Airbrush & Compressor recommendations?

[dwhite645]

I'm looking for a new double action airbrush and compressor. I saw another post similar, but I have a few more questions and concerns so I didn't want to hijack the other thread.

* I've heard that paasche and the ones offered on Tamiyas website are really nice; any objections or any others I should look at?

* I'd like to do full body paint jobs, and also extremely small details, do they all have optional tips included - or easy to get?

* Any particular brands of compressors I should look into?

* What psi should I want out of a compressor and what size tank?

Also, I do have a 'real' air compressor for my pneumatic tools. Is there a way I can pump air into one of the portable storage tanks and hook up a regulator to it, or would the cost be the same as buying an airbrush compressor?

I've done airbrushing before on many, many models with great success. The only problem is it was a testors compressed air can type, which is fine, but I want more control and finer detail. The cost also added up replacing the cans all the time and the plastic body of the airbrush is really cheap. Thanks!

[BIGTRUCK]

I have the Paasche VL that came with 3 tips, still learning what I can do with it.so far its a good gun....I keep goin back to my old binks wren gun because it feels better to me, I had it a long time...for air I had the big craftsman 25 gallon that goes over 120 lbs. more than you'll ever need for models but will surley run your tools...that has 2 regulators and a CP water trap, works well but sounds like the troops are invading, plus you dont want it in the house. I got a small one with a tank from wal-mart and put 1 regulator and a screw on water filter and that works good for the 50 bucks it costs [plus your add ons] but it needs to be screwed down to some 2 x 4's or it vibrates around..a small portable air tank I never tried, but some swear by it...all are better than what canned air bombs cost and your able to do much..MUCH more by getting away from the air cans..

[Jairus]

Darrell,

And anybody else out there... compressed air is COMPRESSED AIR! It doesn’t matter if it is from a can of air, an airbrush compressor or the spare tire in your car! As long as you can regulate it and keep moisture out then it will work. I have even heard of guys building their own compressor out of old refrigerator parts. That too will work!

All you need is a consistent source of air. Okay? Okay.

Now, the air must be clean so a moisture trap is a necessity unless you live in the desert where the humidity is 0%. They are not expensive and can be purchase for as little as a couple of bucks for a cheap little throw away one.

The regulator is also a necessity because you want the air to maintain a consistent pressure all the time. That can be expensive by itself but many compressors come with them so that may not be an issue.

The compressor is what you make of it. I use an upright 22-gallon 5hp Craftsman. it is mounted in my garage and plumbed into my studio for about $10 bucks of pipe and fittings. I fill the tank about once a week and then shut it off. I can paint models, illustrations and slot car bodies all week and never have to turn it back on for an ENTIRE WEEEK! How cool is that?

Of course you can buy a silentair compressor from the local art department for $500 bucks and keep it under your desk if you want. But I bought mine from Freaking SEARS for just over $100 ON SALE 6 years ago and just love it. (Might even Marry it some day)

So... you make up your own minds but the type of airbrush and compressor is really a personal decision in my opinion.

:-)

[Jairus]

One more thiing... quick disconnect fittings! GET SOME! If you don't mind hunting around for the stupid wrench with which to disconnect your air hose from the compressor than never mind... but I live by quick disconnect fittings.

Okay, that is all....

:roll:

[ismaelg]

Darrell,

If you already have a compressor for your tools, you are halfway there! I have a big noisy bulky compressor, made out of an old propane tank, a washing machine motor and a junkyard car A/C compressor. (It works great, but I don't want to marry it ) But since I usually work on models at night after everybody is sleeping, I fill a 7 gallon portable tank to about 100 psi during the day. That usually gives me a few nights of airbrushing. A regualtor is mandatory. I usually work around 20 psi. Slightly less for enamels, about 20 for lacquer and slightly more for primers. But that's pretty much a matter of personal preference.

One word of caution. Compressed air is like fire: Very useful but dangerous if not treated carefully. I had a cheap fitting blow up and it sent the hose whiplashing violently all over the place. Not to mention the loud "BOOM PSSSSSsssssst" made the heart skip a beat or two

Good luck!

Thanks,

[Luis Ayala]

I'm looking for a new double action airbrush and compressor. I saw another post similar, but I have a few more questions and concerns so I didn't want to hijack the other thread.

