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airbrushing

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tai fu

unread,
Apr 2, 2001, 12:25:30 PM4/2/01
to
I read the post on airbrushing, and I still have a pachee VL, I kinda want
to use a shop compressor, but the problem is that its too loud, and I dont
have space for such a large compressor. I could go with airbrush compressors
but they're too expensive and doesnt put out enough pressure to spray
anything.... (I saw the simair compressor at www.dixieart.com and they have
good value, and does high pressure and a tanked version for a 100 dollar
more... ) but I dont feel like spending the money, since that 300 dollars
could have been a rocket or a bunch of motors..... Then there's the problem
with the paint... I have no luck using water based paints because it seems
like they love to run and drip and you cant sand it! (they're more like
latex or something....) because if you sand it the paint start to peel
off.... somebody help me because I dont really like the smell of paint
thinners but still want lusterous finish...

--
click on rocke...@mail.utexas.edu to reply
---
Tai Fu
NAR# 76089


Foxeye

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Apr 2, 2001, 10:43:47 AM4/2/01
to
If the paint peels off you don't have a properly primed subsurface.
The paint is going to run if it is applied to heavy..multiple light
coats, wait for it to flash or set then coat again and again until you
achieve what your after. Latex or water based paint is more of a pain
to apply but its still up to the person doing the painting to apply it
correctly.it takes time.
If you don't want to spend the money on a compresser, don't like the
noise, don't like the smells of solvent based paints, (evidently your
not using a proper resirator if you smell the paint) about all you can
do is farm it out to a autobody shop or to a painter to get it done.
YOu could always live with the runs and just pretend they are giant
candles.


On Mon, 2 Apr 2001 09:25:30 -0700, "tai fu" <rah...@spamnot.edu>
wrote:

>x<>-I read the post on airbrushing, and I still have a pachee VL, I kinda want
>x<>-to use a shop compressor, but the problem is that its too loud, and I dont
>x<>-have space for such a large compressor. I could go with airbrush compressors
>x<>-but they're too expensive and doesnt put out enough pressure to spray
>x<>-anything.... (I saw the simair compressor at www.dixieart.com and they have
>x<>-good value, and does high pressure and a tanked version for a 100 dollar
>x<>-more... ) but I dont feel like spending the money, since that 300 dollars
>x<>-could have been a rocket or a bunch of motors..... Then there's the problem
>x<>-with the paint... I have no luck using water based paints because it seems
>x<>-like they love to run and drip and you cant sand it! (they're more like
>x<>-latex or something....) because if you sand it the paint start to peel
>x<>-off.... somebody help me because I dont really like the smell of paint
>x<>-thinners but still want lusterous finish...

Opinions are strictly those of my wife....I have had no input whatsoever.
Remove capital A from chipmkr for correct email address
Regards
Foxeye

Dan Major

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Apr 2, 2001, 12:00:45 PM4/2/01
to
In article <9aa2dm$kkr$1...@oprah.cc.utexas.edu>,

tai fu <rah...@spamnot.edu> wrote:
>I read the post on airbrushing, and I still have a pachee VL, I kinda want
>to use a shop compressor, but the problem is that its too loud, and I dont
>have space for such a large compressor.

One solution is to use an air pressure storage tank. This is what I used
when beginning airbrushing. Harbor Freight has 5 and 11 gallon tanks.

--
Dan Major ma...@tensor.nssl.noaa.gov
Field Observing Facilities and Support
National Severe Storms Laboratory
Norman, OK

Gene Costanza

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Apr 2, 2001, 12:14:02 PM4/2/01
to
Foxeye wrote:


> YOu could always live with the runs and just pretend they are giant
> candles.
>

LMAO!!
--

METRA BOD TRA #07017 L2ľ NAR #74503 L2ľ

******************************************************************

There is no armour against Fate;
Death lays his icy hand on kings.

Lew Garrow

unread,
Apr 2, 2001, 1:40:13 PM4/2/01
to
get a cheap used tire and wheel from a junkyard, overfill the tire and use it
as a source of compressed air.
Lew Garrow
"I have the body of a God -> Buddha"

Alex Mericas

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Apr 2, 2001, 1:36:55 PM4/2/01
to
Michaels (the crafts store) has a fairly decent diaphragm compressor with
auto-off (Badger Cyclone I think). If you get the 40% off coupon from the
Sunday paper it it fairly reasonable. I have one I use with my Aztec (Testors)
airbrush and I'm satisfied. Diaphragm compressors are fairly quiet. Another
option is compressed CO2.

