Ham Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 Greetings, I have been using a CO2 tank for my airbrush for years. Lately I have been considering getting a compressor with tank. However, I really don't know what that really gets me, except the occasional trip to have the tank filled. Here's the advantages I see for compressor with tank: always ready, relatively compact depending on model disadvangtages: need to be keep an eye on the water separator, may be noisy depending on model, need to have an electrical power source nearby Here's the advantages I see for a CO2 tank: don't need to worry about a water separator, no noise, small size, no electrical power source required disadvantages: must periodically take tank to a gaseous supply shop to have it filled. What are your thoughts? What do you use and why? :lol: Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TXCajun Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 I'm kind of in the other boat. I use a compressor and I had been considering CO2, but I'm now re-thinking that. I'd say that if you are living in an apartment complex with semi-thin walls, OR if you live in a very humid locale, then the CO2 option is the best bet. For me, the closest location to get the tank filled is about 30-45 minutes away, and I'd hate to be in the middle of a protect and then my pressure goes south. My personal compressor is actually a homemade job. I built a wooden box around a surplus compressor/motor combo. The box also houses a pressure chamber and a compartment on the top in which I can put my airbrushes and accessories. I get consistent pressure, the water trap catches any water, and I can easily control the pressure. Plus, it's portable so I can easily bring it to our periodic club group build sessions. I've weighed both and both have pros and cons. However, I think I'm going to stick to my compressor rig. (I should post a pic some day). Stew Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Hawkeye's Hobbies Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 Bottle size! Make sure you have a suitable sized tank/bottle. Consider getting yourself a small back up bottle as well. You can get CO2 bottles filled at either welding/gas supply houses or beverage suppliers. Even places that refill paintball tanks work in a pinch. I'm considering going CO2...it has many advantages over compressors...moisture being #1. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
peacock8 Posted October 24, 2009 Share Posted October 24, 2009 (edited) I haven´t seen an Co2 set up. Can anyone post pictures of theirs if they have?? That would be appreciated:) Edit: Depending of bottle of course how long does the Co2 last?? Curious! Edited October 24, 2009 by peacock8 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
CF104 Posted October 24, 2009 Share Posted October 24, 2009 Although many people use compressed Co2 for airbrush use it's still a poisonous gas. This is why I would only recommend use of Co2 in and exceptionally well ventilated area. this is why I use a silent compressor in a confined space. Here are some Co2 figures for you to chew on: ************************************************************** Basic Information about Concentrations of CO2 in Air * 1,000,000 ppm of a gas = 100 % concentration of the gas, and 10,000 ppm of a gas in air = a 1% concentration. * At 1% concentration of carbon dioxide CO2 (10,000 parts per million or ppm) and under continuous exposure at that level, such as in an auditorium filled with occupants and poor fresh air ventilation, some occupants are likely to feel drowsy. * The concentration of carbon dioxide must be over about 2% (20,000 ppm) before most people are aware of its presence unless the odor of an associated material (auto exhaust or fermenting yeast, for instance) is present at lower concentrations. * Above 2%, carbon dioxide may cause a feeling of heaviness in the chest and/or more frequent and deeper respirations. * If exposure continues at that level for several hours, minimal "acidosis" (an acid condition of the blood) may occur but more frequently is absent. * Breathing rate doubles at 3% CO2 and is four times the normal rate at 5% CO2. * Toxic levels of carbon dioxide: at levels above 5%, concentration CO2 is directly toxic. [At lower levels we may be seeing effects of a reduction in the relative amount of oxygen rather than direct toxicity of CO2.] Symptoms of high or prolonged exposure to carbon dioxide include headache, increased heart rate, dizziness, fatigue, rapid breathing, visual and hearing dysfunctions. Exposure to higher levels may cause unconsciousness or death within minutes of exposure. ************************************************************** Just something to think about if your high pressure Co2 bottle decides to vent itself without your knowledge. I would highly recommend the Silentaire 20A compressor due to the above information on Co2. People who ignore the facts of Co2 toxicity only endanger those people who don't do their research. Cheers, John Quote Link to post Share on other sites
gotarheelz14 Posted October 24, 2009 Share Posted October 24, 2009 I bought a big ol' 20lb bottle to take to my dorm room so I wouldn't bother my room mate or any of my neighbors. I like it so much that when I come home on the occasional weekend, I put the bottle in a suitcase and lug it around. It is completely silent, will last you forever and as you have pointed out, you don't need a water trap or anything. I am willing to get that I will go at least six months without having to refill this thing. I don't paint much but then again the average modeler probably doesn't either. Unless I bought one of those silent compressors for like $400-500 dollars, I don't see myself ever having anything but my Co2 tank. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
