discussion Expensive bargain

[Guest]

Most of you might have noticed that recently I've been just piping into peoples threads but I haven't shown any work of my own. The reason for that is that I've been trying all this long to get my airbrush setup ready to go. But this is more to share a lesson with you, so here is my confession: some time ago I decided that if I was going to be serious about this hobby I had to have an airbrush. Well I did get the airbrush, double action, though local brand but really good quality, a real bargain for about ₤30,00. The problem is that I thought I was really smart and decided to get another real bargain on the air compressor. I bought a tyre pump for about ₤20,00 with max pressure around 150 PSI. But it was a car appliance so it was 12 Volt. To be able to plug it to the wall I bought a computer power supply for about ₤12,00 and had to search the web to know how to modify it to provide the correct voltage. After a lot of fussing about with electronics I got it working. Then I had to buy a pressure regulator to make it possible to use the compressor with the air brush. I bought one for say, ₤45,00. I also bought the proper fittings to connect the pressure regulator to the compressor plus the hose for the a/b. Another ₤8,00. Oh, yes. I had to buy some better rubber feet for the compressor plus some nuts bolts and washers. Throw it another ₤5,00. Put it together, plug it in, good to go. I was really proud of myself by now because my clever contraption was working well. Well, let's try not to mention how noisy it was. Never mind the pulsating air flow. And the problem of overheating, which wouldn't let me use it for more more than a couple of minutes. Since my pride was too big to realise those problems since the beginning of my adventure, I went on, happy as a lark, to do some serious painting. Ok, on the second day it broke. Some metal parts crumbled inside and the thing is useless. Did you figure how much I spent in the whole thing? Around ₤90,00. :emo10:

Well this story has a happy ending. Here is what Santa brought to me for Christmas:

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A sexy little thing, silent and smooth with a nice little tank, air regulation and water trap. This time I really mean business. How much did I pay for it (or rather, Santa)? ₤67,00! Now let me tell you Sir, you call me stupid and I'll say, Yes, Sir!:fool:

My lesson? Never try to be cheap my friend. Go straight for the good stuff. It's actually cheaper.

(By the way, does anyone want to buy a second hand tyre pump and a pressure regulator?)

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[Guest]

i was only looking at a tyre compressor in netto the other day for a fiver thinking " i wonder".now i am not thinking that ...thanks

 

[Guest]

When it comes to tools and materials for any purpose I always say buy the best you can afford. Cheap tools will lead to a poor job! Great story Marcos but I have to say you have still got a very good compressor there for £67.00 especially with a reservoir included.

I have the advantage of already having a 12v car compressor so I know how horribly loud they are and basic they are!

 

[stona]

A salutary tale indeed. It's good to post this sort of story,after all we've all been there one way or the other! It looks like you've already saved someone from going down the same road.

Cheers

Steve

 

[Ian M]

Good tale and a lesson in economics to boot!

I have saved loads of money buying cheap airbrushes!!!! The first three lasted but a week!

Don't know how much noise a tyre pumpperupper can make but I did use my compressor for my air tools (10hp 100litre tank), for a while when my (cheap) compressor died mid- paint job. Now THAT was noisy!

Ian M

 

[colin m]

I started by using a automotive compressor (normally used for spraying cars) it was so loud I used to wear ear defenders. Not a chance of any late night spraying. Now I have the same as you - peace at last. Just don't forget to clean the very small intake filter often.

Regards

Colin M.........