As far as paint goes, some are better than others. I only use acrylic
because of the fumes (and acrylic is so easy to clean up). Tamiya (sp?)
Acrylic is my favorite, and I've had good luck with it. I have had mixed
results with Model Masters Acrylic. With any brand you need to mix it well.
I have a battery powered mixer I picked up from www.micromart.com that is very
handy.

As with anything, airbrushing requires practice and patience. I'm low on
both. I love my airbrush for small, scale projects but use a spray can
for anything larger.

--
Alex Mericas
NAR 62956 Level 2
Senior Advisor, Austin Area Rocketry Group

Tulsilversurfer

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Apr 2, 2001, 2:29:40 PM4/2/01
to
Subject: Re: airbrushing
(Dan Major)
Date: 4/2/01 11:00 AM Central Daylight Time
Message-id: <9aa7nd$dln$1...@tensor.nssl.noaa.gov>

In article <9aa2dm$kkr$1...@oprah.cc.utexas.edu>,
tai fu <rah...@spamnot.edu> wrote:
>I read the post on airbrushing, and I still have a pachee VL, I kinda want
>to use a shop compressor, but the problem is that its too loud, and I dont
>have space for such a large compressor.

One solution is to use an air pressure storage tank. This is what I used
when beginning airbrushing. Harbor Freight has 5 and 11 gallon tanks.

--
Dan Major ma...@tensor.nssl.noaa.gov
--------------------------------------------------------

About time for severe storm season any day now especially here in Okla and
Texas..

The storage tank is an idea for me too. I have a very small compressor but
also have an empty 10 gallon propane tank salvaged from a junk gas grill. I had
forgotten about it. I can convert that over for very little.
Sounds like it would get me started at least.

Scott Hart

Travis n Texas

unread,
Apr 2, 2001, 2:38:55 PM4/2/01
to
On 02 Apr 2001 18:29:40 GMT, tulsilv...@cs.comnospam
(Tulsilversurfer) wrote:

Get a light, take the valve off, and inspect the insides first before
you pressurize it. If the tank has been sitting unpressurized for any
length of time it could be rusting from condensation from the inside
out. Just a thought.

Travis

Dan Major

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Apr 2, 2001, 3:31:47 PM4/2/01
to
In article <20010402142940...@ng-me1.news.cs.com>,

Tulsilversurfer <tulsilv...@cs.comnospam> wrote:
>
> About time for severe storm season any day now especially here in Okla and
>Texas..

Yeah, but we're not planning on doing a lot this year. The most work is going
into a next generation mobile Doppler radar truck. 2002 will be a BIG year
assuming there's weather to observe.

>
> The storage tank is an idea for me too. I have a very small compressor but
>also have an empty 10 gallon propane tank salvaged from a junk gas grill. I had
>forgotten about it. I can convert that over for very little.
> Sounds like it would get me started at least.

A friend gave me what turned out to be a great starter compressor - a small
motor turning a car air conditioner compresser with a propane/freon tank.
Small, quiet, and made from scrap parts for less than $20.

tai fu

unread,
Apr 2, 2001, 5:51:41 PM4/2/01
to
Tamiya cost an arm and a leg, and I only have one arm left and I need that
arm.... However I find Golden airbrush color to be good as well, Forget the
createx, especially auto air... BTW how do I thin krylon acrylic enamel
paints? They are okay and they are like 3 dollars for a 12 oz can at wal
mart. I find that if I thin paints it gets too runny but if I dont thin it
it wont spray, it is as if I cant find a "in between"

Alex Mericas

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Apr 2, 2001, 4:41:50 PM4/2/01
to
I just bought a bunch of paint at Hobbytown USA. Tamiya was cheaper than
Model Master, and well worth the price! eHobbies has it for $2.40 a bottle.
I spray it right out of the bottle (the Aztez cap will fit the Tamiya
bottle).

tai fu wrote:
>
> Tamiya cost an arm and a leg, and I only have one arm left and I need that
> arm....

--

bob fortune

unread,
Apr 2, 2001, 8:07:37 PM4/2/01
to

Travis n Texas wrote:
> Get a light, take the valve off, and inspect the insides first before
> you pressurize it. If the tank has been sitting unpressurized for any
> length of time it could be rusting from condensation from the inside
> out. Just a thought.
>
> Travis

Excellent point! Compressed air can be nasty and dangerous. He might
also think about mounting the tank upside down so moisture will collect
at the neck making it easy to drain after use, propane bottles don't
have drain cocks like a regular compressed air tank would have.