geedubelyer Posted October 24, 2009 Share Posted October 24, 2009 Hi Ham, I use CO2 for airbrushing. I'm lucky enough to get part used bottles through work so it does n't cost me anything. John is spot on with keeping the bottle secured in place though. They are bottled at extremely high pressure so would create havoc if a valve failed. I use a regulator to step down the pressure which also allows me to alter the PSI at the airbrush, very handy. The benefits are silent operation and dry gas without the need for water traps. :blink: Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Wayne S Posted October 24, 2009 Share Posted October 24, 2009 Air compressor with tank advantage is, I can do more things then just airbrushing with it. In-fact I have 3 Air compressors, one in my basement is a 30gal tank, since I also do carpentry stuff. I also have a pancake compressor that is more mobile, for carpentry etc. to. How can a person work without electricity? I don't see how not having electricity is an advantage for a work area. I mean you need lights to see and for tools/ radio anyway. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
gotarheelz14 Posted October 24, 2009 Share Posted October 24, 2009 Pneumatic tools can also be used with Co2 though. As a matter of fact, it might work even better depending on how powerful your compressor is. The co2 tank can give you blasts of up to 800psi I think depending on how big your tank is. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Wayne S Posted October 24, 2009 Share Posted October 24, 2009 Pneumatic tools can also be used with Co2 though. As a matter of fact, it might work even better depending on how powerful your compressor is. The co2 tank can give you blasts of up to 800psi I think depending on how big your tank is. There are airguns made for Co2, but they use the cartridge and a battery. Typical air tools pull about 90Psi, They bleed of the air, is not like the air is in a closed system. Like if you had a Sander, you would have a constant Psi being blown out of it. My impact gun pulls 120psi, it takes at least my 30Gal tank to run it at a full 120psi. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
zeus60 Posted October 24, 2009 Share Posted October 24, 2009 How can a person work without electricity? I don't see how not having electricity is an advantage for a work area. I mean you need lights to see and for tools/ radio anyway. Airbrush artists who work at swap meets, art fairs, etc. may need to work without electricity. But you are right; no one's likely to work on models without it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jetdx Posted October 25, 2009 Share Posted October 25, 2009 I recieved a diaphram compressor for a gift so I have not even thought about using CO2. I have also put an inline water tramp but I have never seen any water in it (and I have used if for years). Working and living in AZ you/I don't have an issue with humidity. I can see that if you are in certain situations having CO2 would work best. If there is a problem with using a diaphram compressor I have figured a way to work through it and I don't know what that would be. I don't want to know what that problem is! I could imagine that there is issues with them. OK...that is all I am gonna say so I don't think about it anymore ...change the subject! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
terryt Posted October 25, 2009 Share Posted October 25, 2009 If you are looking for a CO2 setup try Lowe's: http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=prod...ssed+co2+bottle Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cunumdrum61 Posted November 4, 2009 Share Posted November 4, 2009 If you are thinking of using the CO2 and a cylinder consider going to Dry Nitrogen. I have been using it for years and the great thing about it is that it is a moistureless gas. You will never have to worry about moisture in your airbrush. For me it seems to mix better with the paint as well.I can consistantly spray at low pressues of about 8-10PSI. I also have a compresor but still prefer the Nigtrogen. Dry Nitrogen is non flammable so is safe. Do not know about the cost in the States though to refill the bottle. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Warlockpaul Posted November 4, 2009 Share Posted November 4, 2009 Never used a CO2 tank so I cannot really speak about that. I have been using a Campell Hausefeild compressor I picked up at Walmart for about $60 bucks 4 yrs ago. It has a 2 Gallon tank charges up to 100psi & has a regulator. I put a water trap in line due to the fact I live in a high humidity area of the States ( never seen a drop of water in the trap or the airbrush as long as I have had the compressor). It's pretty quiet compared to some when it kicks on but if I don't want to hear it kick on and off all the time I just charge it up & turn the motor off then spray away until I run out of the 100 psi in the main tank. I really don't need an electrical outlet unless I need to turn the motor on and charge her back up. I have had many a midnight spray session and never has it woke anybody up & my hobby room is right next to the bedroom that my lovely wife and I sleep in. I think it's probably the best $60 I have spent at a Walmart. Paul Quote Link to post Share on other sites
kenlilly106 Posted November 6, 2009 Share Posted November 6, 2009 Any bottled gas should be anhydrous (dry) if bottled correctly, the only way moisture can get into the gas stream is if there's a defect in the regulator or hose that would allow moisture-laden air to enter and mix with the gas. I've used CO2 for close to a decade, I'm not going back to a compressor again. Ken Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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