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[Andy BaileyParticipant @andybailey80218]

Ive just been out and had a try with the airbrush set that was a free gift when you subscribe to model boats  and while ive never been a big fan of them which is unfounded since ive never owned one i was very impressed with what it did and the superb finish, So now im already thinking of investing in a small compressor and was looking for recommendations as to which one , i dont want to spend more than i have too but at the same time dont want one that will only last 5 minutes so what do you think ?

Regards Andy 

[Andy BaileyParticipant @andybailey80218]

[Paul FreshneyParticipant @paulfreshney24971]

Andy

I use an Airmaster 8/44  @ £126 from Machine Mart who have an excellent website. The exact equivalent can be found cheaper, but as a different brand  from time to time on the internet. It can power airbrushes, air tools, blow guns etc. (Lowest price was £79 Wolf a month or so ago).  It is noisy (ish) but fine if your workshop is not within the house and because of the decent sized tank, it only runs for about 20 to 30 seconds every 5 to 7 minutes if you are airbrushing continually. The so called modeller compressors do not have anything like the same air volume output, are often dearer and it is better to have too much air than too little!

Paul Freshney

Editor of MB. 

 

[Andy BaileyParticipant @andybailey80218]

Thanks for the reply Paul , i had pretty much decided on a compressor of the type you recommend as i couldnt see where such a small compressor could be near as much as a small workshop model , what pressure do you use yours at ? or is it airbrush specific ? 

Regards Andy 

[Paul FreshneyParticipant @paulfreshney24971]

Andy,

You set the outlet pressure as you would any compressor – usually for airbrushing at around 30psi. The tank is usually preset at around 115psi, half the maximum operating (blow-up) pressure. My compressor(s) are in the garage part of my garage/workshop and  the hose is run through the wall around to another regulator and water trap on the side of the spraying bench. That way the compressor is not under my feet. Bear in mind, the oiled compressors, which this is, don’t work under about 36 degrees f because they become ‘tight’. When I have to replace mine, I will buy the oil free version which I think has a nylon piston, and therefore work okay in the cold. It isn’t a problem for me as I have two compressors – one  is a modellers and the other from Machine Mart.

Cheers

PF 

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

I am not sure I would spray in the cold as the paint can go a bit funny. Perversley I have had more problems in the hot, as the compressor has a thermal cutout to stop it overheating, and it does. BUT as Paul says, you cant beat a larger compressor with a decent size resevoir.

 

Mind you, Paul obviously has a luxury carpeted and heated workshop and so doesnt have to stop beavering away in the winter!

 

Ashley (owner of draughty unheated shed/workshop) (and not allowed to use the kitchen)

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

When I was a young chap……..about 50 years ago………I sprayed my Norton Dominator 88…………….With cellulose…….Using only a mouth spray!!!!!!!

 

Compressor?………Bah!………for softies!

 

Bob

[Paul FreshneyParticipant @paulfreshney24971]

Ashley is correct – my workshop is double glazed, carpeted and heated! Unfortunately, mid-August to mid -September it is unbearably hot because of the way it faces.! Two frost heaters keep it above 44 degrees and a normal heater brings it up to 60 -65 degrees quite quickly in winter, but  in cold weather like now, I tend to do 2 or 3  long 4 hour  modelling sessions, rather than a bit every now and then – like tonight for example. I do not have the fan heater on when painting though.

Paul F. 

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

When i was a lad I can remember that the cylinder hoover we had had a spraying attachment..I never saw it used and alas although Mum has the vacuum machine now (a bit of a collectible!) she doesnt have the spray thingy.

 

I have come all over with workshop envy…

 

Ashley

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