I got 250 buck and I wanna get an air brush and compressor that I can use all the time does anyone have some suggestions
Paasche and Badger always rank high in user satisfaction. Testors/Aztec also make good airbrushes. With $250 you should be able to get everything you need.
Andrew
Cannot comment on air brushes but for the cost of a typical hobby air compressor, you can purchase a general purpose air tool compressor. The 125 or 150 psi pressure can be regulated down to the 10-35 psi you need for the airbrush but you still have a power source for any other pneumatic tool you might want to use. Previous responses in this forum recommend purchasing a unit with wheels since even the smallest one horsepower units can be pretty heavy to lug around.
I agree with Leon. Find a decent compressor with a tank that can be used to fill tires and run some air tools–it doesn’t have to be the biggest or most expensive. Typically, they have about an 8-15 gallon tank and are rated 1.0 - 2.0 horsepower. They’re available from Sears, Lowe’s, Home Depot, and other sources, and should cost around $100. I own a single action Paasche air brush, but I suggest you check out the various brands and styles. Most are available in a set or kit, which means they come with extra bottles, tips, and a hose (about $70). You may also want to invest in some air fittings so that you can pop your air brush or hose onto the compressor without hassling with screwing it on. A set of fittings should be between $5-$10. The only other addition I would make would be a blow gun kit. This is usually a device with a squeeze handle and some interchangeable tips that could be useful in blowing dust off a model, or in forcing paint to dry quicker. Simple ones go for around $5-$10, with more elaborate sets that include a coiled hose for around $20-$30.
Enjoy your new tools.
I agree with the compressor comments above. I bought a Sears 2 gallon compressor for $90 (for the same reasons listed above) and haven’t regretted it. Add a water separator and some quick disconnect fittings and you also can inflate tires and run small air tools with it. It comes with a pressure regulator and some simple items like coiled hose, blow gun and tire valve. Plus, I like the fact that it’s NOT pulsing air, like some of the small (and expensive) compressors. The Sears tool catalogue even has a chart to tell you which ones it will run.
A very important addition to the comments, make sure you use good ventilation and wear the proper respirator for the type paints you are using.
I have a compressor in my garage for tires tools etc. For my airbrush I have an airtank with a pressure regulator. It is silent and very steady with the pressure. It is a cheap alternative. I had the airtank for several years before I got the compressor. I just would fill it up at the gas station for free about once a month.
Would this tank/compressor work?
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00915200000
or this one?
http://huskytools.com/husky/Category95781/Category95782/Product7.html
You would need a regulator and water seperator for the tank. The compressor is the one I am trying to talk my better half into.
That link is just a pressure tank, not a compressor. A 5 gallon size should do a car or two in HO scale, I also used one for several years before getting my own compressor as stated above. And I agree with the need for a water separator and regulator, too. Most gas stations don’t have a separator in their lines, especially the free air line.
So the one in the second link would work fine?
I think it would. The description does not say that there is a pressure regulator but looking at the illistration there are two pressure guages and one of them looks like it has a knob. If so it must be a regulator. You would still need a water seperator and / or filter. That is why I am trying to talk my Better Half into going to Home Depot this weekend to look at it.
Oh ok, something like this?
http://huskytools.com/husky/Category95781/Category100796/Product3.html
Sorry but I am pretty much a noob when it comes to air compressors.
Chillalbino:
That filter looks like it was meant to go on the compressor air intake, not the supply line. What you need is a filter/moisture sepator that is meant to go on the high pressure (outlet) side.
Bukwrm:
Ask your wife if she would like to shop at Target. They have a compressor with wheels that lists for $120 but sometimes is put on sale for $89. This comes with a nailer and other attachments. Just make sure you lubricate the section where the brads are inserted.
I have a shop air compressor, but I also have a Paasche air compressor for my Paasche VLS airbrush. It came with a pressure regulator and moisture trap on it. I gave about $100 for both of them in like new condition. Many people buy an airbrush and never use it. It takes a little time to learn to use it and more time to clean it, so used ones are rather plentiful. The little Paasche compressor is light and can be placed on my layout; the shop compressor – even on wheels – is too heavy to carry to the basement. Consider where you plan to use your airbrush.
You might check out these guys- http://www.airbrush-depot.com - for the hardware where the paint meets the pressurized air…they also sell the mositure trapes - at least in the Paasche line. I just replaced an airbrush lost in a move and their prices and service were good.
Go to Home Depot. they sell a compressor/nail gun kit with compressor and two nail guns for about 250. Then spen about 40 bucks on a good air brush. You’ll have two good nail guns too if you ever need um.
Well, when I needed an airbrush, I just went to the Testor’s section in Wal-Mart and bought an airbrush w/compressor for $60. Haven’t used it yet, but looks fine to me. Testor’s also sells an airbru***hat runns on arisol cans of air, but the cans cost about $9 apiece, and the airbrush is $40, so use 3 cans and you’ll have the brush w/compressor more than paid off.
Whatever you buy, make sure to buy thinner if you need it (Testors makes some in the same place they sell their airbrushes. Look for it amongst the paints in glass bottles there).