Last week, I bought a sewing machine! It has been almost 40 years since I bought my last machine, and as you can imagine things have changed quite a bit since then! Did you know that the needle self-threads these days! Why am I telling you this? To show you why it's important to pick the right equipment for you and your business.
While am not a tailor nor a dressmaker, I do enjoy making simple home furnishings, so I need more than just a needle and thread!
This same rule applies to balloon inflators. In my last blog post - Which Electric Balloon Inflators is Best For You and Your Business - Part 1, I talk about Level 1 and Level 2 inflators, both ideal for someone just starting out and also for professional decorators too! Many very successful balloon businesses work with the Conwin Air Force 4™ and the Premium Cool Aire® 4 inflators, especially those businesses that do large scale installations, balloon drops and organic style decor!
So why should you go one-step further and invest in a top of the range digital balloon inflator? For me, it's all about which is the most time- saving, as well as provides precision and power.
I have been working with digital balloon inflators such as the Conwin Precision Air™ and the Premium Twin-Air™️ Sizer ll for a number of years, and I really could not imagine going back to working without one.
Timesaving
When working on air-filled decor we are, in most instances, inflating two balloons to create duplets. What could be simpler than pre-setting the size on your machine using the digital timer, placing the balloons over the outlets, pressing the foot pedal, and 'hey presto'! you have two balloons inflated to the same size in a matter of a few seconds!
Precision
Although organic style decor is very popular, most professional balloon companies offer both organic and classic decor, such as the beautiful Rainbow Arch. Having an inflator that ensures that every balloon is accurately sized every time is invaluable! However, a digital inflator can still be used when making organic decor. I simply over-inflate my balloons and then allow a little air out until I obtain the desired size and shape that I am looking for.
Power
When it comes to power, there can be a huge different between inflators. The power of an inflator can also depend on the country that it is being used in. For example in the UK and Europe, machines work on 220/240v, whereas in the US and Canada the machines work on 110v which can have a considerable impact on how powerful they are. Having an inflator that is powerful enough to inflate all sizes of modelling balloons, including 160Q's and double-stuffed balloons is a huge bonus!
As I have not worked with the new updated Conwin Precision AirV6 machine, I felt that it would be fairer to list the manufacturers product details to give an unbiased review.
Premium Twin-Air® Sizer
The only digital inflator designed to run continuously without overheating and accurately size latex including double-stuffed 5", and all modelling balloons for decoration.
Premium Twin-Air Sizer® II features & benefits
- Push button screen adjusts inflation time in seconds and tenths of second.
- Includes built in cycle counter that also gives the option to decrease count by one when required.
- New state-of-the-art digital printed circuit board (PCB) for better control and longer life.
- Immediate full pressure inflation with the foot pedal or on/off switch.
- Never needs recalibrating.
- Continuous inflation mode when foot pedal is plugged into the left outlet, or timed inflation mode when plugged into the right outlet.
- Includes padded protective carrying case.
- 120 volt for USA, 230V/240V for Europe, UK, and Australia.
- CE approved for Europe and UK.
- EPCS approved for Australia and New Zealand.
- 1-year conditional warranty.
Precision Air™ V6 Inflator
The Next Generation in Air Inflation!
- The Precision Air automatically sizes air-filled latex balloons without the use of heavy cylinders, noisy air compressors, or time- consuming templates.
- Great for columns, sculptures and other air-filled decor.
- Adjust the inflation time by tenths of a second for precision sizing.
- Proper balloon sizing eliminates popped balloons, and ensures consistent costing and customer satisfaction.
- Electrical unit includes a built-in, adjustable cycle counter that tracks the number of balloons inflated.
- New model allows you to inflate a single balloon automatically or two different sized balloons.
- Increase efficiency with the new Auto-Inflate Cycle function and inflate any size round and entertainer balloons 2” in diameter and larger.
If you are considering investing in one of these machines, I would say that you won't regret it! As a balloon decorator, you are only restricted by your limitations and one of our biggest limitations is time, especially when you work alone. Having a digital inflator will increase the number of balloons you can inflate within a given time, significantly giving you more opportunity and confidence to take on more work or bigger jobs! Your machine will pay for itself in no time!
As I said in my last post, I will always recommend that if you are able to attend a balloon training course, event or convention, you should certainly do so. These events will give you the opportunity to work with all kinds of different equipment in order to have a full understanding of how each piece of equipment works and what works best for you! If you need any further advise, then ask other balloon professionals, they will be very quick to let you know what their favourite equipment is and why!
Happy Ballooning!
Sue
www.suebowler.com
#suebowler
As I said in my last post, I will always recommend that if you are able to attend a balloon training course, event or convention, you should certainly do so. These events will give you the opportunity to work with all kinds of different equipment in order to have a full understanding of how each piece of equipment works and what works best for you! If you need any further advise, then ask other balloon professionals, they will be very quick to let you know what their favourite equipment is and why!
Happy Ballooning!
Sue
www.suebowler.com
#suebowler