compressor for tank

[bean]

my dad found an old compressor with what looks like a 10-20 gallon tank.  He had his neighbor take a look at it to see if it would still work, but he said that the compressor was shot, but that the tank was still in good condition.  He said I could have the tank, but as far as I know, it's pretty useless to me without a compressor.  Does anyone know where I can get a compressor for it or what I can do with it?  I would really appreciate the help.  If you guys need photos, let me know.  Thanks.

[FichtenFoo]

I hear getting the tank filled with C02 is PERFECT for airbrushing.

[Mechanoid Paranoid]

Yes, CO2 tanks (which i believe that the tank your dad found found can accept CO2 tank conversion) works perfect with airbrushes, and you also need to attach a regulator and adaptor for the hose....

[clee-cm]

One of the suggestion made in a old issue of Fine Scale Modeler suggested that modelers use a large tank of  CO2, as a alternative to buying a airbrush air compressor. I suggest you go to a store that sells welding equipment, most tanks like that were used for holding gas used in welding.

My father was in the Dental business, he has a tank like that for storing gas to power his blow torch. You just have to find a facility in your area that fills steel air tanks with compressed CO2, and other compressed gases, there should be a refilling station in your area.

Don't forget the moisture trap, in addition to the other accessories that you need.

[FichtenFoo]

I believe using a CO2 tank negates needing a moisture trap. One of the benefits I heard about.

[bean]

that sounds awesome...but, I'd rather not lug around a tank every so often to get it refilled.  How long would it last me, on average, if it was like 15 gallons? 

[clee-cm]

I am not sure how long a large tank fully filled will last you. I don't have a accurate answer for you, but I am sure it will last you a while. Remember a gas cylinder of that size will last different people different lengths of time depending on how often you are using a airbrush.

But remember, a 15 gallon cylinder of gas under pressure is still very dangerous , so be careful.

I did some looking around the internet, and found this useful article, check it out.
Airbrush Article

[bean]

here are some photos.  I dunno, it looks kinda crummy to me, but they tell me it's still good.  I would really appreciate it if you guys could help me and let me know how I can make this thing work for me.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1042/1325146699_8936e0d840_b.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1283/1326041436_ee144fadc5_b.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1417/1326044182_842438ff02_b.jpg

oh yeah, turns out they lied to me, it's a 7.5 gallon tank...and also, thanks for all the replies, I really appreciate it.  This community is really awesome, very helpful...Mike, you've done an incredible job here.

[clee-cm]

That kind of air tank normally has a large air compressor that sits on top of it, you are going to have  to do some asking around town to get some better answers on how to get the tank to work with your airbrush.

 

[bean]

yeah, I was wondering if I could attach a compressor to the top, don't know what kind, and then a hose/regulator/valve to the side and see if that would work.  I'm not that much of a gearhead so I don't know what will work, or how safe it would be.

[bean]

hate to do this, and if it's against the forum rules, sorry, but bump....would like some help so it's not just sitting there.  If it's useless I need to know so I can get rid of it.