compressor repairs?

[LarryDallas]

I was hoping somebody might know where I could take an airbrush compressor to get repaired. Basically I left in on after a few late-night jobs years ago and it's never been able to build up a lot of pressure so it's barely useable. (I can't remember where I ordered it from but it's not a 'name brand')
I'm in the chicago area if anyone knows a local place, but any tips would be great...

[masque]

any small-engine repair shops in your yellow pages? they might be able to help or give you a lead. also talk to commercial painters, maybe they can refer you to someone. but labor & parts (if you can get 'em) may end up costing more than a new unit depending on what you have. ever think about using compressed gas instead? way back before digital, i burned up two compressors before wising up, and it's often cheaper than a top-end compressor setup with in-line pressure tank, not subject to contamination, and not AC-dependant.

just a thought.

[Bowlin]

compressed gas? i have no clue what your talking about.

[masque]

compressed gas? i have no clue what your talking about.a tank of compressed gas, like welders, etc. use, or a SCUBA tank, but with a different gas, usually CO2 'cause it's inexpensive and relatively inert. requires a regulator that goes between the tank and your airbrush. very accurate pressure, very reliable, very clean, doesn't spit in high humidity conditions, and best of all silent. tanks can often be either bought or rented, in various sizes to fit your workload (I have a medium size for day-to-day use & a small backup). tanks are swapped (rather than refilled) when empty so you pay only for the gas, not a new tank. not sure about current prices but my initial investment was about US$250 for tank & regulator (made that back on my next job :teeth:), and it made a big diff in my working condtions and quality of output.

tanks are hazardous if improperly handled but shouldn't be a prob in normal studio conditions. make sure your work area's properly ventilated (which it should be, anyway). hose fixtures may need some fiddling depending on your 'brush type, but they're usually pretty standardized as i recall.

check with a local welding supply shop, that's where i got my rig.

[LarryDallas]

I've considered using a tank, a buddy of mine swears by it as well. I'm just not sure I'd ever feel comfortable having a potential bomb sitting a few feet away day in and day out...

Is there a way you can know how much gas is left before you run out?

[masque]

I've considered using a tank, a buddy of mine swears by it as well. I'm just not sure I'd ever feel comfortable having a potential bomb sitting a few feet away day in and day out...

Is there a way you can know how much gas is left before you run out?
well, i've knocked my big tank over more than a few times, and it's moved with me twice now, no blooey. but i understand your caution. you'll probably prang the regulator (slow pressure bleedout) long before you actually breach a tank (i think they're about .25" thick steel) unless you use it for target practice or it gets caught in a really big fire (where you won't want to be, anyway). talk to your friend or the welding supply proprietor about the safety issues, they're probably not as demanding as you may think. just FYI, the CO2 tanks are what many soda dispensers at fairs, carnivals, etc. use for pressure. also think about all those helium tanks in supermarkets for squeaky-talk balloons -- no big headlines about them taking out the customers ;)

the better regulators usually have a dual gauge, one for tank contents and one for pressure, but that's also why i keep the li'l backup, in case the big one bleeds out at 2am before a deadline, on a weekend when i can't swap it out, etc.

ironic, i realize i'm writing this as if i still do traditional airbrush :rolleyes:, though i haven't for years. still have the rig, but i do so much digital now it's getting rather dusty.

[Xpose]

hmm never thought about using a tank. I do mechanic work for a living so I already have a air compressor. I need to start airbrushing again. It was alot of fun.