Have a CO2 tank for airbrushing?

Milairjunkie

As well as transportation, storage in situ needs to be thought out (secure, safe & away from heat). Users also need to be aware of the dangers of CO2 itself, which although not toxic it is an asphyxiant - ventilation needs to be satisfactory during use & the flow needs to be guaranteed, 100% closed when finished.

Ah, good points, junkie!

Well, I'm a satisfied CO2 user.  It works great for me.  I do rent two 20lb. bottles @ $49 per year each. Last week while at the welding supply store to pick up a full bottle, I inquired about buying instead of leasing.  They were available for around $180. I'm still undecided about that option.

I did have an occasion when I picked up a faulty bottle.   I guess the valve leaked because the bottle was empty after a couple weeks with only a little use.  I returned the bottle, exchanged for another full one and went about my way.  Our home must not be that "airtight" because we suffered no ill effects from the lost CO2.  As for the exploded car, do we have any details about how that happened?  I transport my bottles in the trunk of my car, on their sides.  Flirting with disaster? Lol, I doubt it.  I ain't afraid.

Well, I need to get to work.  I'm brushing alkyd (oil-based) enamel on bathroom cabinets and trim today.  I'll probably open up a few windows and doors because I'm turning the air-conditioning off while painting-can't have all those dust particles all stirred up and settling on my fresh enamel!   Oh, the smell?  Mmmm...there's nothing like fresh enamel.  Seriously, what's a little odor when you can have a beautiful paint job that lasts?  Later dudes, Gary.

Watchmann

If you are considering buying one; they have a useful life of about 10 years, and should have an expiration date stamped into the top of the tank.  They need to have a hydrostatic test to look for cracks or leaks when refilled.  It might be best to rent one from your local gas supplier.

The norm in the UK / Europe is rental & I'm not even sure if you can purchase outright... Renting is the way to go as you never have to worry about the condition of the bottle.

As well as transportation, storage in situ needs to be thought out (secure, safe & away from heat). Users also need to be aware of the dangers of CO2 itself, which although not toxic it is an asphyxiant - ventilation needs to be satisfactory during use & the flow needs to be guaranteed, 100% closed when finished.

I do find it quite disturbing that some users have "lost" a bottle of CO2 after not closing the valve properly, especially when some of these bottle are stored within a domestic setting!  

Err,after seeing that photo, I'll stick with my little ol' air compressor!  Holy cow!

If you are considering buying one; they have a useful life of about 10 years, and should have an expiration date stamped into the top of the tank.  They need to have a hydrostatic test to look for cracks or leaks when refilled.  It might be best to rent one from your local gas supplier.

They can be dangerous to transport.  They should be transported tied, in an upright position, in the back of a truck, not in the trunk of a car.

Otherwise, they are great.  NO moisture, no noise.

m@

The CO2 is mainly liquid in the cylinder but the portion at the top of the tank is gaseous & it's this portion that's drawn off from a gaseous CO2 bottle. Conversely if a liquid CO2 tank is specified, it's fitted with a dip tube that goes nearly to the bottom of the cylinder & draws only liquid. The majority of bottles are for gaseous CO2.

What sizes are available depends on where you are - in the UK 22 (50x14cm), 44 (87x20cm) & 99 Kg (150x23cm) bottles are available, the 44 Kg is the best bet here as the 22 is more expensive & the 99 too big.

How often a refill is needed is like the length of a string - All I can say is that they do last a reasonable time.

Get a single stage CO2 regulator & try to specify a PSI output gauge if possible, CO2 bottles have a specific thread on them & require a specific CO2 regulator - welding supply outlets are generally the best place to get these.