In Line Airbrush Filter

[pharr7226]

I have Iwata Eclipse (double action) and Badger 350 (single action) airbrushes. I use 6' cords for each. The Badger is used primarily for primer and clear coats and the Iwata for everything else. I use a Badger piston compressor with a moisture trap on the compressor. I've noticed a little moisture coming out off the cord when I've used it to blow dust particles of items to be painted or my airbrush cups. It appears that I need an in line moisture trap. The Iwata has a 1/8" thread and the Badger has a 1/4" thread. Is anyone aware of an in line filter that I can use for both the Iwata and the Badger so I don't have to buy 2. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

[crazyjim]

There's a place called Gold Coast Air Brush or maybe Coast Air Brush that's supposed to be pretty good. maybe someone will post the real name.

[LoneWolf15]

Put the inline filters right after your compressor and before your airbrush hose and you won't have to worry about involving either of your airbrushes. Local hardware will carry the black iron fittings you'll need to retrofit the line and the local auto parts should carry the inline filters , one for moisture , one for oil.

Donn Yost

Lone Wolf Custom Painting

[56bowtieguy]

Here is the link to Coast Airbrush. This place has it all. They will probably have either what you need, or can point you in the right direction.

http://www.coastairbrush.com/

[pharr7226]

Thanks for the responses. I talked to someone at Coast Airbrush and she recommended using quick connect fittings for the Iwata and Badger with the Iwata in line filter. The Iwata filter screws directly into the airbrush. Don, I'm curious about your suggestion because it would certainly save me some money. But, would locating the filter so close to the compressor catch any more moisture than the moisture trap, which is located on the compressor?

[LoneWolf15]

The problem with your existing moisture trap is that it can't keep up when your compressor is being run for any extended period of time . It is one of the drawbacks when using the smaller hobby compressors. The unit runs continuosly and produces heat which in turn produces even more moisture. My Badger unit used to do the same thing which is the reason it was retired long ago !

To solve this , you need a bigger inline trap. As I stated in the earlier post , your local Advance Auto sells a moisture / oil trap combo for about $70 . You local Sears store will carry something that is compareable. The unit that I use to travel with comes from Grainger Corp. It consists of 3 seperate filters , 1 for moisture , 1 for oil , and the 3rd serves as a moisture trap / regulator. Some would say it is overkill , but in the 14 years that I've used it , not one drop of moisture or oil in a paint job !

The closer to the compressor that the inline filters are , the better off you are ! You want to catch the moisture as soon as possible and keep it out of your hose and airbrush. If you are in the hobby for the long run , I would suggest you buying a tank compressor somewhere down the road. This is another way of keeping Murphy out of the airbrush booth. As a rule , the larger compressor does not produce as much moisture as the smaller units do . Do not forget to factor in your ambient temperature / humidity / region when painting. This will also play a part in the moisture factor.

Hope this is a better explanation.

The Old Man

[pharr7226]

Lonewolf,

Thanks for the reply. I have a better understanding of why the moisture occurs. I looked on the Advance Auto Parts and Sears websites and didn't find the moisture traps. I also called the local Advance store and they don't carry it. But, I found a "moisture and oil filter combo" at http://www.eastwood.com/moisture-and-oil-f....html?reltype=2

Is this the type of setup that you're talking about?

[LoneWolf15]

  pharr7226 said:

Lonewolf,

Thanks for the reply. I have a better understanding of why the moisture occurs. I looked on the Advance Auto Parts and Sears websites and didn't find the moisture traps. I also called the local Advance store and they don't carry it. But, I found a "moisture and oil filter combo" at http://www.eastwood.com/moisture-and-oil-f....html?reltype=2

Is this the type of setup that you're talking about?

Yes,

This is exactly what I was referring to . I know , a bit expensive , but if you screw up a couple of paint jobs , you are right there costwise already. Check with Graingers , they also sell these combos . I paid $300 for my set of three which also included the regulator. They might have something a little less expensive.

The set up from Eastwood will serve you well for many years if you choose to go that route . Your moisture problems will be over , one less headache off the list !

The Old Man

Edited August 13, 2009 by LoneWolf15

[pharr7226]

I have one more question. Will filters in series drop my psi to the airbrush enough to require any compensating increase in the dialed in setting from the regulator. In other words, if I normally spray at 25 psi and the filters reduce the psi to the airbrush by 10 psi, I assume that I would have to increase the regulator setting to 35 psi. Practically, I don't know if there is a way to know for certain how much the filters reduce the psi. I'm just wondering if I have to adjust my preferred settings on the regulator if I use filters in series. Maybe its something that I should not be concerned about.

[LoneWolf15]

  pharr7226 said:

I have one more question. Will filters in series drop my psi to the airbrush enough to require any compensating increase in the dialed in setting from the regulator. In other words, if I normally spray at 25 psi and the filters reduce the psi to the airbrush by 10 psi, I assume that I would have to increase the regulator setting to 35 psi. Practically, I don't know if there is a way to know for certain how much the filters reduce the psi. I'm just wondering if I have to adjust my preferred settings on the regulator if I use filters in series. Maybe its something that I should not be concerned about.

My three filters sit right in a row on my travel stand and I have no significant pressure drop what so ever. The filters do not restrict your air flow . 25 psi at your regulator is going to be the same going in the filters as well as coming out. Hope this helps you out , I am off to the shop to paint a few more bodies myself !

The Old Man

[pharr7226]

Lonewolf, your help is greatly appreciated. Happy painting.

[pharr7226]

Lonewolf, your help is greatly appreciated. Happy painting.