Compressor alternatives?

I recently purchased an Aztek brush in order to learn and get a feel for modeling with one. However, a dedicated compressor is a little out of my reach and I want something more substantial than Testors cans of compressed air. I’ve thought of a compressed air tank like one my girlfriend’s uncle bought from an automotive department (by Midwestern Products).

Would something like that work if I attached a regulator to it, and where could I find a regulator? If a tank like those used for soda fountains is more sufficient, how much would it cost to buy or rent one? If there are other alternatives, what are they, how much are they and how good are they?

I spent @$200.00 on a air cylinder and regulator for it at a industrial gas supplier store. You can also rent from these places, but I don’t know the fees.

HTH,
Mark

Thanks, Mark. I’ve had my eye on a Midwestern Products 7-gallon portable air tank, which sell for under $20. What I wonder is if it would work okay with an airbrush. I believe that the manager of my local Hobby Town had said that those generally worked well; he said he even used an inner tube for his airbrush during his youth, but had a few moisture problems. What I wonder is if the tank would work and if a regulator may fit on it.

One of those tanks would work with modifications I think. It would also need a moisture trap

Mark

Great. My gf’s uncle also said I could rig both a regulator and moisture trap for the cylinder.

when I was a poor boy I use to use a truck tire my dad rigged up when low I would roll it to the gas station down the block.

I used to use one of those portable tanks with the regulator and they work fine. With a lot of color changes and cleanings, I went through a tank pretty fast. Most hardware stores should carry everything you need. You might want to take your airbrush hose with you as you’ll probably need an adapter between the regulator & hose.

You sir get the record for resurrection of a zombie thread! 11 years!

I remember my first airbrush back in the 60’s came with an attachment to fit a tire. Lets just say my mom never did figure out why one of the brand new tires on her car went flat!!!

For mud effects requiring an air source, I use my 12 volt tire inflating device, along with a Testors glue tip (which happens to be the exact same size as a Schrader valve stem). For the chipping technique involving an acrylic paint applied over hairspray, I use Montana Gold’s line of acrylic rattle can sprays. And for the application of enamel washes and filters over my rattle can enamel base coats, I also use either Montana Gold’s acrylic gloss or matte clear, as the protective coat. I refuse to get an airbrush for personal reasons, and like the challenge of utilizing alternative products and techniques. The main draw back with this reasoning, however, is the inability to mix different shades of one color, when applying the modulation technique, or when a very specific mix of colors is required, to duplicate a shade that is very peculiar to a particular armor. I have not reached that point yet, and for now, I’ll continue to model sans compressor and airbrush.