I was wondering if I can use an electric air compressor to airbrush my model planes? The kind that you use to inflate tires, pools, etc.I’m a modeler on a very strict budget and usually use bottled or spray can paint but want better results. HEPL![8]
didfal,
As long as you have a decent air pressure regulator and water trap in-line with the airbrush, I don’t see why not. I use a general purpose Campbell-Hausfeld compressor with a 2-gallon air tank, and it works great. This compressor can be bought at Wal-Mart for less than $100, and it comes with a regulator. The only thing you have to add is the water trap. Just make sure that you have some kind of pressure regulator on your compressor.
difal,
you can pretty much use anything that produces air… as long as you use a regulator, you need know what the optimum air pressure is for your brush. I also recomend a water trap…
also, check out the aorbrush forum, there are a ton of good tips in there…
also, adapting may the hose to your airbrush may be a small problem, however a good hardware store should havewhat you would nead. Another question would be air delivery, CFM, make sure that little compessor can supply enough CFM.
Then it’s just trial and error… Try it out on some scrap wood or cardboard or something and see how it works…
Hope this helps!!!
just to let ya know, my first experience whith air compressor with an air brush was a Sears 6HP compressor(the big ones) I just adjusted the air pressure WAYdown… it worked fine… Except for the noise 
…
6HP thats a beast!!!, am thinking of a either 1,5 or 2,5 HP and looks huge…
industrial compressors cry for space which i dont have…
I’m new to the airbrush scene, so take what I say with a grain of salt. Yes use a water trap/ seperator. A limited budget? You can find used a one pretty cheap in classifieds. But make sure it’s non-oil type. Good luck. Bob
I know a lot of poeple hate using Ebay, but, I have found some really good deals there on airbrushes and compressors and combo kits. I got a good deal a month ago there on 2 Badger 350’s and 1 Badger 150 combination kit. I got all three for $35.00
These weren’t actually Badger name brushes, but copies that after using them work every bit as good as my old Badgers. I saw some comination airbrush and compressor kits for under $80.00 there as well.
I like using e-bay, i buy alot of models and model parts from there, plus i sell a bit also…
Thanks guys for all the info. It will be a big help making better models.
This ‘Forum’ thingy is great and supplies immediate answers to solve problems.
Thanks, again.
Regulator, regulator…Does anyone know where I can get one?