Bob

The Silent Observer

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Apr 2, 2001, 10:41:10 PM4/2/01
to
Lew Garrow wrote:
>
> get a cheap used tire and wheel from a junkyard, overfill the tire and use it
> as a source of compressed air.

This is potentially dangerous -- many/most tires carry a warning against
overinflation; the tire could burst the bead or fail catastrophically,
potentially with fatal results.

Better to use an air tank made for the purpose, with a regulator to cut
the output down to the 30 psi or so your airbrush really wants. A 6
gallon tank rated to 150 psi is only $50 new at Lowe's; it has a gauge
for the internal pressure, and you can add a regulator, which will have
a gauge for the regulated hose pressure, for under $20. This type of
tank, filled to 150 psi, will last twenty minutes or so of continuous
spraying with most airbrushes.

--
It is well to approach all wonders and miracles by gradual stages or
degrees . . .
Fritz Leiber

Donald Qualls, aka The Silent Observer NAR # 70141-SR Insured
Rocket Pages http://silent1.home.netcom.com/launches.htm
Telescope Pages http://silent1.home.netcom.com/astronomy.htm

Opinions expressed are my own -- take them for what they're worth
and don't expect them to be perfect.

Wynn Parham

unread,
Apr 3, 2001, 2:30:53 AM4/3/01
to
Hey Dan!! that's a great idea!! Do you have any pics of it? Or a little
drawing of it or something so we could duplicate it?


"Dan Major" <ma...@tensor.nssl.noaa.gov> wrote in message
news:9aak33$2qf$1...@tensor.nssl.noaa.gov...

Dan Major

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Apr 3, 2001, 10:13:15 AM4/3/01
to
In article <fney6.124$O64....@nnrp1.sbc.net>,

Wynn Parham <wpa...@swbell.net> wrote:
>Hey Dan!! that's a great idea!! Do you have any pics of it? Or a little
>drawing of it or something so we could duplicate it?
>

No, sorry. I got a "real" compressor and gave that one away.

Bob Kaplow

unread,
Apr 3, 2001, 2:46:53 PM4/3/01
to
In article <20010402134013...@ng-fc1.aol.com>, lgarr...@aol.complex (Lew Garrow) writes:
> get a cheap used tire and wheel from a junkyard, overfill the tire and use it
> as a source of compressed air.

Careful here, tires acn go BOOM when overfilled. Especially Firestones.

Bob Kaplow NAR # 18L TRA # "Ctrl-Alt-Del"

Kaplow Klips & Baffle: http://www.nira.chicago.il.us/Leading_Edge/MayJun00.pdf
NIRA: http://www.nira.chicago.il.us NAR: http://www.nar.org

>>> NOTE: My domain name has changed from decus.org to encompasserve.org! <<<

Bob Kaplow

unread,
Apr 3, 2001, 2:50:01 PM4/3/01
to
In article <3AC8E40E...@austin.rr.com>, Alex Mericas <alex-m...@austin.rr.com> writes:
> I just bought a bunch of paint at Hobbytown USA. Tamiya was cheaper than
> Model Master, and well worth the price! eHobbies has it for $2.40 a bottle.
> I spray it right out of the bottle (the Aztez cap will fit the Tamiya
> bottle).

This is a great trick I've used for maybe 20 years. But if your airbrush cap
doesn't fit your paint, get and extra siphon tube, dismantle it, and replace
the cap with one that does. You may have to lengthen or shorten the tube (I
lengthened one by epoxying on a length of aluminum tube). I made a few of
these for the common bottle sizes I worked with.

Tim Sapp

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Apr 3, 2001, 2:17:01 PM4/3/01
to

I cut up an old regulator and fitted it with a standard air connectors. I
connect it to my SCUBA tank. The standard scuba regulator puts the pressure
to around 125 psi. I put in a regulator that can go from 5 to 125. My
scuba tank has around 2500 PSI and will drive an air brush for life. Even
if you run out of air it's only $5 to get it filled again.

Another plus is there is no moisture in the tank. It goes in dry and comes
out dry..... The only place you have to worry about water is if it's in
the lines before you connect it to the tank.

Tim Sapp


The Silent Observer <sil...@ix.netcom.com> wrote in message
news:3AC93846...@ix.netcom.com...