* I've heard that paasche and the ones offered on Tamiyas website are really nice; any objections or any others I should look at?

* I'd like to do full body paint jobs, and also extremely small details, do they all have optional tips included - or easy to get?

* Any particular brands of compressors I should look into?

* What psi should I want out of a compressor and what size tank?

Also, I do have a 'real' air compressor for my pneumatic tools. Is there a way I can pump air into one of the portable storage tanks and hook up a regulator to it, or would the cost be the same as buying an airbrush compressor?

I've done airbrushing before on many, many models with great success. The only problem is it was a testors compressed air can type, which is fine, but I want more control and finer detail. The cost also added up replacing the cans all the time and the plastic body of the airbrush is really cheap. Thanks!

Darrel,

I am not much of an expert here but the setup I have gives me very good results and the main thing is that is 100% portable and very quiet.

My airbrush is the Aztek - A4709 Wich comes with the following features:

Double action (trigger controls both air and paint), internal mix airbrush.

Patented Aztek Nozzle for quick effects changes and minimal clean-up

Works as double or single action airbrush

Durable, lightweight body

Pinpoint accuracy control

Use For:

General and precise detail work

A4709 Set includes

A470 Airbrush & 6' (1.8 mm) hose

Fine Line Nozzle / .30 mm

General Detail Nozzle / .53 mm

Acrylic General Detail Nozzle / .40 mm

Acrylic High Flow Nozzle / .50 mm

General Detail Nozzle / .40 mm

High Flow Nozzle / .50 mm

2.5 cc Side Feed Color Cup

3 cc Gravity Feed Color Cup

7.5 cc Gravity Feed Color Cup

10 cc Gravity Feed Color Cup

28 mm Siphon cap & bottle

33 mm Siphon cap & bottle

Instructional manual & video

Compressor adapter

Wooden storage case

Here is a link where you can find more info about it.

http://www.testors.com/catalog_item.asp?itemNbr=50

The main thing is that this airbrush has different tips, up to "hair line" detail and is an internal mix double action.

Now, for a compressor is just a matter of how much you want to spend but regardless of the noise, they are all pretty much the same thing.

Here are some tips I found in the web on how to select your compressor:

How To Choose Your Air Compressor

Use the following information to help you choose the air compressor to best fit your needs:

Why do I need a Compressor?

Versatile - Runs a variety of tools off of one compressor

Economical - You can operate more tools for less money compared to electric-powered tools.

Powerful - The power to do the job right and in less time.

Key issues when deciding which air compressor to choose include life expectancy, frequency of use, relative noise level and warranty.

Choosing the right air compressor is made easy using the chart below:

Standard Duty - Durable powered equipment built for the home, garage or workshop.

Serious Duty - Superior quality powered equipment engineered for the automotive garage or professional work site.

Extreme Duty - Top-of-the-line powered equipment engineered for the industrial work place, automotive, garage or professional work site.

I have a Campbell Hausfeld 02-Gallon (Direct Drive) Air Compressor. wich is very cheap and not too noisy.

But if you want one less noisy I will suggest this one:

Both are very good and so far I am pleased with the performance.Here is a link to a page where you can see by yourself and choose wich model suits the best for you.

http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/

As I told you this my setup and I have no complains from neighbors or family regarding any noise. I am very happy with the performance and portability of both the airbrush and the compressor. I can move anywhere around the house to shoot some paint if the sun is good or just stay inside.

Hope this helps :wink:

[dwhite645]

Thanks for all the helpful replies, and Luis, thanks for the detailed info and links.

It seems that almost everyone uses a standard compressor, instead of the airbrush specific small compressors. That's good to know, since I already have one. I have a Craftsman 33 gal 6 HP with the regulator labeled in 5 psi intervals. I wasn't sure if I needed one with more specific or a finer detailed regulator for accurate psi control, but I guess I don't, so like someone else said already - I'm half way there.

One question though - what kind of adapters would I need for hooking any airbrush up to my existing compressor? I'm sure the airbrush connectors are small so is there an adapter I need to get for that? Thanks

[Guest zebm1]

Just a suggestion Darrel, what is tha range of yur regulator, is it 120 psi max? If yu want finer control, yu might consider puting a smaller regulator downstream of tha tank regulator, with tha water trap in beteen regulators. I've found over tha years that regulators give yu much better service if yur desired air pressure is in tha middle of tha control band of tha regulator.

reason, when yu try to use a regulator towards tha outer ends of yur control range, yur getting pretty close to spring bind. Putting a smaller regulator downstream gives yu finer control, like say 1 lb increments.

