I will most likely use it with a paasche airbrush, so what regulator/water trap would work with this compressor? I would prefer for it to attach directly to the compressor instead of some other set-up.
Thanks,
sfb
sfb it already has a regulator by the looks of the picture. I have the paasche in line trap on mine. These work well and are about $15
ratled
The red knob is the pressure regulator on the compressor. One of the gauges is for tank pressure and the other is the line pressure from the regulator. HF sells inline filters also. If this were going to be my set up, I’d remove the quick release fitting on the compressor and fit the filter onto the threaded stub that remains. Then I’d put the quick release on the output side of the filter. Add a quick release to the hose for the airbrush and you are set to go.
My personal preference would be for a larger receiver tank to keep the compressor cycling less. These pancake compressors can be sort of loud when the compressor kicks in. I have a 6 gallon Bostich pancake compressor that pumps to 135 psi. That runs my air brush for almost any painting session without cycling the pump.
Sorry for the stupid question, but how do you install an in-line filter?
sfb
I can only speak for the Paasche but I’m sure the others are very similar.
The Paasche comes with two compression fittings. You cut the line where you want the filter to be, slip on one supplied fitting over the ends of each hose and attach to each nipple. It really isn’t that hard but if you don’t want to mess with it you can buy a 10’ hose with one already in it. This isn’t a bad choice if you are going to get an extra hose anyway. They run about $30
Now where the filter should go can cause a little debate. Some folks like it close to the airbrush. Im not a fan of that because some folks put it so close that you can feel in the line as you paint. I also feel that shaking the water trap could cause you to shake some of the water out of it causing more problems that if you didn’t have one at all. I have mine where it sits on the floor just as my line comes up towards the spray booth
I know several folks actually have 2 of these in line because of the environment they live in but I would look a bigger, better trap if that is a concern
Also be sure to empty. Most folks forget this part.
ratled
If you’ve not done it before, its not a stupid question. Most compressed air “things” are equipped with pipe threads. Depending on the water trap/filter you buy, you will have to purchase some brass fittings to make the connections. The fittings are threaded for a couple of different sizes, but everything is standard, so you should not have problems finding the pieces you need. It is not rocket science, and the parts can be had at nearly any hardware store, including the DIY box stores. Take your filter and the quick release from the compressor with you and you should be able to pick out the pieces you need. If not, just ask a clerk for assistance. You’ll need a roll of teflon pipe thread tape to seal the fittings when you assemble things. You just wrap the tape around the male threaded part a few times before you screw things together to ensure a leak proof join.
My personal preference is to runn an addition regulator/ drier assy regardless of what is installed on the comercial unit. When I airbrush, I like to have the reg control closer to the spraying area or booth. This put the compressor away and less bothersome of the running noise.
I don’t expect others to want to use the equipment I do use which is a commercial automotive reg/ drier assy that I will connect to a 50" hose as the compressor is in another room. There are lesser quality regualors and driers available that will suffice. Just remember that if you do use an additional regulator that the one on the compressor supplies higher pressure to tha auxilary one.
Most of my compressors (I use various ones for my trade) do have built in regualors and some so-so moisture traps. Thes are fine for running framing/ finish nail guns but the traps are not good enough for airbrushing especially in wet/ humid locals. This is why I will use the separate unit.
Many times if I want to paint into the wee hours, I will just fill an air tank and use it instaed of waking everyone in the house. This regulator/ drier is just attached to the air tank instead.
Just a few after thoughts on air brushing. I’d advise not using the coiled air hoses that often come with air compressors. They are just entanglements waiting to cause a problem for you at the least opportune time. Your air brush should come with a small diameter, short hose. that is fine for handling the air brush, but I needed more distance to the compressor. I fitted my air brush hose (I have a 40 plus year old Passche) with a coupling that allows it to be connected to a longer, larger hose. I prefer a soft, flexible hose (like Flexzilla) for the connecting hose between the compressor and the air brush hose. This way, your hand movements won’t be as constrained as having a heavier hose pulling on things.