Airbrush moisture issues and CO2 question.

On top of your bottle purchase rental, all you really need is a regulator;

CO2 regulators (in the UK anyway) have a male thread, as opposed to most other bottles which have a female thread, so CO2 regulators are pretty specific. You should get a single stage single or twin guage unit, one the single guage unit, the guage shows the pressure output of the cylinder & on a twin guage the guages show output pressure & bottle pressure.

Be aware that the bottle pressure guage will not be of that much use to you, as the pressure in the CO2 bottle will remain relatively high until it is coming pretty close to running out, For this reason, if you can get a single guage regulator for less than a twin - go for the single. If you get the single, you can weigh the bottle when you get it & occasionally weigh it thereafter to get a better idea of what amount of CO2 you have left (remember to deduct the bottle weight though).

Other than the regulator, you will need a step down bush / reducer to allow you to connect your airbrush hose to the regulator & you will also need to find a method of securing the bottle to guarantee it doesn't fall over.

Other than that, remember that the bottle will contain a huge amount of potential energy & must be treated with respect (hence the bottle securing) & also remember that although CO2 is not toxic, it is an asphyxiant - so you must have adequate ventilation if you are using it for extended periods.

On the subject of your compressor, does it have a receiver fitted?

EDIT:- Sorry I forgot to mention price, a decent regulator should set you back about $70.

The bottle and valves come from the welding or beverage supplier from which you sourced your bottle setup. You'll end up with two regulators, one to drop the pressure down from the CO2  which then goes into the regulator that is the same which you use on a standard compressor, that you need to source at a that sells compressors and such accessories. Sometimes you can source one that will do the work of both...which is preferred. Again tell the CO2 supplier what you are planning they usually can help.

Swamp Cooler, tells me you live in a dry climate, as swamp cooler uses evaporation for cooling. I had one on our place in Montana for awhile. In that case you should pull your air for your compressor from outdoors where the humidity is lower. Setup your system so you can bring the air line in from outdoors, through a window to do your painting indoors.

In fact, you might consider one of those cheaper screen rooms people use for picnics and camping. That will give you a well ventilated, shady, insect free spot to paint. To keep the wind away, setup a three sided "booth" inside it. Take advantage of low humidity when and where you can.

HawkeyeHobbies

Swamp Cooler, tells me you live in a dry climate, as swamp cooler uses evaporation for cooling. I had one on our place in Montana for awhile. In that case you should pull your air for your compressor from outdoors where the humidity is lower. Setup your system so you can bring the air line in from outdoors, through a window to do your painting indoors.

Is it a dry climate? Let's see...I live in near Denver where we just tied a record for a high of 101 degrees and the humidity is currently at 6%. It has dropped now to a chilling 99 degrees. I think we are considered to be a semi-arid climate, if I remember correctly. I have had the cooler on since 7:30 this morning and as of right now, I got it down to 74 degrees inside, but the humidity is showing at around 55-60%.

I am well versed on swamp coolers as I worked at a home center that sold them, and all the parts to repair them. Plus I repair and maintain my own, my mothers, a neighbors and an ex-girlfriends until she got married and moved away. The biggest complaint about them is the ramped up humidity as they rust tool, warp doors and woodwork, and even reek havoc on electronic equipment.

I have considered trying to pipe in some fresh outside air to my compressor, but will have to give that some more thought.

I purchased my regulator and CO2 tank from the local welding supply store for around $200.  As a weekend modeler, I only have to swap out my tank about once every 18-24 months for a cost of around $18.  Given the noise and moisture hassles associated with compressors, and the cost of the electricity, I don't think their only-slightly-lower up front cost makes them a better value than a CO2 setup in the long run.  Painting is the most difficult part of modeling for me, and consequently I have decided to spend a bit more on a high quality airbrush and CO2 air supply so only my skills (or lack of them) hold me back, not my equipment.

Tom