[Luis Ayala]

Thanks for all the helpful replies, and Luis, thanks for the detailed info and links.

It seems that almost everyone uses a standard compressor, instead of the airbrush specific small compressors. That's good to know, since I already have one. I have a Craftsman 33 gal 6 HP with the regulator labeled in 5 psi intervals. I wasn't sure if I needed one with more specific or a finer detailed regulator for accurate psi control, but I guess I don't, so like someone else said already - I'm half way there.

One question though - what kind of adapters would I need for hooking any airbrush up to my existing compressor? I'm sure the airbrush connectors are small so is there an adapter I need to get for that? Thanks

I am glad the links help you out.

Most compressors will have 3/8†NPT outlet. Depending on wich make of airbrush you buy, you will have a matching female adapter of the same size thread or will need to reduce it using an 1/4†NPT female hose adapter.

I will suggest that you install the moisture trap first and then the airbrush.

My airbrush already has the adapter so the only extra thing I added was the moisture trap.

:wink:

[dwhite645]

Just a suggestion Darrel, what is tha range of yur regulator, is it 120 psi max? If yu want finer control, yu might consider puting a smaller regulator downstream of tha tank regulator, with tha water trap in beteen regulators. I've found over tha years that regulators give yu much better service if yur desired air pressure is in tha middle of tha control band of tha regulator.

reason, when yu try to use a regulator towards tha outer ends of yur control range, yur getting pretty close to spring bind. Putting a smaller regulator downstream gives yu finer control, like say 1 lb increments.

Good suggestion - my regulator goes all the way up to 200 psi, but the highest I've ever seen it compress the tank is up to 145 psi. That's a good suggestion of putting a 2nd finer regulator inline, one that's smaller and in 1 lb increments. As I said, mine is labeled in 5 lb increment, but I could possibly eyeball it to 1 lb increments, but might be a pain to do.

Luis - While browsing around at some airbrushes, I noticed some come with hose and some don't. I guess I aswered my own question later on and saw that some had the direct connect for 1/4" and the 3/8" fitting. If I remember correctly, I think my compressor has the 3/8" npt fittings and also my hoses/tools.

[Luis Ayala]

Good suggestion - my regulator goes all the way up to 200 psi, but the highest I've ever seen it compress the tank is up to 145 psi. That's a good suggestion of putting a 2nd finer regulator inline, one that's smaller and in 1 lb increments. As I said, mine is labeled in 5 lb increment, but I could possibly eyeball it to 1 lb increments, but might be a pain to do.

Luis - While browsing around at some airbrushes, I noticed some come with hose and some don't. I guess I aswered my own question later on and saw that some had the direct connect for 1/4" and the 3/8" fitting. If I remember correctly, I think my compressor has the 3/8" npt fittings and also my hoses/tools.

Here are a couple of things that may usefull for your setup.

Here's an universal moisture filter that's easier to install.

Here are some links at MICRO-MARK that will give more info.

http://www.ares-server.com/Ares/Ares.asp?M...ct&ID=81782

http://www.ares-server.com/Ares/Ares.asp?M...ct&ID=81768

What you will probably need to do is install a "T" at your compressor outlet and then run a separete short pipe for your airbrush using a new regulator and filter.

That way you will still be able to use the regulator that's on board your compressor at 5PSI increments and when you are using the airbrush you can give it twist up to 50 PSI and then regulate your airbush at the desired pressure.

Otherwise you will need to dismantel the compressor and install only the new regulator.

Here is a PIC of the regulator you may look for:

Use this link for more Info:

http://www.dickblick.com/zz269/13/

Hope it helps!!!

:wink: :wink:

[Guest zebm1]

Actually Luis, my suggestion on two inline regulators has to do with tha fact that yu have a max feed pressure to yur smaller regulator. Say ifn yu have a 30 lb regulator that yu are using for yur airbrush, if it's max feed pressure is 75 psi and yu put a "T" in tha line and run yur normal shop pressure of 145psi......yur gonna blow tha diaphragm clean outa tha smaller regulator.

