DanCampbell Posted October 5, 2009 Report Share Posted October 5, 2009 Hello, I have never used an airbrush but I am going to order one, I'm not sure what I need. I am looking at the Airpro PS800 and the PS900. What does a MAC valve do and is it worth it? Any advice or information would be great. Thanks Dan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobP Posted October 5, 2009 Report Share Posted October 5, 2009 A MAC valve is a feature that allows you to adjust the air pressure going through the brush. It's redundant with the pressure control on your compressor but it's a nice feature if the compressor pressure control knob is not handy to reach during airbrushing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanCampbell Posted October 5, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 5, 2009 Thanks Bob, Do you adjust the air pressure often? I was thinking you set it at a low pressure (40Lbs) and forgot about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobP Posted October 5, 2009 Report Share Posted October 5, 2009 I reduce pressure to shoot details, down to as low as 15 psi for some shots. That doesn't happen a lot - maybe 2-3 times during a session. I use an Iwata that does not have a MAC valve but my compressor sits on the table so it's handy to adjust pressure and look at the pressure gauge to get the right air flow. I don't know how guys who use a MAC valve do it exactly - maybe adjust the MAC and shoot a little paint to see if the pattern is right. I usually shoot details with painting templates and don't want to be blasting paint because the paint can get blown under the template at high pressure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gunnie3035 Posted October 6, 2009 Report Share Posted October 6, 2009 I have both types and I would suggest getting the MAC valve when your first starting out. After a while you will get to where you can shoot fine details freehand w/o reducing the pressure, but the valve will make painting easier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RayburnGuy Posted October 6, 2009 Report Share Posted October 6, 2009 It has always been my understanding that a valve of any type can only reduce the flow or amount of air that is passed from one side of the valve to the other. It takes a regulator to increase or decrease the p.s.i. (pounds per square inch) or "pressure". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
