Air Compressor help

[gkendall]

Ok guys, don’t be too hard on me, I am new to this stuff, but I want to do it correctly, so I have an air compressor with a tank that I will be using to run my air brush. I now have a paint booth and am wanting to get a water filter(I think that is what they are called) and the hookups for my small air hose to my compressor. Now, this is her I need the help. I will put the water trap (filter) between the regulator and the place I plug in the normal air hose correct? Then what do I use or do I need to get so I can hook up my small air hose from my air brush to the compressor? Sorry for sounding stupid, but I don’t know how to hook all of this up. What do I need to go and get and how do I do it? All help is appreciated

Thanks,

Gary <><

[ismaelg]

Gary,

First of all, welcome to the forum. Second, there are no stupid questions

There is no unique way to setup the equipment. The type and size of your moisture trap will help determine where to put it. There are big heavy glass traps that are better attached to the air tank's outlet. There are smaller "inline" traps that can be used in the airbrush air hose itself. I would recommend to put it just before the pressure regulator, and these 2 things close to the tank. In my case, I have a big trap at the outlet of the compressor and I fill a smaller portable tank.

The brass reduction adapter you see in the picture came with my airbrush. I'm sure you can get it separately. I'm not sure if all airbrush hoses are the same thread. You may need to check the one you have to make sure.

I hope this helps.

Thanks,

[Modelmartin]

The only dumb question is the one not asked. By definition your questions are good ones!

The water trap should go between the tank and the regulater. Just go to a hardware store for the fittings to hook everything up. They're are just pipe fittings, usually 1/4 NPT. Use teflon tape to seal the threads. I would suggest just hauling your parts and pieces in and get someone at the store to set you up with what you need. I would also suggest quick-disconnect fittings at the outlet of the regulater so you can readily disconnect your airbrush hose so you you use the compressed air for other things. Everything including quick-disconnects should run you about $10.00.

Happy airbrushing! It is the only way to go!

Edited August 9, 2007 by Modelmartin

[patrol52]

You also should make sure that you only use the moisture trap when you paint. If you use the compressed air for other things such as air sanders and other air tools, the amount of air/moisture moving through the system will destroy the moisture trap (unless it's an industrial one made to handle that kind of volume). That's why you are supposed to oil your air tools before use, but NOT your spray gun or airbrush. At home, my dad built a pipe system for the compressed air that has water traps at the bottom of each leg, so when using grinders/sanders/impact wrenches, the moisture is slowed down, but when painting, we always connect the dryer at the outlet before the air hose to the spray gun. Of course the pipe system is not necessary, but it nice if most everything is connected with quick connects.

[mr moto]

ModelMartin speaks with wisdom. I too knew absolutely nothing but I had a hunch that it was all at the hardware store and I was right! I think it took two trips and a little bit of time staring at pipe fittings to figure out what was best but they fixed me up for very little money. Bring your stuff with you and the helpful hardware man will take care of you.

[cruz]

Stupid question???? This is one of the best ones I have seen asked in the forum Surely a topic a lot of people will be looking and learning from!!!!!