Plano Guy Posted October 29, 2011 Share Posted October 29, 2011 My 27 year old Badger pump is about on it's last breath of paint. It's time to start looking for a new one. I'm on a budget due to medical expenses but would like to be able to get a good one that has a pressure regulator. I was at Sears getting tires put on my wife's car when I noticed they were selling small electric pumps that are for emergency tire inflation. One of them was under $60.00! I was wondering if anyone has ever adapted one of these to airbrush use and if they are any good. Also, I would like to hear of other solutions or ideas that others have come up with. I would sure love to get one of those great Passche, Testor or Badger pumps as I do believe in supporting our local hobby shops and model products, but for now I need a less expensive option to brige me across the budget crunch. Any ideas? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
CanadaMoe Posted October 29, 2011 Share Posted October 29, 2011 (edited) Hello PG, I don't think those little pumps can give a constant pressure, they tend to pump out the air in pulses. I use something similar to the this compressor Hope this helps. Good luck on your project. Edited October 29, 2011 by CanadaMoe Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mlicari Posted October 29, 2011 Share Posted October 29, 2011 (edited) If you're REALLY in a budget crunch, take the spare tire from your car and use a valve adapter...they're about $5.50. Here's a link...scroll down to the Badger spare tire valve adapter. http://www.tcpglobal.com/airbrushdepot/abbadhose.aspx Mike Edited October 29, 2011 by mlicari Quote Link to post Share on other sites
KursadA Posted October 29, 2011 Share Posted October 29, 2011 (edited) My suggestion is: 1. Go to this address and print the coupons. 2. Drive here: this is probably the closest Harbor Freight to you. 3. Buy this compressor for $49.95 using the coupon. You won't be disappointed. Edited October 29, 2011 by KursadA Quote Link to post Share on other sites
rm20886 Posted October 29, 2011 Share Posted October 29, 2011 Hello PG, I don't think those little pumps can give a constant pressure, they tend to pump out the air in pulses. I use something similar to the this compressor Hope this helps. Good luck on your project. I agree with CanadMoe, the little flat tire compressors don`t work very well at all. I use the exact compressor found in the link provide above. The only addition I would recomend is a water trap. Rob Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mike C Posted October 29, 2011 Share Posted October 29, 2011 I've been using something like this for close to 2 years now, and still going strong. Never had any issues with it. I have another one that looks almost identical to the one above, but with air tank, which I bought about 6 months ago as spare. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jinro Posted October 29, 2011 Share Posted October 29, 2011 My suggestion is: 1. Go to this address and print the coupons. 2. Drive here: this is probably the closest Harbor Freight to you. 3. Buy this compressor for $49.95 using the coupon. You won't be disappointed. That's the exact compressor I got at the Harbor Freight Tools store down the street. It's about as loud as a vacuum cleaner and takes about 2-3 minutes to get up to 100psi, but it works great. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
viper730 Posted October 29, 2011 Share Posted October 29, 2011 (edited) Habor Freight has This also...It's almost identical to the one's Iwata has their name on nd sell for 179.00..It's ULTRA Quiet and performs very well ..I say it's perfect for Model building applications.. Edited October 29, 2011 by viper730 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Plano Guy Posted October 29, 2011 Author Share Posted October 29, 2011 Wow! What a great bunch of responses. I knew I was going to the right people for advise. Thanks to all of you. I never expected advise to come with directions and coupons. You guys rock! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Boomstick Posted October 29, 2011 Share Posted October 29, 2011 This is a pretty good deal. I'm thinking of buying this myself. My AC is old and I need an extra airbrush. Kit Quote Link to post Share on other sites
rm20886 Posted October 29, 2011 Share Posted October 29, 2011 This is a pretty good deal. I'm thinking of buying this myself. My AC is old and I need an extra airbrush. Kit That sure looks like a great deal. Man, I remember when buying a small compressor at the LHS would cost $200 - $300. Airbrushing was for the rich and famous back then. Rob Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mike C Posted October 29, 2011 Share Posted October 29, 2011 I remember when buying a small compressor at the LHS would cost $200 - $300. Airbrushing was for the rich and famous back then. That's still the case here in Oz. AC easily costs over AU$300 at LHS. That's why I never buy from LHS. eBay is my close friend... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
pastafarian Posted October 29, 2011 Share Posted October 29, 2011 I bought my airbrush and compressor at Harbor Freight. I have the pancake compressor, works great. Airbrush from there was $15 and is terrific! John Quote Link to post Share on other sites
cook7997 Posted October 30, 2011 Share Posted October 30, 2011 I also have this compressor from Harbor Freight. It's been going strong for 3-4 years. http://www.harborfreight.com/1-8-eighth-hp-40-psi-oilless-airbrush-compressor-93657.html I bought an airbrush on ebay for around $20 and it works great. I would suggest it to anyone on a budget and I believe it would be much better than the Harbor Freight airbrushes. Here is a link to a similar one that's on ebay right now. Cheaper than what I payed. http://www.ebay.com/itm/0-3mm-Spray-DUAL-ACTION-Trigger-Airbrush-Gun-Nail-Art-Paint-Kit-/130590906030?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e67d316ae Just my $.02 worth. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jinro Posted October 30, 2011 Share Posted October 30, 2011 Man, I should have gotten that quieter one when I went. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ChippyWho Posted October 30, 2011 Share Posted October 30, 2011 May I direct you to this thread, Gentlemen: My link The Sparmax item is very decently made and kinda oozes quality beyond its modest price! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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