One alternative to canned air OR a compressor is to invest in a compressed air tank like this one: http://homerepair.about.com/od/toolsmaterialsyouneed/ss/airtank.htm You can fill it from a buddy's compressor. Be sure to use only clear air; I wouldn't fill it at the local service station lest it be contaminated with oil from their compressor. Most compressors used for painting have a filter to remove any oil from the air stream. A moderate portable tank should last a pretty long time at the usual pressures, AND it is quiet. I have a compressor but I also use my tank, with a filter and regulator, because I can get a whole night's painting done and not wake the house. I don't know how many cans of air you'd need to buy before you broke even on the cost of a tank. So, take this advice for what its worth.
If you have any interest in doing castings,I kinda combined an air tank with a pressure pot. I have a spray booth and a compressor at my bike shop for painting small stuff,I do most of my airbrushing there,but once in a while,I get something masked off for a second color or some such thing over the weekend,and I don't feel like running to my shop to finish it.I put a regulator on my pressure pot I use for castings,and I fill it with a cheapie emergency tire compressor I got at Harbor Freight.I can usually paint 2 complete locos one color with one tank full..
If you want an all-in-one kit both Iwata and Paasche offer good combos that include airbrush, compressor and accessories. Here are links to a couple: Paasche VL New! Paasche VL Versitile Starter Set Iwata Revolution Iwata Revolution Airbrush w/ Sprint Jet Compressor Either of those would serve you well. My setup is a Badger 200 that I've had for 20+ years and an inexpensive Harbor Freight compressor. Have my sights set on a nicer compressor, but just not in the budget right now.
Check out flea markets for compressors..You'd never believe where I got one of mine.Around 25 years ago,I was at a neighbors house,he sold stuff at flea markets..There sat a compressor.Looked at it,bought it for five bucks.It was the same exact compressor as one that Badger still sells to this day,but it was brown and tan,and said "bunn" on it..It was from a restaurant coffee maker!!!I still use it to this day...
Does anyone know about the Master Performance brand? I found this while doing a search Untitled Document