Kevin Rezac

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Apr 3, 2001, 2:36:08 PM4/3/01
to
Bob Kaplow wrote:

> In article <20010402134013...@ng-fc1.aol.com>, lgarr...@aol.complex (Lew Garrow) writes:
> > get a cheap used tire and wheel from a junkyard, overfill the tire and use it
> > as a source of compressed air.
>
> Careful here, tires acn go BOOM when overfilled. Especially Firestones.
>

The Firestone problem was with 'em underfilled. And on Fords. I had a properly inflated set on my Chevy and
they worked perfectly for 58,000 miles until Firestone offered me a new set of Uniroyals for free. Yes, I
do like the Uniroyals better.

Kevin Rezac

tai fu

unread,
Apr 3, 2001, 6:52:57 PM4/3/01
to
I have a question, you know those "compressor" that is designed to fill
tires? is it okay if I fill an airtank with that to like 120 psi or
something and airbrush off the tank, because I noticed that tire compressor
is much cheaper.... but I assume that tire compressors have tire
connections, so how do I get it to fit a 1/4 inch NPT connection?

--
Email: rocke...@mail.utexan.edu
replace n with s to reply


---
Tai Fu
NAR# 76089


Bob Kaplow <kapl...@eisner.encompasserve.org.mars> wrote in message
news:plnmvl...@eisner.encompasserve.org...
: In article <20010402134013...@ng-fc1.aol.com>,

Jim Yanik

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Apr 3, 2001, 5:50:23 PM4/3/01
to
wpa...@swbell.net (Wynn Parham) wrote in
<fney6.124$O64....@nnrp1.sbc.net>:

FYI,in the latest Harbor Freight Catalog,there's a HVLP spray gun kit with
turbine compressor for $99.99,p/n 44677.Looks like a nice little
package.Free shipping,too.
--
Jim Yanik,NRA member
remove X to contact me


-----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =-----
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Foxeye

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Apr 3, 2001, 9:20:24 PM4/3/01
to
A lot of the tanks if not most come equipped with what is called a
Scrader valve.which is exactly the same as a tire valve stem. (I
presume were talking about those portable air tanks that is sold all
over the place..)On the outlet hose that would normally be used to
fill your tres etc, just install a fitting that will adapt your
airline from the airbrush to the tanks hose. Really pretty simple. I
don't know what your calling a tire compressor, perhaps those 12 volt
operated things you plug into a cigarette lighter socket to inflate
beach toys and tires with, and if it is, I do not know to what extent
the pressure is that they will buildup. I had one that had all it cold
do to go above50 psi, and in inflating a large tire it took forever to
attain that pressure., but it may work okay if you run the compressor
continually into a air storage tank, while painting, as it will
eventually catch up or pass out the air being consumed, and give you a
resivoir without having pulsations as a compressor will give without a
storage tank. Why not just drag out that old wallet, and let the moths
find a new home, and spend a few bucks on a small compressor w/tabnk
and be done with it.

On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 15:52:57 -0700, "tai fu" <rah...@spamnot.edu>
wrote:

>x<>-I have a question, you know those "compressor" that is designed to fill
>x<>-tires? is it okay if I fill an airtank with that to like 120 psi or
>x<>-something and airbrush off the tank, because I noticed that tire compressor
>x<>-is much cheaper.... but I assume that tire compressors have tire
>x<>-connections, so how do I get it to fit a 1/4 inch NPT connection?

Kurt Kesler

unread,
Apr 3, 2001, 10:06:31 PM4/3/01
to
In article <9addgc$rb0$1...@oprah.cc.utexas.edu>, rah...@spamnot.edu
says...

> I have a question, you know those "compressor" that is designed to fill
> tires? is it okay if I fill an airtank with that to like 120 psi or
> something and airbrush off the tank, because I noticed that tire compressor
> is much cheaper.... but I assume that tire compressors have tire
> connections, so how do I get it to fit a 1/4 inch NPT connection?
>
> --
> Email: rocke...@mail.utexan.edu
> replace n with s to reply
> ---
> Tai Fu
> NAR# 76089
>

Why not use a tire? Or better yet, use 2. Then one tire could be
refilling from the compressor while you deflate the other. You should
be able to pick up a couple on rims from a salvage yard for 10 or 15
bucks each.

If you lived around here I have two 12-50/15 mud tires on rims you could
have. My wife would even hug your neck.

