Update for those leaning towards CO2

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Painting and airbrushing
1

Hi all,

I’ve been away from the forum lately (like 3 or 4 months)…

Mainly to actually try out the tips, techniques, etc. that I’ve gleaned from the more experienced among us…I have to say, thanks, everyone! My skills have definitely gone up a couple of notches due to y’alls tutelage.[:D[

I finally set up my airbrush system, a Paasche Millenium, powered by a typical CO2 tank, actually from Pepsi - I have a buddy who owns a restaurant, he set me up with the bottle ($60 deposit, $14 refill).

I have finished one build, a Tamiya 1/48 Bf-109E-4, BOB colors…

That was a great build…

However, I only had the system up & running for the final camo scheme…

Anyway, to make a long story short,

-The P. Millenium is a great 'brush…

-The regulator I purchased was from a home-brew website, $43, w/ shipping

-CO2, if you have access to refills is fantastic; No noise, absolutely constant air pressure, no worries regarding moisture (I.E. spitting, etc.)

-One con: I have no idea when the bottle will run out - probably at the most opportunistic time for the tank, not me…I bought a dual-gauge reg., mainly because it was cheaper than a single[:^)]. I realize now that the reg. will show 800psi until it’s almost out…BOOM! empties within minutes, I’m told.

The whole set-up ended up costing me around 220 bucks, all done & said.

I’ll never go back to a compressor…

I’ve started a Tam. 1/48 Spitfire(Mk.Vb Trop) and have used the airbrush more so far than brushes for the first time. Playing with the pressure-paint-thinner combination is fun, but a little daunting.

Just my [2cnts]

2

Hmmm, sounds like a good reason for a second tank. I mean, you sure don’t want to run out right in the middle of something. evil grin

Seriously though, if I had the $ I’d probably go with CO2. I like my little compressor and it’s portable but the silence of a tank would be nice.

Tony

3

Hello HSteve,

Thanks for the report on CO2; I was thinking using CO2 for a long time but almost all the modellers I’ve met were for compressor. I would choose CO2 option for “no sound” and “low maintenance”. Now, after your report, I’ll definetely go for it.

Cem.

4

You are perfectly correct regarding the “contents” guage of the regulator, it shows bottle pressure, which will remain pretty constant until near the end.

If you weigh you full bottle when you get it & subtract the bottle weight, you are left with the weight of CO2, occasional weighings after this will indicate where abouts you are. Regular CO2 bottles (in the UK anyway) come with about 6Kg of CO2 in them, your gas supplier should be able to tell you the cylinder weight so you can figure out what you have left.

Out of interest, what is the output / flow guage on your regulator calibrated in?

5

Both Tank & low pressure dials are in both BAR/ psi, 0-4 Bar(0-60psi)…

The screw adjustment on the reg is very accurate, and only a 1/4 turn can adjust the output pressure quite a small amount, around 3psi per 1/4 turn…

6

Wingman, that’s a good idea re: 2nd tank…I’ve been told that an average tank can last up to 1 year or more, so I’m not in a huge rush (yet)…

7

HSteve,

I’m in the same boat. Just upgraded my 'brush, didn’t have fittings to my 70’s era compressor. I had a CO2 setup from one of my other hobbies (Homebrewing) and after a trip to the local hardware store (the big box couldn’t help me - praise for the local yes?!!) and a whopping expenditure of less than $ 5.00, I was connected up to CO2 as my power.

All I can say is wow! What a pleasant surprise, no rattle clap trap, no stress, just quiet even painting pleasure.

Best, Fran

8

Fran, I’m thinking,

1 - There are now 2 converts to CO2.

2 - Two people talking is a conspiracy.

3 - CO2 is really the most efficient method, as we both know.

4 - What 'brush are you using? I love my Millennium, just fishing for other opinions.

5 - 8 people converted to CO2 could be construed as a movement.

6 - My other hobby is planted aquariums (submerged plants love extra CO2), so when I set up the dream tank, good to go already.

7 - I honestly try to shop locally for just about everything, incl. groceries (NOT @ Whole Foods). I’ve purchased a bunch of supplies online, but I like to see the kit box in my sweaty hands…[:P]

90% of the time, when I’m at my LHS I’ll pick up a kit just for the H*ll of it-

8- 12 people converted could considered a revolution - think about it…[2cnts]

9 - 9 - 12 - That’s all I’ve got.

Cheers,

Steve

9

Hmmm, I’m torn between Jefferson Airplane’s Volunteers of America and Public Enemy’s Fight the Power…

But, don’t want to go political…

So, like I said before, the Sounds of Silence are more and more appealing. When I can afford it(insert RunDMC’s Hard Times), I may join the revolution.

Tony