Field expedient compressors?

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Painting and airbrushing
1

Hey lads,

I was wondering if anyone has any ‘cheapo’ methods of propelling your airbrushes.

My old-faithfull compressor is on the scrap heap and i need a cheap temporary replacement, im also quite curious as to what people have used now and in the past.

The cost of new and used compressors in the UK range from $70 to $300, and the fiance doesnt want me spending that much yet (weve got the holiday abroad were saving for).

Lets see how creative, outstanding, astonishing and amusing the replies are eh![:)][:0][xx(][:(]

Regards

2

A friend here uses old propane tanks with new fittings. He compresses them up at a gas station, and they last him a few days. He does have a regulator tho…

3

You could buy a cheap air tank and fill it at the gas station.

The only problem is that you might run out of air in the middle of a project. I guess you could buy two if you wanted.

I believe you can rent C02 tanks from a welding supply, so you might look into that also, although I am not sure what that would cost.

Mike

4

A cheap air tank, regulator, and filter is pretty economical. I had a guy tell me an old refrigarator compressor will do the job! No personal experiance with that suggestion though.

5

I agree with Mike, get a portable air tank and fill 'er up. Add a regulator and moisture trap and you’re on your way.

6

How about some kinda foot-operated bellows hooked up to a storage tank??
Sounded silly when I thought of it, but ya never know…might work!

7

I use a fridge compressor hooked to an air tank. Quite economical and very quite. If you want ultra cheap, take the spare tire out of your car and fill it up to it’s max pressure. Hook an airbrush and regulator up and away you go. The air might not be the ‘cleanest’, but it will work.

M.