I am new to this forum and new to the world of air brushing. I have looked at previous posts for info concerning the setting of the regulator when using an air brush. Since I did not find a similar post, thought I would give posting a new topic a try.
After much debate and consideration and with input from forum members and their opinions, I purchased a Sears compressor. It is the smaller compressor with the 2 gal. reserve tank. I have played around with it, waiting for my air brush to arrive from Dixie Art (another forum suggestion) and now that it is here, I hooked it up and gave it a try.
I notice that the setting on the regulator lowers a bit when I start using the air brush. Ok, I figure that is normal but then I had a question about compensating for the drop in pressure as noted on the regulator.
Do I set the regulator for higher pressure so that when I begin painting the pressure drop is at the range I want? Or do I set it say at 25psi and not worry about the small drop of pressure on the regulator?
I figure if anyone knows the answer it would be on this forum as the information has been excellent so far. Thanks for all the incredible questions and answers. And salute to all the advanced modelers and regular forum members for your invaluable help.
It depends on your airbrush. What brand of airbrush are you using (there is a difference in airflow from brand to brand)? Is it gravity feed, bottom feed, side feed (gravity feed airbrushes will work effectively at lower pressures)? What paints are you using (Water based paints are heavier and require higher pressures to spray properly)?
You will always experience a 15 - 30% drop in pressure when your airbrush is in operation, what you want to be concerned with is having the proper at rest pressure for the airbrush/paints you are using, so when you operate your airbrush the pressure at the needle/nozzle tip is correct for effective paint pull and spray pattern from the airbrush. Much of what you will do initially is trial and error and will vary somewhat from product to product. It is advisable to spray up some scrap plastic, pop cans, shampoo botlles before you go to work on any important project. Make some mistakes, have some fun, get a little frustrated - it is all part of learning to use your airbrush/compressor/paints efficiently and enjoyably. And if all else fails feel free to contact me directly at kenbadger@aol.com
Take air,
BADGER AIR-BRUSH CO.
Ken Schlotfeldt
President
I have helped convert a few to the Omni airbrushes but there are still many who have gone to the dark side of Iwata and Aztek that we still need to reach. [(-D] [:o)]
im along with mike, i push the omni as well. excellent airbrush. tamiya would probably put me on payroll if they knew the advertising i do for them on this forum. they just need to get more colors and they would sell more i believe. thanks ken, and keep up the good work my friend.
Thanks for that solid input. After a few sessions with the airbrush (a Passhe H) I am beginning to change pressure settings and adjusting the paint flow on the brush itself just to see what happens. So far it is fun learning a new skill as I don’t know enough yet to get frustrated[:D]
Ken, I too, am using a Paasche H. I am struggling with how to set the needle depth, or how far to screw it out, if you know what I mean. My Badger compressor puts out about 35-40 psi and I have the #3 airbrush head (I’m getting the #1 and #2 as well). I’m using acrylics, both Tamiya and Genzo.
I guess it is just a matter of playing around til it works.