Submitted by Lance H on 11/29/1998. ( wildside@ikansas.com )
Getting ready to invest in an airbrush setup to do the finish work on whitetail deer, etc., and have selected a gun, but have some questions regarding the best air source. I'm limited at this poiunt on capital, so I want to make the most cost-effective purchase without setting m,yself up to come up short on function. I don't really have the $$$ to buy an air compressor right now, and saw a single-cylinder reciprocating air pump that was being offered at a hobby store as being ideal for use with air brushes. Has anyone else used one of these before? It has no tank for air supply. Instead, it's sort of a demand pump that goes when you need it to. The cost is pretty good and if it works, it'll allow me to soend more on other necessary tools. Thanks for the help in advance. -Lance
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This response submitted by Bob C on 11/29/1998. ( bobswildlife@webtv.net )
Hey Lance, The little single cylinder compressure will work just fine for painting. If you need a compressure for blowing out fur or for air tools it wont cut it. Bob C
This response submitted by John C on 11/29/1998. ( )
You will also need a moisture trap and regulator with it, a Pasche VL is good for abour $60.00 but a H series will work. I know a guy in Washington that does about 600 heads a year all with a H series and latex paints from the lumberyard. John C.
This response submitted by Ken Edwards on 11/30/1998. ( ken@taxidermy.net )
Dear Lance,
If you're really in a bind for a cheap source of air, WASCO sells an air hose adaptor that fits on a spare tire. Inflate a tire to 35 psi at your local gas station, then bring it back to your studio and hook up your airbrush for about a half-hour of painting. It's not as convenient as a compressor, but it'll do in a pinch.
This response submitted by ChrisB on 11/30/1998. ( cbrower@parker.com )
Lance- Most of these small hobby compressors are diaphragm type compressors, with no pressure shut-off. That just means that it runs the entire time it's plugged in and turned on. It's quite adequate for airbrush work. Just note that it does tend to get hot and can melt the end of the hose attached to it if left on too long. Most manufacturers recommend that you do not run them longer than 30-45 minutes without letting them cool down. They are also very light, so they tend to "walk around" from the vibration. You may want to put a rubber mat under it to keep it from moving. Other than that - no problem!
This response submitted by Jack on 11/30/1998. ( pjwms@p-c-net.net )
How about checking out what the local pawn shop has. This time of year is a good time to look for a deal. Most pawn shops run a Christmas special, but you have to shop around. My wife found a nice air compressor for $50. Let the pawn shops know what you are looking for and they can contact you when they get one. Hold out for a good deal because you don't want to pay for somthing that will break when you run it for a short while. Good luck!
This response submitted by Lance H on 11/30/1998. ( wildside@ikansas.com )
Thanks to all for the good information. Lotsa different ways to come at the same problem.
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