Need Spray Booth/Air Brush Compressor Help

[Boxstock]

I talked to a few members at the last meeting but I thought I would put it on line to receive additional input.....after using some rattle cans in an area that was not ventilated well (cough cough) I decided to purchase a paint spray booth as well as set up for an airbrush.

What experience and recommendation can the group share with various air brush compressors and/or spray booth.....the spray booth will probably be first purchase since I will use it with both rattle cans and airbrush. thanks....:D :D :D

[Firehawk]

Airbrush compressors - you're going to get 100 different reccommendations from 100 different people. You'll have to figure out what suits you best. I use an Automist which is super silent, very reliable, but the pressure isn't as high as I'd always like and it also slightly 'pulses'. Sometimes I use my Paasche D500, which is like running a diesel truck in your room though it really puts some air pressure out.

Some people use a compressed gas cylinder of CO2. Pluses and minuses to that too... silent air, good pressure, but you have a limited supply and have to refill every few months. It also shoots cold air.

What I consider ideal is one of the air compressors that has a large holding tank; endless supply of air, silent except when it is running to refill itself, strong high pressure, with smooth delivery. Takes up a lot of room though, and is fairly expensive.

Whichever way you go, a moisture trap is mandatory - make sure you install it inline near the airbrush not closer to the compressor. Also use a pressure regulator so you can control the psi.

For airbrush booths; I personally think that all available on the market are: A) overpriced, B) minimally effective, C) way too small. I model aircraft too, a 72nd scale B-52 has a 30" wingspan! I built my own airbrush booth using a Grainger fan and some readily available items from Home Depot. BRE350Z built his own too, much the same way. If you are able to have a permanent installation, this is the way to go. Costs less overall, much more usuable, and way more effective.

I'll see if I can take a photo and post it for you.

[Boxstock]

Thanks.......I spoke to BRE350Z and plan to rig up a booth. The commercial ones seem expensive which I could use the money to buy more plastic. We will see how it goes....thanks again:D :D :D

[BRE350Z]

Let me know when you want to get together and discuss this. I would be glad to help you with the contruction, Firehawk, Zoom Zoom, and the Prez also helped with mine.

[RonR]

Boxstock, Here is a link to some paint booth plans that may be of help to you and others.
RonR
http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/RonR1025/Paint%20Booth%20Plans/