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Posted: Sat Oct 14th, 2017 08:54 pm |
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21st Post |
W C Greene
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For years I used a compressor for my airbrushes and had to install in line water traps due to the humidity here in Tejas. But a few years ago, I got "turned on" to using CO2 in a small tank. I found that I didn't need the water trap, or have to listen to the old Paasche or whatever compressor dance across the floor and without a "proper" in line tank, the compressors supplied air in a steady "puff puff puff" and sometimes really pissed me off when I was painting someone else's model.
Now, when I run low on CO2, I just go to the local welding supply and get the tank refilled for about 10 bucks and that lasts quite a long time. I have a pressure gauge and a "manifold" which can handle 3 airbrushes (as if I needed 3 at once!). I am very satisfied with this arrangement. Does anybody else use "bottled air", not the little expensive hobby things, but a tank?
Just my way...
Woodie
____________________ It doesn't matter if you win or lose, its' how you rig the game.
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Posted: Sat Oct 14th, 2017 11:04 pm |
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22nd Post |
Si.
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Hi Guys 
I did think about getting a CO2 tank.
You can get fairly small ones for fizzy-drink making machines & paintball guns ...
... dunno how long they last though.
The other easily available type in lots of different sizes, are CO2 fire-extinguishers.
In the UK they have to be checked every few years & re-certified.
A brand new one can cost 50 to 60 quid ...
... but I seem recall I found a place selling refurbished fire-extinguishers for about 20 quid.
They just test the valve & top it up if needed, they also fill empty ones as well.
You can get regulators with the standard fire-extinguisher thread fitting ...
... from aquarium & horticultural shops, that are about 40 quid or so I think.
I was amazed at the compressor I got for around 30 quid or so.
It does actually have a tank & a moisture trap, and is oil-free as well.
A lot of pretty 'pro kit' for the money.
I found model shops & graphic art places were fairly expensive.
I got mine from a place selling stuff for finger-nail painting !
Loads of 'em for sale on eBay.
A bit noisy, but I just turn up The Zep. on the stereo !!
It doesn't turn on much though, cos of the tank.
I suppose an extra-long hose could be an option as well.
Steal of a deal really.

Si.
____________________
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' M:R:W Motor Speedway !!! ' - 1:32 Slotcar Racing Layout
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Posted: Sun Oct 15th, 2017 09:49 am |
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23rd Post |
Thayer
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Joined: | Sat Jul 5th, 2014 |
Location: | USA |
Posts: | 103 |
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I am using a scuba tank and regulator to feed my airbrush, and last night, a brad nailer.
It lasts a good long time, though I don't really know for sure as I inevitably leave the valve open on the way to bed at some point before I run the tank out intentionally. It seems like once or twice a year I go in for a $10 fill at the local dive shop, but I also don't do a tremendous amount of painting.
ThayerLast edited on Sun Oct 15th, 2017 09:50 am by Thayer
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Posted: Sun Oct 15th, 2017 07:10 pm |
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24th Post |
Posted: Mon Oct 16th, 2017 02:31 am |
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25th Post |
Salada
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Water traps ? Exploding regulators ? CO2 tanks ? Diving masks ?
Thanks chaps, I'm more convinced than ever that I'll stick to my old sable brushes - instant start-up, instant clean, no in line oil condensate but the Humbrol rattle can matte sounds useful - thanks Dan.
Regards, Michael
Last edited on Mon Oct 16th, 2017 02:33 am by Salada
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Posted: Mon Oct 16th, 2017 06:25 am |
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26th Post |
W C Greene
Moderator

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I think everybody is making too much of the CO2 tank. It is perfectly safe, small, refillable, no noise or vibrations. I used compressors for many years and now that I have this little tank, I would not go back to the "old" ways. I have no problem with spray cans however, I use them on my stuff. Weathering is done with chalks and washes using a brush. The reason that I still use the airbrush is that when some guy is paying $$$ for a "custom paint" job, he EXPECTS that I will use an airbrush. Ya gotta do what ya gotta do.
Woodie
____________________ It doesn't matter if you win or lose, its' how you rig the game.
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Posted: Mon Oct 16th, 2017 06:23 pm |
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27th Post |
Daniel Beresford
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I got my airbrush and compressor for £70 a few years ago, and it's great, I will always paint locomotives, cars, buildings, etc with it if I can.
However, for weathering, nothing beats a good old fashioned horsehair brush, imo.
____________________ -Dan
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Posted: Mon Oct 16th, 2017 06:50 pm |
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28th Post |
Posted: Mon Oct 16th, 2017 08:00 pm |
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29th Post |
Daniel Beresford
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Si, I believe you mean "micro brushes" - indeed used for makeup application. I get them in packs of a couple of hundred from eBay for a few quid.
Very useful. I use them for applying plastic weld along joints on kits, as well as for applying small amounts of paint or weathering powders to my models.
They make great detail parts too when you are finished with them - I made a fuel pump for my HO layout out of one, back in the day. 
____________________ -Dan
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Posted: Wed Oct 18th, 2017 11:15 pm |
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30th Post |
chasv
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the other gas you can use is nitrogen the telephone companies us it to low pressurize paper insulated cable as it is dry and oil free you can get small bottles of it also
____________________
Charles
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