What kinda of compreser would I need?

[maddevildog]

Im going to try airbrushing, and im looking into Iwata airbrushes, what else do I need to get started? Thanks, DJ

[Phil Manro]

Unless you have some money to burn, you don't need a hobby compressor. I have this one and it works great (a little louder than a hobby compressor, but not too bad):

http://content.sears.com/data/product_images/009/15310/00915310000-dlv.jpg

...$99 at sears. You'll also need a moisture trap ($12).

Also you will need some paint, cleaner, a respirator (3M disposable masks are ok, about $3 ea), Liquid Mask or vinyl masks for designs, airbrush hose, a quick disconnect is also handy, x-acto knife(s), tape, brush assortment, sharpie marker, scissors, paper towels (lots of them), a couple french curves for creating designs, and a whole lot of patience. I buy most of my stuff from www.dixieart.com and www.towerhobbies.com.

I am sure I missed some things, but this is a good start,

Phil

[Courtney]

What about using the canisters of compressed air they sell at Hobby Lobby? How many paint jobs will they work for and has anyone ever use one? Figure this way I could spread out a bit of expenses over a few months.

[Dan J]

Courtney,
You're really not going to do better than $100, but if you need to do canned air try the article by HM. I don't have the link but I just posted it on another thread in this section.



For the air filter, I'd buy the bigger one for ~$20. The small one probably wouldn't work well with air tools which is what I primarily use my compressor for. Even though you're buying a compressor just for AB, you'll be buying air tools before long.

dan

[Phil Manro]

IMHO, save the money you would spend on cans to get the compressor. At $12 a 14 oz can, you only need to go through 8 cans to pay for the compressor. And the air consistency will NOT be there.

I would recommend using spray paint over the compressed air if you want an interim solution. But that just my opinion.

Phil

[Piggy89373]

For the most part, I can only second everyone elses comments, except for air masks. Don't cheese yourself out and buy crappy masks. Take the time, buy good quality carbon filter masks. They may cost you 20-30 bucks, but IMO, my health is worth it.

Phil, glad to see I wasn't the only one who took advantage of the sale. :D