Just wondering what is a good operating PSI for airbrushes. I have an Iwata eclipse but I dont see anywhere what the recommended PSI should be. I am running a compressor at 25 PSI now and it works good, but I dont want to over-stress the brush and ruin it. Thanks.
don’t worry, just use around 10-15-20-25 ish
You can’t “over-stress” an airbrush. They will take 120 psi with no problem so your 25 psi will not cause anything to break. [;)]
Mike
If you are getting the results that you want at 25, that’s great. If you are getting lots of overspray or pebbly finishes, you might try dropping down to areound 15 and see how you like it. I seldom go above 15 myself.
great, thanks everyone! I always thought too much PSI could hurt the needle but I guess not. Again, thanks
I have a badger compressor with no sotrage tank for the air, just straight from the compressor to the brush. im not sure what the psi is, but i do get the overspray / pebbley finish. Does anyone know where i can get a regulator for this? or do they even make one? or do i need a 1 or 2 gal compressor to hold the air in? it is 1/4 in. threads.
If it’s standard 1/4" NPT threads you can probably just grab a regulator from Lowes or Home Depot and screw it right on. Get some Teflon tape (look in the same area as the regulators or in the plumbing section) and put a single layer of it on the threads to seal them and prevent air leaks.
MikeV will know more about the Badger compressors (actually anyone would since I know zip!) but from looking at them it looks like they vary from 20 to 60 psi. Your is probably in the 20-30 range as a guess.
Dixie Art shows a combined regulator / moisture trap for Badger compressors here:
http://www.dixieart.com/MiscAccessories.html#anchor89730
As long as the compressor doesn’t overheat and the air flow doesn’t pulsate a tank would not accomplish much for you. Just use it as it is.
Scott gave you some good advice on that so I would try what he said.
I have never tried a regulator on a diaphragm compressor but it should work alright.
Mike