What I'd do is put a female quik-connect on tha tank regulator outline, a male quik-connect on a "real" water separator that is close coupled to tha smaller regulator that is reduced on it's outline to tha air brush hose nut. I've never seen an airbrush hose with a quik-connect fitting.

Yu can get some real good regulators, water separators and air filters at really "cheep" prices from Harbor Freight and they also have an on-line store and a monthly on-line newsletter for coupons.

[Guest zebm1]

Another comment, yu can get a regulator that has max regulation to 30 psi and a very high inlet pressure maximum of say 145-200psi, but pressure regulators of that type are more expensive,as in "real" dollars. Better to run yur tank pressure down to say....50/60 psi and use tha smaller regulator to get a much finer control of yur air brush speed of air thru tha paint tip.

[Luis Ayala]

Actually Luis, my suggestion on two inline regulators has to do with tha fact that yu have a max feed pressure to yur smaller regulator. Say ifn yu have a 30 lb regulator that yu are using for yur airbrush, if it's max feed pressure is 75 psi and yu put a "T" in tha line and run yur normal shop pressure of 145psi......yur gonna blow tha diaphragm clean outa tha smaller regulator.

What I'd do is put a female quik-connect on tha tank regulator outline, a male quik-connect on a "real" water separator that is close coupled to tha smaller regulator that is reduced on it's outline to tha air brush hose nut. I've never seen an airbrush hose with a quik-connect fitting.

Yu can get some real good regulators, water separators and air filters at really "cheep" prices from Harbor Freight and they also have an on-line store and a monthly on-line newsletter for coupons.

You are absolutely right zebm1, I am sorry I didn't explain it right. :oops:

Like I said I am not much of an expert, but since I only have a small 2gal compressor, my setup is quite simple and I use it only for airbrushing.

Well, actually you don't have to install quick-connect fittings, you can always install a shut off valve, wich by the way I forgot to mention in the first place, behind one of the sides of the "T" that I suggested to install out of the on board tank regulator and leave everything there, instead of installing/removing all the setup every time you are going to use the airbrush.

Then you can install your regular hose on the remaining side of the "T" and still use it for normal shop work .

The main thing is that if you are setting up your shop for airbrushing, it doesn't matter if you have a compressor or not. Just hit this page and you will find the answer to all of your questions.

:wink:

[slotbaker]

Just found this thread. :shock:

Nice one.

Lots of good info here, thanks for sharing.

[monsterman]

Another great post guys I am to in the market for an airbrush set up

[bob paeth]

Home Depot has just started carrying a new compressor from Campbell-Hausfeld. It is a two tank design, has a maximum pressure of 100 lbs ( which is more than enough) . It has a guage to tell you the pressure in the tank and a guage to regulate the pressure to your airbrush. It comes with several fittings including a quick-release, a tire inflater and THIS :

_-a Brad nailer for small jobs around the house.

The best news is that it retails for only $79.95. and you can carry it with one arm ( and not drop it )

I bought one and I luv it

bob

[simonr]

Speaking about airbrushes, does anyone here have information about using Gunze Sangyo airbrushes? I've heard that they need a special adapter to use with the compresors here in America.

Any info will be highly aprecciated.

Simon

[JT]

Jairus, I'm with you:

Large cheaper compressor, and quick disconnect fittings.

I have a 5hp 20 Gal Coleman Compressor that I have in my garage and can use it for airing up the tires, using my air tools and just general stuff around the house. And I didn't even go the pipe and fitting route, I just ran a 30' hose along some water pipes in the ceiling to the model room!

Quick disconnect fittings connect everything. The long hose to the compresser, so I can take the compressor out into the yard if I need. The long hose runs right to the moisture trap (QD of course) which is directly connected to the regulator, with a QD on the other end. That way I can take them both out and use them elsewhere, like when I did some airbrush work on my 1:1 car.

As far as airbrush(es), I have an Aztek A4709 Dual action which I use for the 'good' stuff, and a couple of cheaper generic single actions for some of the other stuff like chassis and under carriage work.

I guess it's all what you're comfortable with and can afford, and I'll go the cheaper way if it lets me afford more kits!

JT

[Guest zebm1]

So JT, yur gonna Marry yur compressor too? Hmmmmmm :twisted:

Zeb