Silly Question Re Air Brush Compressor

[aulrich]

So I picked up an airbrush kit on the weekend, mostly for the compressor, but as far as I can tell it has one speed and it constantly runs , and to get a lower pressure I I just bleed off air.

 

is that normal.

 

I am use to my wood working compressor, it might run once an hour.

 

 

 

 

[mark poulson]

Controlling air pressure easily makes painting a lot more fun.

I use a shop compressor, and I have a combination pressure regulator/water trap inline just before my air brushes.

But I bought an inline air control valve from an air brush supply company that is just below my airbrush, and it makes regulation the air pressure easy.  I have stopped being lazy (I know, that's a miracle in itself) when it comes to adjusting my air pressure, and my painting has improved because of that.He

Here's a link:

 

http://www.coastairbrush.com/proddetail.asp?prod=Iwata_Mac_Air_Controll_Valve&cat=317

Edited September 19, 2016 by mark poulson

[BobP]

Unless it has an air tank as part of the assembly, an air brush compressor has to run whenever you pull the trigger on your brush. These small compressors don't develop much pressure compared to a tool compressor, so they switch on whenever air is demanded by the brush. Short answer,-yes, it's normal.

[aulrich]

So I finally spent some time painting, I like it! So now I have to force myself to slow down and learn to paint properly and do better than "it will catch fish".

[Chuck Young]

A pressure regulator and filter are invaluable. The pressure guage on it will tell you the pressure at the brush. Make a log of what pressures work for which jobs. 

https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=air+regulator+filter&tbm=shop&spd=13132288915443150459

 

I didn't want the bulk of a holding tank in my limited studio space. So I put a 25 ft length of polyurethane hose before my airbrush hose. It is usually blue and is available in lumber yards. It is made of a rubbery material. Before it was installed, my airbrush would pulse with the compressor at low pressure. Now it gives a nice steady flow even at the lowest pressure I run (3-5 psi). I was surprised at how well it worked.

 

If your compressor runs non-stop or even periodically, even when you are not spraying, then you have a pressure leak. If it runs constantly when you are spraying then all is well.

 

Enjoy your new airbrush, and post pics of your progress as a painter.

Edited October 2, 2016 by Chuck Young