Another Airbrush Question

[Werner Voss]

Hi All,

My airbrush setup is a Paasche VL paired with a Paasche D500 compressor. They are both well over three decades old, but I have kept the equipment in well-maintained condition. I have one of those typical pressure regulators between the compressor and the airbrush. The compressor runs continuously when in use and about the best I can get out of it is 18psi. My results have not been bad, but I am hoping to improve.

Would adding a pressure tank help? There are a few on the market, but their bolt pattern does not mate with the D50, but I am sure I can make it fit. Would I be better off with a new compressor with a built in tank or at least more psi? Should I shut up and enjoy the equipment I have?

Thanks!

 

[urumomo]

new compressor with tank

 

[Werner Voss]

Thanks for the quick response. Recommendation?

 

[urumomo]

meh , too many on the market .
I run off an 11 gallon tank that I recharge with a 2 gal / 135 psi compressor I got from Harbor Freight --- with a whole suite of filters between the compressor and tank , and the the tank and airbrush .

 

[Werner Voss]

Quite a setup you have there.

 

[urumomo]

works great .
zero noise for days , until it needs recharge ,but that's only for a couple of minutes and that compressor is remarkably quiet .

 

[Jakko]

Any decent airbrush compressor with tank will also be quiet enough that you won't bother anybody with it. My hobby room is in the attic, and when my compressor is running you pretty much can't hear it one floor below despite there only being a wooden floor with a plasterboard ceiling in between. And because of the tank, the motor switches off after a few minutes anyway.

To make an airbrush fit a compressor, either buy an adapter with it, or make your own hose by buying a length of hose without connectors, and add one that fits the compressor at one end and one that fits the airbrush on the other. Make both quick-release rather than screw-in, too, while you're at it

 

[Heavy 7]

There are common fittings to adapt to a standard air hose.

Then, of course, an airbrush-specific quick disconnect is required.

Pep

 

[Edbert]

I want to second the need for a tank. The tank will eliminate the tiny pulses of pressure from the piston, while at the same time allowing for better water collection/elimination. The latter might not matter much to you if you live in Arizona, but even a mild 50% humidity will cause water accumulation.

Way too many sellers to recommend one specific unit. Something like this is so cheap it is hard to imagine.

 

[Werner Voss]

I want to second the need for a tank. The tank will eliminate the tiny pulses of pressure from the piston, while at the same time allowing for better water collection/elimination. The latter might not matter much to you if you live in Arizona, but even a mild 50% humidity will cause water accumulation.

Way too many sellers to recommend one specific unit. Something like this is so cheap it is hard to imagine.

That one is pretty tempting. Just a few bucks more than the tank I was considering. Living in the Blue Ridge Mountains, humidity is often an issue.

Thanks!

 

[Littlemarten]

That one is pretty tempting. Just a few bucks more than the tank I was considering. Living in the Blue Ridge Mountains, humidity is often an issue.

Thanks!

I'll third the need for a tank. I have a California Air Tools™ compressor with a small tank, that feeds a much larger converted oxygen tank, with lots of scavenged connectors and adapters. I also recommend an independent air trap in the line, as you live in a very humid area. Few things are more aggravating than a drop of water ruining an otherwise perfect paint job.

 

[Heavy 7]

Found this looking for some model RR items.
Air compressor
https://www.trainz.com/collections/...267b052f66c4b947d464ef52&objectId=44017054417

Pretty good deal for someone

Pep