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Airbrushing with CO2


Hawkwrench

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For me the idea of dealing with a big compressed tank of air is nuts. Too much complication with that and it wouldn't really fit into my work area.

 

I have a small Iwata compressor which I have to say is quite loud, but it doesn't bother me at all.

 

When I am airbrushing I find that I am focusing so much I block everything out, including compressor noise.

 

I think a lot of people who are airbrushing for a living use the compressed tank approach. Seems to be quite a good approach, if you can make it work for you and don't mind dealing with a huge heavy tank, etc.

Good points all. I watched a number of demos last summer and the newest Iwata and Badger units I found to be very quiet ( a muted putter noise). Amazing actually. My wife however would still be unhappy with even these units. My tank is half size and the hookup and regulator is simple. I do miss the portability some times. I only spray primer for resin parts in the garage.

 

Rick

Edited by Rick Griewski
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Cool. I'm lucky to build 1 model a year, so would a 2.5 lb tank be good enough?

 

Tim

I'd go with a 20lb bottle.  I use one bottle about every 6-8 months and only cost about $15 to exchange.

 

Try to get one that is used in "Food and Beverage" grade... they typically look nicer but in reality, they are all the same.  The place where I get my bottles exchanged knows me and tries to save one of the "best looking" ones for me.

 

I use a simple "flow regulator" (FR) for a valve.  It's not the same as a pressure regulator (PR) but I had one and it works well.  I didn't see a reason to go buy a $125 PR when I had a new FR in the box.  BTW, there is no math equation that I'm aware of that coverts flow to pressure!   :unsure:  My FR is metered (orifice) up to 125psi so the "flow" and the "pressure" is roughly the same at the pressure we airbrush (testing that is a different thread  :o​ ). The 20lb bottle holds about 800 psi based on the temp in my house.  I rarely spray above 25psi. but have use a small sandblaster at 40 psi with no problems.  

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Is

 

 CO2 cheap in the US? Damned spendy here in Aus.

 

How do you negate the cooling at the regulator as it goes from liquid to gas?

 

Matty

 

I think that a refill for me, is about $25, which I do every two years or so.

 

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Cool. I'm lucky to build 1 model a year, so would a 2.5 lb tank be good enough?

 

Tim

 

I don't know why not, but I'd recommend a 20lb tank, just to avoid more frequent refills. Refills, as such, is a bit misleading; when I get a new bottle, it's one that has already been tested, then refilled. The gas company would never refill an existing bottle without pressure testing it first.

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Hi Kev, I wouldn't wait with the chain... I saw a large pressure canister fall over once in a warehouse and the nozzle broke off and that thing turned into a missle and punched a hole right through the concrete wall and slammed into the next wall before stopping.... you should ALWAYS take precautions when using a pressure cylinder anywhere...

Cheers

Alan

 

I can't really argue with that, and do intend to chain it to the new workbench legs, once those benches are completed.

 

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I actually found a refurbished 4 lb bottle on sale for $39. Not a 5 lb, but 4. It's 20 inches tall by 4 inches round. I'll get it. I plan on buying some 4 inch pvc tubing and secure it to my table and just set the bottle down inside. Just gotta find a dual gauge regulator now.

 

 

 

Tim

Edited by Hawkwrench
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So I have another question kinda off topic, but I want to buy a Badger 200 gravity feed airbrush. They come in fine needle and medium needle. What's really the difference?

I don't plan on modeling much camo, I'm a helo guy, so what would be best for me?

 

Tim

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So I have another question kinda off topic, but I want to buy a Badger 200 gravity feed airbrush. They come in fine needle and medium needle. What's really the difference?

I don't plan on modeling much camo, I'm a helo guy, so what would be best for me?

Tim

Hi again Tim,

Sounds like you'll need that second airbrush slot on the holder afterall! I would go for the “fine†needle variant - it is probably around .3mm apperature which will allow you to create finer lines. For larger spray coverage you might want to invest in another airbrush that has around a .5 apperature - you can cover more surface area quicker - like when you lay down a primer or single color camouflage. I have two airbrushes now, one is .3 and the other is .5. Both have their place and I enjoy using them both. I got tired of having to use the .3 to lay down a primer coat.

There are lots of reasonably priced airbrushes out there!

Cheers

Alan

 

Post edit: have a look here...

http://forum.largescaleplanes.com/index.php?showtopic=73278

Edited by alaninaustria
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Ok now, this is getting confusing. I just want to buy a badger 200 gravity fed airbrush. But no, I am seeing badger 200's, 200G, 200 GF, 200-20, 200-10.

What's up with all these part #'s???

I've looked on the badger website, and all it says is badger 200. That's all, nothing else. Need some help here! Please

 

Tim

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