compressed nitrogen for airbrush use??

[LAone]

hey guys, well before anyone says "hey isn't that the funny gas??" nope, its not. thats nitrous oxide.

i want to get some opinions before i go forth and spray away this weekend.

well, nitrogen is just dry air. no moisture so used for many things, IE...inflating tires, off road shocks, purging pipes, so on and so on. its non flammable so it's safe to have inside a home.

i was thinking since i already own a cylinder big enough to have at home along with a pressure regulator, i was wondering if it would be a good alternate for air air supply.

why not get a compressor, well i don't have the space in my garage, nor my home. also, it makes too much noise, i like to work on my hobby after hours and if i can use nitrogen, well that saves me a few bucks for other stuff as i can get the gas at a super cheap deal.

heck, if it works and anyone else (local) wants to have a go, ill set you guys up with it as well.

[John E. Bowers Jr.]

As long as its oil free, yeah I'm pretty sure it would work well. Wouldn't that be expensive though?

[Eric Stone]

Ventilate! I'm aware that ambient air is 78% nitrogen, but it's also around 21% oxygen, which won't be in that bottle. Be careful to avoid creating an oxygen-deficient environment inside the house. Even though the nitrogen isn't toxic, it could displace the oxygen you need to breathe.

As far as how good will it be to paint? I have no idea. Seems like as long as there's no moisture or oil, like previously mentioned, I'd think it would be ok.

How much does it cost to refill the bottle? A friend of mine used to use bottled nitrogen in his truck for the airbags, and would swap out bottles when needed. I don't know what he was paying though.

Edited March 11, 2011 by Eric Stone

[LAone]

nope, no oil either. just plain ol-moisture free air.

as for pricing, only the initial buying of the cylinder and regulator. but the gas itself is fairly cheap. a small(about 2 1/2" tall) cylinder, the fill is about 12 bucks. and since i already work hear, i get employee discount. its about 50% off listed price for gases. and as i said, i already have the cylinder and reg. i use it for tires and air tools.

oh, yes. there will be ventilation. i use a spray booth vents out of the window and and paint mask. also have a ceiling fan going as well.

Edited March 11, 2011 by LAone

[ChrisPflug]

Or just fill up an air tank- we still have places offering it for free

You'd still want to make sure it's clean and dry with filters/traps rather than trusting in it being "as advertised" anyways

Seems cheaper to use air (whether you compress it yourself or not) than paying for the minimal advantage of pure (as opposed to 78%) nitrogen

[LAone]

i fill up airbag guys all the time. i charge them 15 bucks for the large tank. lists at about 20-25 after tax. they get the "clowners" discount..

[MikeMc]

The nitrogen will work well,and will not absorb water from the air, Cylinders can be purchased outright or leased. You can get most info including hydro testing of cylinders from most good welding supply's. DO NOT play the "medical grade " with them or you will pay too much ;)

If you already own a cylinder and regulator for it..go for it...it will be cost efficient...and quiet!!