I have found an Iwata Revolution airbrush under the Christmas tree and I am looking at options for compressor to feed it. I have ruled out CO2 tank (for safety concerns) as well as regular "hardware store" compressors (mostly noise, I actually got one in garage for tires and tools, but it proved impossible to regulate pressure under 30 PSI).

So I am looking at various hobby (tank-less) compressor despite the higher price tag. I am contemplating Iwata Sprint Jet. But I have also found Grex AX1810 that appears to have very similar specs while running at Amazon currently for about $40 less. Does anybody have an experience with this brand? Would you have other recommendations?

Regards and thanks!

~Ales

If you can find a cheap air pig go that route. An air pig is a designed cylinder for compressed gasses that allow you to fill it up and use the air at a different location. I currently use a Campbell Hausfeld compressor. With a regulator and water trap. Their smaller units are fairly quiet. As for other suggestions I am all tapped out. You should be able to get a regulator that can lower the pressure to a use able psi.

I like the Iwata Silver Jet, goes perfectly with my Revolution CR, works brilliant and is reasonably quiet.

The only problem is its a pretty hefty initial outlay but it came with moisture filter, hose etc and will pay for itself eventually.

Dan

For years on end I used a hobby compressor that had no tank and just ran throughout the painting process. Noise and vibration became issues with me. I knew I wanted a compressor with a large tank. I also didn't want to spend a fortune on a so called hobby compressor. I did some Google searches, and narrowed my choice to a few home type compressors. I ended up with a Husky Air Scout that I bought at Home Depot. The compressor defaults to 140 lbs of compressed air in the tank, so it doesn't kick on very often, The regulator allows me to adjust the psi as low as 10 psi, has a quick disconnect as I have two air brushes.
Joel

Hello Aleš,

I dont know any thing about grex other than I HEAR that they are nice quality w/nice price. I personally use the Iwata Sprint Jet, and i love it, but i was pricey at the time. To be honest, had i to do over again i woulda chose the rout that Joel did with the Husky air Scout for cost and versatility...plus it has great reviews and is half the cost i paid for my Iwata! Just my 2 cents.

Good luck with wich ever direction you choose...you wont go wrong with any of the three i reckon, just depends on what you want to spend and how versatile you want it to be.

Gary

Galwitz - I have something very similar, check eBay for mini compressor As18... Got mine and 2 airbrushed for just under £70

There's no reason you can't regular a garage compressor down. You need a new regulator, but that's it. That's what I do. I have a compressor with a higher pressure regulator. When I want to airbrush, I put an additional regulator inline with the 1st, to bring it down to 'airbrush friendly' pressures.

But yeah, it can be noisy.

Jessie, that's a practical idea for those bigger units, especially the ones that the auto guys use.
Joel

Thank you all for feedback and ideas, greatly appreciated.

I should have probably noted that I would like to be able to use my airbrush in the home office. Neither garage or basement is an option for me at the moment for various reasons. Which means noise is my primary concern especially when evening sessions are likely.

@Trevor: Will think more about the air pig suggestion. I do not like CO2 because it's asphyxiant gas (have little kids around). This however may work after all.

@Dan: When you say Iwata is "reasonably quiet" would you be able to compare it to - let's say - a running refrigerator? I think I have seen a spec somewhere that said under 70 dB, which should be roughly the fridge sort of noise level. When it runs in one room, would it wake up somebody sleeping in adjacent room?

@Joel: Since you have mentioned noisy vibrating hobby compressor, would you also share the brand and model, if possible?

@Gary: May I also ask you about your perception how noisy/quiet the Sprint Jet feels?

Thanks again.

~A

It was the old Campbell Hausfeld compressor. It was marketed under several names. I believe you can still find them in hobby shops.

The compressor I use is somewhat noisy by the standard you're looking for. The smaller hobby type compressors are less noisy, have smaller tanks, but aren't geared for any other functions. And as I said, cost a lot more. If you wouldn't use a power tool at night, then no compressor will really meet your needs.

The use of a CO2 tank with a regulator would be the way to go. My brother used one for years in his home without any issues other then you have to take the tank to be filled and tested, which he had done at a dive shop. Tested tanks are very safe, and shouldn't be an issue unless mishandled or neglected.
Joel

Hi Ales,
Sorry should have backed that up with some numbers, the stats for the silver jet say 55-57 decibels.

Just gave it a quick sound test (standing outside my room with the fire door shut) with door closed you can barely hear it, i would liken it your analogy of a running fridge, and unless the sleeper sleeps very light they probably wouldn't hear it.

Hope this helps!
Dan

Hello Aleš,

My Sprint Jet is by no means noisy but it isnt what id call soft quiet either. I have mine running not 2-1/2 to 3 feet away from me and im so used to it, it doesnt bother me whatsoever. My nephew uses an Iwata smart jet...is shuts itself off when not spraying an as soon as you push the air/fluid trigger to spray the airbrush...it kicks on. Very handy but was out of my price range. Good luck in your choice!

Gary

One again thank you for all the responses.

@Dan: Yes, you are right about the dB value for Iwata. I just checked as well.

@Gary: I have heard about the shut-off feature on Smart Jet, but if I understand correctly it takes effect only with PSI on and above 30. For lower PSI the motor never stops. Not sure if that's right, but the price of Smart Jet is beyond my reach anyway...

I guess I have a decision to make.

~A

I know my nephew sets his Smart Jet at 15psi. before spraying and has never had any issues with it not shuting off, but your right...thier PRICEY!!! Im sure you'll make a great decision fella!

Gary