ukey28 Posted February 6, 2012 Report Share Posted February 6, 2012 I have a 3 Gallon craftsman compressor. What do I have to do to it to use it for airbrushing and powder painting. Can I use it the way it is or do I have to add things like a regulator and where do I find regulators? Can it work for this application at all? Thanks' F Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldfart9999 Posted February 6, 2012 Report Share Posted February 6, 2012 (edited) You can check out Sears or go on line to find regulators and fittings. You don't need much pressure so a quality regulator is needed. I'm surprised one didn't come with the compressor. Rodney Edited February 6, 2012 by Oldfart9999 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smalljaw Posted February 6, 2012 Report Share Posted February 6, 2012 You can check out Sears or go on line to find regulators and fittings. You don't need much pressure so a quality regulator is needed. I'm surprised one didn't come with the compressor. Rodney I too am surprised it didn't come with a regulator but if it didn't then go to sears, they should be able to match the regulator to your compressor. It requires very little air pressure, I have a small 2 gallon oiless compressor that works great for that kind of duty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LimpNoodle Posted February 7, 2012 Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 You'll need a moisture trap and a regulator. You can get both in one unit at Harbor Freight for about $10-15. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ukey28 Posted February 7, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 Thanks for the wake up call! I went out and checked the compressor, it has a regulator. I'll have to get a moisture trap. i may pick up the pair and set that up near the bench. I could then just run the regular line to it and a small line to the air brush. That way when I need the big air for tires and nail gun I have it ready to go too. Sound plausible? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RayburnGuy Posted February 7, 2012 Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 Thanks for the wake up call! I went out and checked the compressor, it has a regulator. I'll have to get a moisture trap. i may pick up the pair and set that up near the bench. I could then just run the regular line to it and a small line to the air brush. That way when I need the big air for tires and nail gun I have it ready to go too. Sound plausible? Good idea. You'll want your regulator close by when your airbrushing in case you want to adjust the pressure to spray details. That way your not having to get up, walk to your compressor, adjust the regulator and walk back to your workbench. Ben Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ukey28 Posted February 7, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 I didn't think of that part of it. Thats much more efficient! ANy other tips on this guys, Please keep them coming!! Thanks, F Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldfart9999 Posted February 8, 2012 Report Share Posted February 8, 2012 Regulators are not expensive, you could leave the settings alone on the one on the compressor and put one close to your work station. The moisture trap should be at the highest point on the airline, they are not expensive either, just remember to drain it when you are done for the day. You should also drain your tank when you are done as moisture can collect in the tank. I would run a different line for your tools as they need to be oiled, that way you will not contanmenate the air going to your airbrush. Rodney Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pop Posted May 1, 2012 Report Share Posted May 1, 2012 According to TJ's Tackle, you need very little air pressure to spray powder paint. No compressor is necessary. He said they are having good success with the air pump used with with the Fluid Beds. Because of the low air pressure no moisture trap is needed. Pop Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smalljaw Posted May 1, 2012 Report Share Posted May 1, 2012 According to TJ's Tackle, you need very little air pressure to spray powder paint. No compressor is necessary. He said they are having good success with the air pump used with with the Fluid Beds. Because of the low air pressure no moisture trap is needed. Pop WRONG!!! I've been using the spray gun for a long time, in fact before a lot of suppliers started selling them and I have a fluid bed that I purchased from TJs and I can tell you with 100% confidence that the small aquarium pumps used for fluid beds will not work with a powder spray gun. It is true very little air is needed but the air pressure generated from those pumps isn't enough to get a good consistant spray, it sort of spits out the gun and if you point it down it will run out of the gun. Now, you can use Propell which is canned air but it doesn't last long but don't use an aquarium pump, it doesn't work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Basseducer Posted May 1, 2012 Report Share Posted May 1, 2012 This one from Harbor Freight works verry well and sometimes you can get them on sale for under 50 bucks. http://www.harborfreight.com/3-gallon-100-psi-oilless-pancake-air-compressor-95275.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
