spray booths

I use an artograph 1520. I consider it to be a little underpowered (rattle cans and opening the brush all the way up are both out because you get plumes of paint coming back out), but it seems to be reasonably quiet and about the right size for what I build (if your F-14 is 1/48, it will be a tight fit) . I also like the fact that it's a downdraft model, meaning the air is sucked out the bottom of the unit.

The 1520 starts off with a cardboard hood; I'd recommend spending the extra bucks for the metal hood, which has a plexiglas window in the top to allow light in. (last I heard, the 1530, a larger model, only comes with the metal hood)

The 1520 appears to be marketed under different names (and higher prices, though they typically toss in the metal hood) by Micromark and Testors, among others. I got the booth itself from Bearair, and the hood later from Madison Art supplies. I lucked out in that including shipping, buying the pieces separately was cheaper than buying them together. Of course, that was more than a year ago and prices have changed since.

Good luck.

I have the Artograph 1530 and it includes a metal hood with a large pexiglass cover for lighting. I haven't used rattle cans with it yet so I don't know how it would perform with them, but otherwise I've not had an issue with it removing fumes, etc. It's also quite quiet (much more than my compressor). Like the 1520, it's a downdraft design. It's also able to (theoretically, at least) operate with no outside venting due to its filtration system, but I still always use a respirator. I've found it large enough for 1/48 fighters and 1/72 bombers. All in all, I'm very pleased with it.

There are several places to purchase it. I got mine from dixieart.com.

There are other brands out there, and also the option of building your own booth if you so chose. Other folks can give you the details on that.

Mark

Alternatively, you can build one to custom fit whereever you will be using it. Depending on materials that you might have lying around it might not cost too much. But whether or not you buy one or build one, I do highly recommend getting one.

i use a spraybooth by Pace industries. I searched around and thought this was the best. Is the largest, has a built in light, extended work tray on the front and uses ordinary furnaces filters. I vented this one out my basement window. Now that have used it for a couple of builds, sure beats the cardboard box and no fumes in the house from enamel paints.

I built my own. It is big enough to hold almost anything I want to build (Except a B-36, or a B-52. It only cost about $100 to get what I wanted. It is white in & out & I have a roll of heavy, shiny, crystal clear palstic that gets tacked up inside to catch overspray. I also have a couple of mirror pieces I can put in to see all around, and a 12' diameter "lazy susan" which enables me to turn a model while working on it w/o touching it. I have it on a Kitchen cart from Home Depot which makes it moveable, and lets me keep the airbrush & compressor stored together.
Good luck
Bruce

Like Bruce, I built mine using particle boards and a Dayton "squirrel cage" blower. rated at 265CFM, it is more than enough for usual airbrushing needs. I put a furnace filter on the back panel and routed the blower output to an air dryer duct. Very simple, costs less than $100 total, and is far superior to any hobby booth.

I bought the blower on Ebay, they come up regularly and should not cost more than $50 shipped for a 4C447 model in near new condition. Here is one currently for auction that shoudl not sell for more than $20 + shipping:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=20598&item=5951440879&rd=1

I'm in the process of building a spraybooth with parts that I have purchased locally. I'm using Graingers 4C445 blower motor, which is rated at 495cfm. I'm building a knock down type so I can store it if need be. The wood for the booth was purchased at Home Depot. It's pre-cut 2'x2'x1/4". The sides and back are connected together using a piano hinge. I'm putting cleats on the bottom & top, which will enable everything to slide together. I'm also installing an under the counter light to the top of the booth for my lighting. I've spent $150.00 and change (most of it being the motor) and its looking pertty good.

Just use a boxfan, they are cheap and they move huge amounts of air.
Put a furnace filter in front of it and you are set.

Mike

cbreeze, where did you find that spray booth?? I tried looking for info & couldn't locate any. Thanks.

transblu,

Here is the link www.pacepaintbooths.com/pace If you have any more problems, let me know. The one I have is the Peace Keeper.

Chuck B.

do you have the mini or the deluxe?? how is the lighting?? would you be able to fit something like a 1/32 tomcat in there?? thanks Chuck.

transblu,

The one I have is the Peace Keeper. It is the largest one he makes and I believe, only offered in one version. It came with built in lights and light bulbs which were also provided, removable work tray, variable speed fan and a couple of outlets built into the side. It is heavy guage aluminum and I love it. Up until I came across this one, I was leaning towards the Artograph which was about $300.00 and not as big. The Pace is bigger and uses ordinary furnace filters. One thing that scared me with the Artograph was the price of the filters.

With the Pace, the lighting is fine. He even provides the light bulbs but suggests flourescent lights if you need more. The dimensions are listed on his web site. I can get you photo's and dimensions of mine if you like. Also the booth, except for commercial ones, is the biggest hobby spray booth out there and a 1/32 kit will fit fine with room to spare.

One feature I really like is the extended work table that fits on the front. You don't have to use it but I wouldn't be without mine. Let me know if you have any further questions.

Chuck B.

i really like that one by pace and the price is not to bad either. but the only problem is getting it by the lady of the house that i live in. she would have a fit if i got that .

Ga.modler,

Some suggestions to deal with the wife.

1) Act dumb and tell that it's not new and you've had that for a long time.
2)Tell her that it's a microwave.
3) Explain that it's for her health, that you didn't want her breathing paint fumes
in the house.
4) Tell her you won it in a contest.
5) You can't return it.

Good luck, #3 might be the best.

Chuck B.