Author Topic: Calling all airbrush compressor specialists  (Read 613 times)

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Offline Wotto

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Calling all airbrush compressor specialists
« on: June 04, 2010, 12:28:53 PM »
Hi all,

I am 'considering' making the big bold move and experimenting with an airbrush for playfield repairs.

Before I launch into it I already have a compressor at home BUT I have NO IDEA if it is good enough to run an airbrush.

It's specs are as follows.

24 Litre Capacity - 1500W- 2850RPM
206 Litre/ minute Pump Displacement
117 Litre/ minute Free Air Delivery
Maximum working pressure 0.8Mpa

Will this 'run/drive' an airbrushing set up  !@#


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Offline Homepin

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Re: Calling all airbrush compressor specialists
« Reply #1 on: June 04, 2010, 12:34:51 PM »
an airbrush uses VERY low pressure - in fact they can easily be run from a can of compressed air that is sold at hobby/craft shops for this purpose.

I would make very sure there is a good water trap in the air line more than anything else and turn your pressure valve setting as low as it will go before even starting.
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Offline Strangeways

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Re: Calling all airbrush compressor specialists
« Reply #2 on: June 04, 2010, 03:06:25 PM »

I bought a Bunnings $22 Airbrush just to play with. I have a 2 1/2 HP General purpose Compressor. I have not played with it yet.

Looking forward to the "experienced hands" chiming in on this topic  ^^^
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Offline thefasteddy69

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Re: Calling all airbrush compressor specialists
« Reply #3 on: June 04, 2010, 03:47:40 PM »
Hey Wotto,

I have an Iwata compressor and an Paasch airbrush if you want to borrow it. I'm no expert so if you want me to demo it no worries just dont expect an masterpiece though.

Just up the road if you want to drop in?  ^^^


Offline robm

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Re: Calling all airbrush compressor specialists
« Reply #4 on: June 04, 2010, 04:55:37 PM »
Be very interested to hear how the $22 Bunnings job goes...

Has anyone used one of these http://www.ppc.au.com/access_minisprayers.htm

Essentially, they seem to be a pressure pack top (that you buy a new one when its used for $15) and put any colour in the bottom jar that holds 200ml.  Seems to be a good idea?

Offline Retropin

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Re: Calling all airbrush compressor specialists
« Reply #5 on: June 04, 2010, 06:20:12 PM »
The pressue packs are rubbish.. do yourselves a favour and forget them.
As you use them they freeze on the outside and so pressure out drops to a point where nothing comes through the brush. You then have to sit the can in the sun to warm up and pressure to rise again... these are really bloody irritating pieces of crap to use.

Basic rule of a compressor for airbrush is to have too much air. I had a 2.5hp $99 compressor from supa Cheap and as Homepin states.. you bleed off very little to your airline. But the tank is very handy and keeps a good constant pressure for you over long spraying periods... i can CC a PF with one of these and a 0.5mm nozzle on a brush.. comes up a treat.

The smaller constant blowers that are typical airbrush air transferers im not too keen on. Im using one at the moment cos i broke my 2.5hp compressor.
They condense inside much easier despite water trap and once water gets in your line any good work is impossible.. if its humid the problem is increased. They also have to run themselves more often and so heat up to hot quite quickly despite the cooling fins.

They are quiet though which is an advantage cos i can work at night while kids are asleep, but my preference is a compressor with holding tank. Yes they also condense and accumulate water, but with a large tank, the water sits on the bottom and the air is transferred from the top, so ive never had water in the line with one of these. You have to bleed this off after use though otherwise it will rust your tank from the inside out and youll get rust down the line eventually and a blocked airbrush is a real pain!

The compressor you have should work fine Wotto, you may need to buy a few reducers to get the output down to the size of the airbrush line though.

One other thing that is an absolute MUST as far as in concerned is a small air regulator that attaches to your brush.. you can control airflow at your finger tips this way and leave the compressor alone.

Airbrushing is really a balance between thickness and amount of paint flow, also how fast you propel it... this will give you shading effects and also allow a full "fill" of an area as well as thin lines etc.

Heres the airflow adjuster you will need..... these are essential!

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/AirBrush-MICRO-VALVE-Speed-Coupler-1-8x1-8-M-F-/160441017707?cmd=ViewItem&pt=AU_Toys_Hobbies_Model_Kits&hash=item255b07a56b

Offline Strangeways

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Re: Calling all airbrush compressor specialists
« Reply #6 on: June 04, 2010, 07:15:31 PM »

Good one Gav  ^^^ I'm really keen to learn this - so I hope one day we can have a tutorial from one of you guys.
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Offline Wotto

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Re: Calling all airbrush compressor specialists
« Reply #7 on: June 05, 2010, 04:17:18 PM »
Thanks for all the replies and the detailed reply and link from Gav  *)*

I will now go and gater all the bits and start practising - anyone want to donate a playfield  *)* #@# :lol #@# *)*


Oh and Ed - thanks for that offer as well - PM sent
« Last Edit: June 05, 2010, 04:31:16 PM by Wotto »
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Offline millsy

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Re: Calling all airbrush compressor specialists
« Reply #8 on: June 05, 2010, 11:15:16 PM »
Have an old Bally Bazaar PF you can have.
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Offline Retropin

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Re: Calling all airbrush compressor specialists
« Reply #9 on: June 05, 2010, 11:44:14 PM »
Have an old Bally Bazaar PF you can have.


Now im jealous!

Offline MrMaloo

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Re: Calling all airbrush compressor specialists
« Reply #10 on: June 09, 2010, 08:04:55 PM »
Must be something in the air .

I'm also looking at starting out with airbrushing touch-ups .

I recently bought one of these off ebay :

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/BRAND-NEW-DUAL-ACTION-AIR-BRUSH-W-MICRO-AIR-CONTROL-/350363393255?cmd=ViewItem&pt=AU_Toys_Hobbies_Model_Kits&hash=item5193491ce7

The seller had 2 types . The one I bought (same as in the link) has a Micro-Air control valve on the brush . The other one didn't . I'm looking at running it using my large (not sure of exact specs ) compressor but going to get plenty of practice in before I attempt the real thing .


Offline Wotto

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Re: Calling all airbrush compressor specialists
« Reply #11 on: June 09, 2010, 10:10:48 PM »
Ok- U go first Cruiserman and let me know how U go  *%*
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Offline MrMaloo

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Re: Calling all airbrush compressor specialists
« Reply #12 on: June 09, 2010, 10:14:00 PM »
No probs Wotto . I'll pick up your playfields at Rollerball's meet to practice on before I do mine ....  %.%

Offline Retropin

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Re: Calling all airbrush compressor specialists
« Reply #13 on: June 09, 2010, 10:20:18 PM »
No probs Wotto . I'll pick up your playfields at Rollerball's meet to practice on before I do mine ....  %.%

Some artwork on his car would be better i reckon