Paintball question

[malbojah]

I'm thinking of buying an air compressor so that I can have one the 3 times a year that I need it, but I want to know if I can use it to fill my paintball gun's air tank??

 

[Jzero]

Don't they use CO2?

 

[Viper GTS]

Originally posted by: Jzero
Don't they use CO2?

Yes, they do.

Viper GTS

 

[KGB1]

Try Helium....

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teehee

 

[StageLeft]

I can't remember what, but there is another gas that they can use as well. Most do use C02.

 

[malbojah]

Originally posted by: KGB
Try Helium....

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>>

teehee

I can fly, I can fly!!

 

[HappyPuppy]

Nitrogen is another inert gas that COULD be used.

 

[brentman]

Some tanks are CO2, others compressed air. In order to fill your paintball tanks you will need a fill station, or at least a booster station and a holding tank in addition to your compressor. This is more money than it is worth for just your gun. Only worth the cost if you are running a field and can get your money back.

 

[edro]

Most newer guns are compressed air, but the PSI is very high, so you need a "booster station", like brentman said. They are a few hundred bucks though, and chances are that your paintball gun isn't compressed air, it is CO2.

 

[Jzero]

Originally posted by: edro13
Most newer guns are compressed air, but the PSI is very high, so you need a "booster station", like brentman said. They are a few hundred bucks though, and chances are that your paintball gun isn't compressed air, it is CO2.

Interesting....

Well, I think the poster is planning on buying a compressor for other more practical purposes (pressure washing? painting? ) and just wants to know if he will also be able to use it to refill his marker. Although somehow I don't think this will make the wife any happier about the expense

 

[MrBond]

If your gun runs on HPA (high pressure air/nitrogen), you can get a bulk tank from a scuba shop and a fill station adapter to fill your own tanks. It's a lot of hassel and you're better off just doing it at the field, in my opinion.

For CO2, you can buy/rent bulk tanks from a welding shop. You need one with a drop tube to siphon liquid out of it. The take will need to be hydro tested if it's out of date (same with the SCUBA tank). You also need a scale to make sure you fill the tank to the right amount.

It's a lot of hassel and isn't really worth it, unless you're playing out in a field with a bunch of guys who will chip in on the cost. CO2 fills at the field aren't THAT expensive, invest in a good regulator (like a Palmer Stabilizer - 800 shots from a 20oz) if you don't play that regularly.