Noob airbrushing advice

[Crunch]

Hey guys, with my birthday coming up next weekend, the minister of war and finance has been looking at air compressors for me. She found this one on Ebay and on paper it compares well to the more expensive brands, which honestly at the moment are out of reach.
Artlogic Mini Air Compressor - Single Cylinder - eBay, Other Toys, Hobbies, Toys, Hobbies. (end time 12-Oct-08 08:32:02 AEST)

Has anyone used these or know anything about it? It seems like a pretty generic brand/make.

Whats the difference between a "good" and a "crap" air compressor anyway? I have some experience with larger compressors from fiddling with cars, but not the mini variety.

Honestly, if I get 12 months usage out of it, I'll be happy. By then I'll be planning on upgrading anyway. If I need to...

 

[109ROAMING]

The one in the link looks identicle to mine

I'm not an expericenced modeller only made one model with the compressor

All I can say is I'm happy with it ,soomeone with experience with different types maybe able to help you out better

 

[Switcha]

I know nothing about those compressors but I would get a compressor with a built in tank if possible. That way it will take out any pulsating in the airflow which can be a problem with those cheap compessors. If you really want something cheap for only 12 months I went to the local hardware store bought a large compressor a regulator, then built a wooden box around it to stop the noise until I could afford a good hobby compressor. That way I ended up with a large compessor for other work

 

[muller]

It's similar to the cheapo one I just got. It seems to be fine, again, I've no experience with more expensive types. But it runs ok, its fairly quiet and with no noticable pulsating in the air supply.

 

[Airframes]

Agree with Muller etc. As long as there's no pulsing, and preferably with an air regulator, which that one has, it should be O.K. I very recently bought an even simpler one, without regulator, though one can be added, for the same reasons as you, and with the same thoughts about use/life. So far, having used it about 6 times, it's been brilliant. As I said in my thread on compressor deals, most compressors used by modellers are only utilised to about 25% of their design capacity, if that, as the original designs were for such uses as graphics studios (continuous use), hence the relatively high cost. Balance that against the ACTUAL use you are going to put it to, and there's nothing wrong with 'cheaper' compressors. We may have to thank the 'beauty parlour' trade for that, as it seems that's how many of the newer, lower priced units are becoming available. The main thing in the link here is the airbrush itself; however expensive or 'cheap' it is, cleaning and maintenance are vital, in order to prevent erratic performance, spattering etc. Finally, any compressor (within reason) that gives continous pressure and trouble free use, has got to be A) better, and B) more cost-effective than those b****y propellant cans!!!

 

[Crunch]

A late thanks for the advice guys.

Well the day arrived (Happy birthday to me) and she's surprised me and gone out and got me a Sparmax AC27! She went to my model shop and spoke to the guys, and apparently they didn't push her into it, but spent the time going through the pros and cons of each and let her decide. She said they were so great and more than happy to help. How's this, she wasn't able to pick it up in time so they even drove it up to her work for free, which is a good half hour from the shop! On top of that, they offered for me to go around to one of their houses, at any time, to give me a few one on one lessons, no charge and purely out of the goodness of their hearts!

These guys are awesome, they've been soooo helpful to me in the last few months that I've been getting back into modelling and now that's just extending out way beyond their shop. If only all customer service people were this good!

So hugest props to Gosford Hobbies - Central Coast Hobby Specialists - I'm good with words, but really can't express my gratitude enough!

And thanks to my girlfriend, for making every day special and my special day awesome!

 

[109ROAMING]

Sound like Good guys

Glad your happy!

 

[Airframes]

That's great! It's nice when people help because they want to, so enjoy the compressor, oh, and your birthday! HBDTY.

 

[machine shop tom]

So hugest props to Gosford Hobbies - Central Coast Hobby Specialists - I'm good with words, but really can't express my gratitude enough!

And thanks to my girlfriend, for making every day special and my special day awesome!

I was thinking about giving some business to Gosfordhobbies, then I realized that they are a loooonnnnggg way from Michigan.

Make sure you treat that girl right!

tom

 

[Vossy]

Really Awesome!!!

Wish I had a great hobby shop like that in my area! Wife sounds like a real Winner and sweety too!

 

[Matt308]

This eBay pic is exactly like my compressor (not the airbrush). It is about 30yo, unregulated and cheap as they come. And I'd be willing to bet that I've made more models over the years than most on this forum. [You know it is a sad statement to have made so many models and made so little artistic progress ] Bottomline is you don't need $hundreds invested in a compressor to make quality models.

 

[Airframes]

Amen to that, Matt!

 

[Lucky13]

It's NOT the airbrush or compressor....it's the git that's using them.