Iwata Pistol-Grip Filter Question

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Painting and airbrushing
1

Well thanks to Hobby Lobby’s 40% off coupon and a customer visit two hours south of here (closest Hobby Lobby), I went and got me one of them double action thingies…err airbrushes. Iwata HP-CS, neat little HL bundle with some AB cleaner, three totally useless ComArt paint bottles (well, after I dump out the paint and use 'em for Windex, etc they’ll be useful) and this topic’s subject: the Iwata Pistol-Grip Filter. I understand the use, 5micron moisture/dirt trap. I’m using a tankless compressor, so I don’t know if I even need to use it. After hooking it up inline with the CS and the compressor, I noticed a significant LACK of air pressure coming from the compressor, like under 5PSI when I have it set for 20PSI. There is quite a bit of air escaping from the filter “purge” fitting. I see it has a screw, is this adjustable? I’m assuming it’s shipped in the full open position, but there are no notches in the head to use a micro screwdriver. Am I just pulling a blonde moment here?

Here’s a crude shot of what I’m talking about:

Thanks in advance.

2

Figured it out. I had to seat the little O ring inside the filter by pulling down on that little mini-set screw. Works fine now. [:D]

3

I think you got a great airbrush, but I would lose the pistol grip filter. You still need a water filter, but I would opt for one designed to attach to your compressor. In addition to that, I also use an in-line filter installed about two feet from the end of the air line.

I don’t own the pistol grip filter, but have tried one and found it to be cumbersome.

4

If I’m using a compressor without a tank, where exactly would the air be condensating, with the possible exception of the line? Since I’ve got larger hands (6’7"ish), just using it as a handle when I’m painting is kinda nice. I just tried it out about 15 minutes ago, using my “primer undercoat” pre-AB mix. I was shooting a squiggle line about 1/16" wide at about 12 PSI, about an inch from my test surface. Really nice to see.