--
Kurt Kesler

tai fu

unread,
Apr 4, 2001, 2:36:07 AM4/4/01
to
Yea, but if you overfill (ie. stop painting) you blow up the tire which is
not fun for you or whatever you're painting.... I rather use air tanks which
is designed for being filled to alot of psi.... (some of the tire compressor
is designed up to 300 psi...) if I can find a landing gear tire (they're
filled to 9 times the pressure of a car tire) that would be nice....

Foxeye

unread,
Apr 4, 2001, 10:28:48 AM4/4/01
to
Aircraft tires and wheels are of the split rim variety, and normally
held together with bolts and nuts. Your really going in the wrong way,
your looking at a smaller sized tire, with high pressure, YOur better
off going for a larger capacity (cubic inches) and not higher
pressure. YOu want volumn not high pressure. BTW most aircraft tire /
wheel asemblies do require a NDI periodically, to check for cracks and
failed fasteners. A fully filled and inflated aircraft tire that is
not at least mounted to a cage or strut is just not something I want
sitting along side me. There have been many folks killed and injured
with aircraft tires being improperly filled and mounted. As far as
that goes, just low pressure in a large volumne is just as dangerous.
Get a proper setup. Piecing this and that together to get something
that may ruin your or someones elses life especially when your really
not 110% sure of what your doing is not the right way.

On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 23:36:07 -0700, "tai fu" <rah...@spamnot.edu>
wrote:

>x<>-Yea, but if you overfill (ie. stop painting) you blow up the tire which is
>x<>-not fun for you or whatever you're painting.... I rather use air tanks which
>x<>-is designed for being filled to alot of psi.... (some of the tire compressor
>x<>-is designed up to 300 psi...) if I can find a landing gear tire (they're
>x<>-filled to 9 times the pressure of a car tire) that would be nice....

Bob Kaplow

unread,
Apr 4, 2001, 3:00:03 PM4/4/01
to
In article <3ACA1818...@yahoo.com>, Kevin Rezac <nd44...@yahoo.com> writes:
> The Firestone problem was with 'em underfilled. And on Fords. I had a properly inflated set on my Chevy and
> they worked perfectly for 58,000 miles until Firestone offered me a new set of Uniroyals for free. Yes, I
> do like the Uniroyals better.

Fine. You've now covered the last two brands of tires I'd not buy. Care to
go for 3 (hint: jokehama)

Bob Kaplow

unread,
Apr 4, 2001, 3:02:05 PM4/4/01
to
In article <9addgc$rb0$1...@oprah.cc.utexas.edu>, "tai fu" <rah...@spamnot.edu> writes:
> I have a question, you know those "compressor" that is designed to fill
> tires? is it okay if I fill an airtank with that to like 120 psi or
> something and airbrush off the tank, because I noticed that tire compressor
> is much cheaper.... but I assume that tire compressors have tire
> connections, so how do I get it to fit a 1/4 inch NPT connection?

I just bought one of them big honken compressors. If you run off something
with that high a pressure, you'll need a regulator. My compressor includes
one, so I can run the tank between 100-135 (which seem to be its cycle
points), and dial down the output to 5psi if I like.

Kurt Kesler

unread,
Apr 4, 2001, 3:54:23 PM4/4/01
to
In article <+tJFtV...@eisner.encompasserve.org>,
kapl...@eisner.encompasserve.org.mars says...

I got the impression he was talking about one of those 29 dollar "tire
inflator" compressors you run off a cigarette lighter jack. Which is
it, Tai?


--
Kurt Kesler

SR Jenkins

unread,
Apr 4, 2001, 11:30:43 PM4/4/01
to
Many moons ago, I first started on an old truck tire with a Black and Decker
Air Station. I have since gradually improved my setup to one that supported
me doing professional airbrush for over three years.

Shop compressors can be loud compared to specialty airbrush compressors, but
can't be beat for durability and the continuous air volume they supply.
Periodic pumping of air storage tanks and spare tires can get old after a
while and also makes it necessary to stop working while you pump back up.

The trick for me has been using a remotely located shop compressor. (If
nothing else, you could roll it outside while the system is "up") I run an
air line from it to my shop. This line then runs into an air tank located in
the shop. This air tank was a freebie given to me from an old compressor. I
have a regulator, gauge, safety valve and moisture trap mounted on the shop
tank, and the airbrush is hooked to it.

With this setup, it's not only a continuous, quiet and dependable air
source, but it doesn't give a pulsing action some experience with single
compressor/tank setups. This setup also gives you an option to get into air
tools later if you desired.

