Mainly, Where do i get them, and what one should i get. Sorry for the vague post, but i have been using my compressor without a regulator and I have a feeling I am not getting the best use out of my airbrush.
You can get a regulator at Sears, Lowe’s or Home Depot.
What he said. The small ones (suitable for compressor) at Lowes (Kobalt brand) are about 20 bucks. Sears & Home Depot are similar.
Before you go take a good look and measure the compressor’s outlet pipe dimension. Then while you’re at Lowes/Home Depot wander into the plumbing department and check their fittings. At my local stores the parts I need are in plastic baggies above a display board with the parts attached.
The pipe out of the compressor into the regulator – it it the same dimension/same thread? If not you will need a reducing/enlarging coupler. This would take your outlet pipe and connect an appropriate-sized pipe for the regulator. You will also need a pipe out of the regulator to the airbrush connection, again changing sizes & threads as necessary.
Your pipes are called nipples and they range from about an inch long to several inches. They are threaded on both ends (short ones are threaded their entire length).
To change directions there are elbows, both 45 and 90. Those which are male threads on one end and female threads on the other are called street elbows. You may also consider a T with a plug in one leg as a clean-out or access point for a future connection
Also pick up a roll of Teflon plumbers tape to help seal the threads while you’re at the store
I’ve also found a good assortment of these fittings at the local Ace Hardware store and the workers there seem to be more knowledgeable than the kids working at Lowes/Home Depot. They can help you select parts to set up your rig.
Thanks for all your useful information.
Listen to EdGrune he gave me good advice on my setup.
http://www.happinessismandatory.com/misc/Tools/Compressor.htm
Yes, it is difficult to help you without knowing what compressor you have.
Typical airbrush compressor output at 50-60 psi and tool compressor at 100 psi plus. Since your compressor does not have an air regulator and did not blow apart your airbrush, I wonder if it is one of those low pressure job (such as the Testors Blue Mini) that don’t have much pressure to begin with. Yes, you cannot get the best use of your AB without a good compressor. See the July 2008 issue of FSM for compressor buying advise.
For a cheap compressor, you can try the following air regulator from Harbor Freight. You don’t have much to lose for $5.
The air regulator at the hardware stores are mostly for tool compressors which may not even register the output from a low pressure compressor.
I have a similar one to the pic Keilau posted and it works fine. Mine’s been holding back the air from my 100 psi compressor for almost three years now without any problem. Sure beat paying $30+ for a “proper” airbrush regulator!
Locally you can also find them at your lumber yard, hardware store or auto supply house (NAPA etc). If they don’t have them on the shelf, they are usually happy to order them for you.
With regards to regulator pressure, I’m curious what others set theirs to for different types of paint, AB, etc. I often use MM enamels but also have some of their acryl too. My AB is the testors/aztek with a variety of nozzles. With paints thinned to the viscosity of 2% milk, I tend to run in the 30-40psi range to get good atomization.
What pressures do the rest of you use?
I have a Badger 100LG and I run between 12-15 psi. I also have a 200-20 and 150 and those I bump up to 20 psi. I’ve tried on the advice of others to spray at higher pressure, but find it causes spidering and excessive movement of the kit. I only spray acrylics.