 22, 2009 The Iwata Smartjet is essentially pulse free due to a coiled hose in the system that acts as a small reservoir and natural dampener. Along those same lines; I have an ancient little WR Brown airbrush compressor that will pulse if you just hook a standard hose to its output. When I need to use it instead of my big compressor, I'll plug a standard 20'-long 3/8"ID air hose onto it and put a small regulator between the airbrush hose and this standard air hose. The hose functions as a tank and I can turn off the compressor (foot pedal) and still have about 20-30 seconds of air in the hose. A cheap alternative to buying a newer airbrush compressor Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Av8fan Posted November 22, 2009 Share Posted November 22, 2009 Found this review comp review It does not say a thing about noise level however. I would email one of the resellers or Paasche and see if you can get some numbers on the DB if that's a factor. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dbsmith88 Posted November 23, 2009 Author Share Posted November 23, 2009 Ok. After thinking about and weighing my options, I've decided to go with the Smart Jet. Next question is where is the cheapest place to buy one? I've found the IS800 for $180. Anybody know of a better price? Regards, B Quote Link to post Share on other sites
terryt Posted November 23, 2009 Share Posted November 23, 2009 If you have a Hobby Lobby near you, they have compressors and they have a 40% off coupon this week. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dbsmith88 Posted November 23, 2009 Author Share Posted November 23, 2009 (edited) If you have a Hobby Lobby near you, they have compressors and they have a 40% off coupon this week. I thought of that too. I called every HL in a 50 mile radius and none of them have one. :D Edited November 23, 2009 by dbsmith88 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Joseph Osborn Posted November 23, 2009 Share Posted November 23, 2009 I thought of that too. I called every HL in a 50 mile radius and none of them have one. <_< Dude, you're like five miles away from me The Hobby Lobbys (or is that Lobbies?) are carrying the Iwata compressors like they used to, except they are now labeled "Sparmax." Same thing, different brand name. The stores around here clearanced all their Iwata compressors several months ago and the new ones that came in were Sparmax. I bought an Iwata-boxed tabletop cleaning station at the Decatur store for $5 on clearance and the plastic lid reads "Sparmax." The new stock Sparmax cleaning stations are $20. I know they have the SilverJet's twin in a gold-colored casing but I'm not sure about a SmartJet clone. They have at least two or three different Sparmax compressors, though, and the one that looks like a SilverJet is the cheapest. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dbsmith88 Posted November 24, 2009 Author Share Posted November 24, 2009 (edited) Dude, you're like five miles away from me The Hobby Lobbys (or is that Lobbies?) are carrying the Iwata compressors like they used to, except they are now labeled "Sparmax." Same thing, different brand name. The stores around here clearanced all their Iwata compressors several months ago and the new ones that came in were Sparmax. I bought an Iwata-boxed tabletop cleaning station at the Decatur store for $5 on clearance and the plastic lid reads "Sparmax." The new stock Sparmax cleaning stations are $20.I know they have the SilverJet's twin in a gold-colored casing but I'm not sure about a SmartJet clone. They have at least two or three different Sparmax compressors, though, and the one that looks like a SilverJet is the cheapest. You sure they're the same? Iwata is made in Japan and the Sparmax are made in Taiwan. Plus, the Smart jet I found for $180 is only about $10 more than the Sparmax. I had no idea you were this close to me!!! I just went to your website and saw we literally are like 5 miles away from each other!! I'm over at East. BTW, your Black Pony decals are freakin' sweeeettttt!!! <_< Still trying to grab one of Neil's correction sets for the Testers Bronco and when I do, your decals are going on it too! Edited November 24, 2009 by dbsmith88 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Av8fan Posted November 24, 2009 Share Posted November 24, 2009 Not that this is conclusive, BUT, I looked at the pressure gauge on my smart jet and it says Sparmax. Little-cars a member here now could probably give you more information. Worth a shot before putting down money. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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