joolsthesteam Posted December 4, 2010 Report Posted December 4, 2010 Hi everybody, After a very long break from building models (mainly because of work), I'm looking forward to returning to building again (mainy 1 32, 1 48 and 1 24 scale aircraft). Because I'm much more serious about it now, I want to get a workstation/workshop built in my spare room. What kind of modelling desks and related equipment do you all use? I'm quite interested in setting up proper holders for airbrushing equipment and also thinking about investing in a spray booth too................blimey, lots to consider. This looks like a fantastic site B)
Dick Montgomery Posted December 4, 2010 Report Posted December 4, 2010 Hi Julian, Sounds like you've got quite a construction project in mind. Lighting, spray booth and exhaust, air compressor, tools, model storage space for both unbuilt and built.....not sure that even Harry and William have that kind of space. I've often considered the idea of converting a small (10ftx15ft) backyard storage shed into a modeling area. I've seen some images of workspaces shared by other forum readers who have dedicated facilities like that and they are lucky dogs for it! Perhaps readers will post some images to provide some inspiration.
skysoldier46 Posted December 4, 2010 Report Posted December 4, 2010 welcome Julian. When you do build your work station, can we get an IPO on it. :D I just use a regular folding table in my spare bedroom for a worktable. But if your planning on this being a permanent thing, you may want to build as a unit. But the air compressor noise, if loud, may drive you nuts at times and you will need a vent to get rid of toxic fumes from paints.
David M. Knights Posted December 4, 2010 Report Posted December 4, 2010 Do you have a basement or spare room to which you can dedicate to modeling? If not, then you will need a mobile setup.
joolsthesteam Posted December 4, 2010 Author Report Posted December 4, 2010 Haha, no Dick, trust me I do not live in a large pad!!! Yes David, I'm going down the 'spare room' route, now that I have the flat (apartment) to myself now! Skysoldier, yes mate, that's a very good point about the noise and fumes. My flat is fairly modern and like a lot of modern buildings has pretty thin walls - I don't suppose the neighbours will appreciate my 'creations' during the evenings. I believe many of the modern smaller compressors are piston driven and therefore a bit quieter. Would be good to see some other set ups to give me some inspiration - I've got some ideas, just thinking that if the working environment is right, it makes the job a lot easier. Thanks for the welcome!! :D
Dick Montgomery Posted December 4, 2010 Report Posted December 4, 2010 For airbrushing your air supply does not have to be an electric compressor. I have a Nitrogen tank with a regulator and 15 feet of airhose. Nit is odorless (except the paint fumes, of course) and silent when used. My tank is about two feet long and about 5 inch in diameter and one "refill" lasts up to a year. When it needs refilling you simply haul it to your local Nit supplier and they'll gas it up for you. The rig is light enough to lift without much stress. Portable, silent, cheap.
joolsthesteam Posted December 4, 2010 Author Report Posted December 4, 2010 That's an interesting idea, I have heard of Nitrogen tanks being used for this purpose before and it would certainly be quiet. I think for my own purposes a compressor will suit me better, especially as the prices are coming down - Iwata are the manufacturer I'm probably going to go with.
Dick Montgomery Posted December 4, 2010 Report Posted December 4, 2010 I use an Iwata Eclispe for detail work and love it. Excellent equipment.
joolsthesteam Posted December 4, 2010 Author Report Posted December 4, 2010 My poor old Badger 150 is badly in need of a service. Although I like it a lot, I think it's time for a change and I've heard many good things about Iwata's. They're very well made and look (as long as they're looked after) as if they will last for years. Just need to get the room tidied up and I'll get cracking!!!
David M. Knights Posted December 4, 2010 Report Posted December 4, 2010 My poor old Badger 150 is badly in need of a service. Although I like it a lot, I think it's time for a change and I've heard many good things about Iwata's. They're very well made and look (as long as they're looked after) as if they will last for years. Just need to get the room tidied up and I'll get cracking!!! Mail your Badger 150 to Badger and they will service it and rehab it and put it back into factory specs for FREE. They even pay the return postage. Get a silent compressor with a tank if you aren't going to get a tank filled with Nitrogen or the like.
ghodges Posted December 5, 2010 Report Posted December 5, 2010 Hello Julien, and welcome to the forums! You've gotten some good advice thus far. There's a lot of very knowledgable people here. Just keep in mind that what works for one guy may not work for you, depending on circumstances. There's no "right" way to set up shop; just whatever you find convenient and affordable! That said, I'll also recommend the nitrogen tank over a compressor, but not for noise reasons. With the nitrogen you don't need a water trap and the regulator gives you much finer pressure control compared to most hobby compressors. I prefer enamel paints, but in your flat the fumes may steer you to using acrylics....good luck! GIL
joolsthesteam Posted December 5, 2010 Author Report Posted December 5, 2010 Hi Gil! Thanks for that mate, all good points being made so far - I hear what you are all saying about Nitrogen tanks. Interesting, will think about that. I have always preferred acrylics over enamels, not just because of the fumes - I just find them easier to work with, they're less messy, easier to clean up. I like their faster drying times as well, you can always add additives to slow that down if you wish. Done a bit of experimentation with Vallejo Modelair and have been pleased with the results. They also have a very interesting range of accurate Luftwaffe and Imperial Japanese Navy colours too, which are the subjects I enjoy researching and working with. Thank you all for your advice, I look forward to 2011 and a busy year modelling!!
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