Uzzy
Hi-poster
Posts: 153
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Post by Uzzy on Mar 26, 2008 8:13:13 GMT
Can anyone help me I am after a compressor to run an airbrush I have had a look on Ebay but don't want to spent that much. I seem to remember an article in one of the Model Engineering mags about using a fridge compressor. Does anyone know which mag and issue?
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Post by dickdastardly40 on Mar 26, 2008 9:21:38 GMT
Uzzy,
What's your budget? Aldi have a 2.5HP 9.5 CFM compressor with a 24 litre tank in their shops at the moment for £70. Comes with all manner of accessories including an airbrush and they also have a selection of pneumatic tools for not too much money on top either.
Just a thought.
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Post by circlip on Mar 26, 2008 11:39:20 GMT
Basically all you need is the compressor, a receiving tank and a pressure regulator/water trap and for a bit of luxury an adjustable pressure cut of switch. Much as I abhor supporting the Chinese economy Uzzy, by the time you've amassed all the bits, worked out how to put it all together and made it into a compact usable unit, DD40's answer is going to be a lot more economical. The first article I remember was one in the RCME. Ian Keep looking in the ALDI and LIDL weekly specials, you can check them on their home websites which also gives comming offers.
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Post by AndrewP on Mar 26, 2008 11:56:18 GMT
There is a brief article in ME 2nd February 1996. As Sir clip has said you're going to need a pressure vessel and some means of getting the oil out of the compressed air and of getting oil back into the compressor - I just drip 3-in-1 down the intake! I have been using a fridge compressor for years to run a wax injector and whilst it certainly develops the pressure, I only need 15psi max for that application, I have my doubts about the flow rate. A receiver might give you intermittent use. Should we mention the nasty gases in the fridge systems and elfins rules about disposal? probably not Cheers, Andy
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Post by freddo on Mar 26, 2008 12:25:50 GMT
Oh dear, dear dear .... I think imagination and ingenuity is dying with us flint arrow-head makers.
C'mon Uzzy - use your imagination - I sprayed my first loco with a foot pump, a tin gallon can as a receptacle and a second hand badger airbrush. Only problem with that system is if you're an amputee with one leg!
Freddo
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klank
Involved Member
Robinson's Locos - Edwardian elegance at its best.
Posts: 87
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Post by klank on Mar 26, 2008 12:28:02 GMT
I agree with DD40's advice - A while ago, I needed a comp. for airbrushing large model boats. Looked at plans to make it from fridge components etc., but realised the cost of the valves/gauges and other necessary hardware would make it no cheaper than buying a "foreign" cheapo. I got a Wolfair 24litre/118p.s.i. comp/receiver from Screwfix (no connection etc.) which arrived the next day after ordering on line. Comes with tank and line pressure gauges. Cost about the same as DD40's, but no "kit" of airline tools (would have been useful). It is worth getting a moisture trap/filter (especially if working in cold/damp area - i.e. garage) and a few male/female "push-on" fittings (can't think of their proper names) plus a bit of flexible hose from Screwfix at the same time. I bought an extra long braded aibrush air line hose from Iwatta ready made with the correct threaded fitting for the "push on" connectors.
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Post by houstonceng on Mar 26, 2008 18:00:55 GMT
Hi Uzzy
I can concur with DD40 and Circlip. I was in the local Aldi yesterday and the compressors are complete with Spray Gun, Blow-off Gun, Two Hoses, Air-brush, Tyre Inflator, Pressure Washer, etc, etc - and all for less £70 !!! If I hadn't already got two compressors, I'd have bought one.
The Aldi air tools - impact driver £19.99 and air-drill circa £9.99 looked ok as well. Sorely tempted but - - - - -
For an air-brush, lots of my fellow club members use a diaphram compressor (no oil carried over and reasonably quiet) with an adaptor from the 1/8" BSP connexion to air-brush hose. The adaptor has a small bleed hole to allow constant air by-pass - as this type of compressor usually runs an air-bleed spray-gun. Only downside is that new - at the Brighton show - these were circa £200.00.
So, overall (if you have space for it and don't mind the noise) I'd say the Aldi one is better value - even if you have to add a water/oil filter (buy one from Machine Mart)
And you can pump up your tyres, or wash the Patio with it as well !
Regards Andy PS. How's the Inverter drive ?
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Post by chris vine on Mar 26, 2008 22:25:59 GMT
Hi Uzzy,
I don't know about the Aldi one, but look around and try to get one which is oilless. Some are and some aren't. You will save some bother (or risk of bother) with oil carry over.
Chris.
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Post by reedx on Mar 26, 2008 23:41:34 GMT
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Smifffy
Statesman
Rock'n'Roll!
Posts: 943
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Post by Smifffy on Mar 27, 2008 7:42:24 GMT
Check out your local B+Q too, they usually have some half decent kit at reasonable prices. I got my little Compressor from them at half list price because the spray gun attachment was missing from the box.
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