Airbrush (more like a spray gun) - propellant usage?

Hey Raven, assuming it's the same system I have on my Badger a/b & propellant cans, no, you will not lose any propellant when you disconnect.

(there is a fitting that screws onto the can itself, then turning the little dial pushes the actual connector into the can - you'll her a little "puff" sound when it breaks thru.)

OK thanks.  I just tried it and yes it does seem to work fine that way.

I guess the can itself has a one way valve in it that is depressed when you screw the plastic cap and the metal "regulator" on.

Think I need to invest in a compressor though, the can of propellant that came with the kit doesn't seem to be lasting very long...

Yes, you need to get some sort of compressor and, if not included with the compressor, a regulator.  The big problem with the cans is that in use they cool drastically and the cooling drops the pressure.  Thus the pressure drops drastically within a single painting session.  I tried stabilizing the pressure by sticking the can in a big pan of water.  Doesn't help- it will eventually freeze all the water in the pan if you spray very long :-(

Even a cheapie compressor is better than the cans.

Get a compressor with a regulator,  you won't be sorry.  If you live near a harbor freight tools they carry a hobby airbrush compressor for around $80.     If you don't have a harbor freight nearby look around for a Michaels, or A.C. Moore and consider buying one of theirs with a 40% or 50% off coupon you can find in fliers in the local papers..  but you will want to make sure you get one with a regulator. (or buy seperate)

Thanks for the advice guys.

Thing is I live in the UK.  And we tend to get ripped off on "hobby" tools (you could say that about anything in the UK though) and generally speaking in my area there is a distinct lack of hobby shops and the only hardware stores we have are large superstores such as B&Q and they are more DIY than hobby.  The average price for a compressor that I've seen is £70 on the web, roughly $106.

I have found this on Amazon though, it's only £50 (roughly $76) - www.amazon.co.uk/.../ref=sr_1_6

Any good?

Raven

Fellow UK modeler here. Looking at the one in yoyur link I wouldn't get that one. Have a look at

www.amazon.co.uk/.../ref=pd_sim_sbs_diy_7

I have its big brother which is a dual cylinder and it works fine for me. You may need to get an adapter to get it to fit the hose, check with the Airbrush Supply Company which is where I got my adapter from. The problem you can have a single piston conmpressor is they can pulse a bit (whihc is why I got the dual cylinder). You can have a look at Ebay as they will sometimes have some used ones or a bit cheaper then Amazon. Any questions let us know sure someone can help

Phil

Thanks.

Funnily I was just browsing Amazon and came across the exact same page you've posted the link to.  Lol.

On Amazon there is also Badger 1/8" to 1/4" adapter so I should be OK to fit my Badger 250 to it.

Take a look at this one, you will appreciate the air tank.

www.amazon.co.uk/.../279-8688801-9624846