My paint of choice is "One Shot" lettering enamel, a sign painter's paint. I
have found this at screen printer supplies and some better art stores. It's
highly durable and has a great shine even without clear coating. It goes
well over Wal Mart "Auto Primer" in spray cans. Work done on hockey goalie
masks was reported to be super durable. One Shot can be bought in small cans
that, in my opinion, were not expensive.

More details about all this stuff, along with a few tricks, can be found at:
http://www.geocities.com/tra7101/rock_ab.html

Good Luck,
Scott Jenkins
TRA 7101
www.geocities.com/scondy1

tai fu <rah...@spamnot.edu> wrote in message
news:9aa2dm$kkr$1...@oprah.cc.utexas.edu...


> I read the post on airbrushing, and I still have a pachee VL, I kinda want
> to use a shop compressor, but the problem is that its too loud, and I dont

> have space for such a large compressor. I could go with airbrush
compressors
> but they're too expensive and doesnt put out enough pressure to spray
> anything.... (I saw the simair compressor at www.dixieart.com and they
have
> good value, and does high pressure and a tanked version for a 100 dollar
> more... ) but I dont feel like spending the money, since that 300 dollars
> could have been a rocket or a bunch of motors..... Then there's the
problem
> with the paint... I have no luck using water based paints because it seems
> like they love to run and drip and you cant sand it! (they're more like
> latex or something....) because if you sand it the paint start to peel
> off.... somebody help me because I dont really like the smell of paint
> thinners but still want lusterous finish...
>
> --

> click on rocke...@mail.utexas.edu to reply

tai fu

unread,
Apr 6, 2001, 5:44:57 AM4/6/01
to
Yes I am talking about the 29 dollar 12v compressors designed to fill tires.
I cant buy a big honken compressor because its too noisy and my roommate
will kill me if I run it...

Ben Fischer

unread,
Apr 6, 2001, 7:07:16 AM4/6/01
to

"Bob Kaplow" <kapl...@eisner.encompasserve.org.mars> wrote in message
news:LunD5j...@eisner.encompasserve.org...

> In article <3ACA1818...@yahoo.com>, Kevin Rezac <nd44...@yahoo.com>
writes:
> > The Firestone problem was with 'em underfilled. And on Fords. I had a
properly inflated set on my Chevy and
> > they worked perfectly for 58,000 miles until Firestone offered me a new
set of Uniroyals for free. Yes, I
> > do like the Uniroyals better.
>
> Fine. You've now covered the last two brands of tires I'd not buy. Care to
> go for 3 (hint: jokehama)

I take it you didn't have a good year with tyres <groan>
I'll shut up now before I really embarrass myself
--

Ben Fischer ben_j_...@hotmail.com
still not a lot at http://home.iprimus.com.au/jfischer


Alex Mericas

unread,
Apr 6, 2001, 10:09:38 AM4/6/01
to
Hobbytown USA is running a coupon sale (the coupons are in-store, just ask
at the counter) for an diaphragm type airbrush compressor: $99. Or you could
go to Michaels and get the Badger model with auto-off. Either one will be
quieter than the tire compressor. I researched this a few years ago and
ended up with the Badger one which I am very happy with. Sometimes I wish
I had gone with compressed CO2 only because I could have run a beer tap off
it as well (I know that isn't a consideration for you, but you could just
as easily run a soda tap).

I've learned that cutting corners and saving a few bucks up front usually
costs me more down the road. Don't skimp on tools.

tai fu wrote:
> Yes I am talking about the 29 dollar 12v compressors designed to fill tires.
> I cant buy a big honken compressor because its too noisy and my roommate
> will kill me if I run it...

--

Bill Westfield

unread,
Apr 7, 2001, 1:53:53 AM4/7/01
to
I tried the cheap tire-compressor trick. 2 liter soda bottles for a tank (I
figured I'd be well below their burst pressure.) Getting the plumbing even
close to right was awful. The tire-compressor (which is by no means
"quiet", by the way) immediately blew the fuse in the 5A (?) power supply
(you know - cheap 12V battery charger sort of thing.) I still needed a
regulator of some kind, and couldn't find any to fit my makeshift plumbing.
So I was out $20 for the compressor, $15 for the power supply, $5 or so
(surplus) for a regulator, another couple of bucks for miscellaneous
fittings and so on, and I still didn't have anything that actually worked.
I probably could have gotten it working eventually, except that christmas my
wife spent the $130 or so for the cheap tool-compressor at Costco, and I
didn't have any reason to anymore.

Spend the hours working overtime, buy the commercial compressor...

BillW

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