Air Tank for airbrushing

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lambda_epsilon
Posts: 16
Joined: Thu Nov 08, 2007 3:01 am
Location: Ypsilanti, MI

Air Tank for airbrushing

Post by lambda_epsilon »

Thinking about getting an air tank and moisture trap for my airbrushing. Just curious how long i could get a 5 gallon tank to last... i have a compressor to refill it on hand, the things just loud and obnoxious so trying to get away from having to run it all the time...
abs1124
Posts: 117
Joined: Sat Sep 29, 2007 2:03 pm

Post by abs1124 »

I use this setup. The five gallon tank lasts me about 10 or 15 minutes of spraying. If full, one could easily put a single coat on a 1/72 ship/plane, or a 1/35 tank.

I do not use a moisture trap on the air tank, as it is not necessary. Since there is no moisture in the tank itself, and since the air does not further cool in the hose, there is no water. Of course, you can add one for extra safety if you wish, but I have never had an issue.

Another good addition would be a pressure/PSI regulator for your airbrush output. It is good to be able to control the airflow both at the source, and at the brush.
macfrank
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Post by macfrank »

I used an airtank that I would refill from a compressor and it had just about enough air for 10 - 15 minutes of spraying, then back to the compressor.

I got tired of that and instead went with a CO2 tank and a nice regulator. The regulator was the most expensive part. Since the C02 is dry, I don't need a water trap.

A 5lb CO2 tank is good for 5-6 medium sized 1/72 scale aircraft or 1/35 scale vehicles, including airbrush cleanup. Replacing the tank is about $12, and the combination is noiseless.
lambda_epsilon
Posts: 16
Joined: Thu Nov 08, 2007 3:01 am
Location: Ypsilanti, MI

Coolness

Post by lambda_epsilon »

Thanks guys!
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Lt. Z0mBe
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Location: Balltown Kentucky, by God!
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Post by Lt. Z0mBe »

You could do what my buddy does. He uses a tire pump and a portable air can. Can is fitted with gauge and another NPT fitting for airbrush and regulator. He pumps air into can until he can't do it anymore. Airbrushes until it gets low and repumps.

I hope this helps.

Kenny

www.sigmalabsinc.com


Onward, proud eagle, to thee the cloud must yield.
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