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Co2 option

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  • Member since
    February 2012
Co2 option
Posted by 72westy on Monday, September 17, 2012 5:45 AM

I'm leaning toward the Co2 as an option as opposed to a compressor. What size bottle would be preferred? How long would a single bottle last (given whatever size)? As for the regulator/gauge is that something I can get thru the CO2 supplier? How about the tank fitting for an airbrush? Any ballpark figures for cost? I'm in the Seattle area.

Much appreciated,

Jim

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Cameron, Texas
Posted by Texgunner on Monday, September 17, 2012 2:04 PM

Jim, I'm quite happy with my CO2 setup.  I lease two bottles.  I believe they are 30 pound size, at any rate they are about 24" tall and 8" diameter.  I bought the regulator/gauges at the welding supply store.  I seem too recall that was around $100.  I'm not sure because it has been 5 or 6 years, maybe more.  The yearly lease runs about $40 for each and refills are around $14 each.  I know that a compressor might be cheaper in the long run, but I really enjoy the quiet, moisture-free "air".   I never have to worry with a moisture-trap, or wait for the humidity to drop as I did when I used a compressor.   I don't think I would ever return to a compressor after using the gas.  I think you'll be glad too.

Gary


"All you mugs need to get busy building, and post pics!"

  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Virginia
Posted by Wingman_kz on Monday, September 17, 2012 8:42 PM

Gary, do you have to use a two stage regulator? Any estimate on how long a bottle lasts?

Tony

            

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Cameron, Texas
Posted by Texgunner on Monday, September 17, 2012 10:35 PM

No Tony, I believe this is the model I have, or at least the current version:

http://www.bettymills.com/shop/product/view/Western%20Enterprises/WSE312-REB-4-3.html?source=froogle2&utm_source=froogle2&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=parts&utm_keyword=WSE312-REB-4-3&utm_content=Facility&gclid=CLbIifCXvrICFaOaPAod-gwA0A

As to how long a bottle lasts...well, that would depend on several variables, ie. how big the model is, how many times one has to paint it (in my case, sometimes that's more than once, lol), etc.  I would guess that you could paint 3 or 4 1/48 scale fighters.  I try to be conservative with my air brush clean up in order to save the gas too.  I decided to lease a second bottle so I could be sure of having a back up bottle when one ran out.  Which reminds me that I need to take an empty in for an exchange/fill up.  Best regards, Gary


"All you mugs need to get busy building, and post pics!"

  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Virginia
Posted by Wingman_kz on Tuesday, September 18, 2012 11:16 AM

Thanks Gary.

            

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Cameron, Texas
Posted by Texgunner on Tuesday, September 18, 2012 11:23 AM

Wingman_kz

Thanks Gary.

You're welcome!


"All you mugs need to get busy building, and post pics!"

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