AB/Compressor connector sizes make me sick

Didn't realize it was such an issue. When I bought my first compressor (large workshop type) and airbrush (aztek) wasnt a problem as the compressor came with a kit that has a suitable attachement size. When I upgraded to a decent inside use hobby compressor (read quiet) it came with 3 different attachements for its airhose to use aztek, paasche and a third (cant remember name).

Andrew

The G-MAC looks like an infinitely better option than a standard quick disconnector. I'll buy one.

The reason why I originally considered a Badger 105 is its 0.5 mm nozzle, which is supposedly better for a novice like me. I've just found that Iwata makes a 0.5 mm nozzle for the Eclipse. I hope local Hobby Lobby carries Iwata stuff so that I can use a 40% coupon

DoogsATX

If you have multiple airbrushes, I HIGHLY recommend buying yourself a Grex G-MAC (mass air control valve). It's one part micro pressure control, one part quick release. Their standard fittings work with Iwata, H&S and Grex brushes, and you can purchase adapters for Badger and Paasche. They screw on to the airbrush and work with the G-MAC. Easy as pie.

This is really the best advice. I have this kind of setup myself (almost), and it makes everything a lot easier.

One of the things that makes it difficult these days is the disappearance of the hardware store.  They have mostly been replaced by the building materials superstores.  Most of these do not have a good supply of good pipe fittings in small sizes, whereas the hardware stores did.  I have three building supply stores within walking distance, that even carry food!  But ask for a #23 drill, and they'll ask, "what SIZE is that- how many sixteenths of an inch.  I live in a suburb of a big city, but it is a half hour drive to the closest real HARDWARE store.  They understand thread sizes :-)

Of  course, in this day and age, the US holding out for the British Imperial system in a metric world makes it hard too.  We need to go with the rest of the world, go metric.  It will be painful for awhile, but ten or fifteen years hence, we'll be glad we did.

Chrisk-k

Thanks a ton! I've looked at only Badger, Paasche & Iwata. That's why I've seen many kinds of adapters for different sizes.

In order to avoid more headache, it may be better for me to buy an Iwata Eclipse and an Iwata Smart Jet.

Yes, the Iwata Eclipse will be an excellent choice for modeling. Not because of the thread size. It is easy to learn from and easy to clean.

I change from a Paasche H to an Iwata HP-CS and never look back. In the past 3 years, I also acquired an H&S Evolution Silverline Solo and a Badger Krome. All three are excellent and good AB for modeling. I still use the Iwata most because it uses higher quality (harder material) nozzle and needle that is less prone to damage. And Iwata parts are cheap and easy to get at local Hobby Lobby.

If you have local Hobby Lobby, take a look at the Sparmax compressors in store too. They come form the same factory as Iwata Smartjet, only much cheaper.

DoogsATX

Blame Paasche and Badger. They have the weird non-standard sizes. 

<snip>

LOL!! Boy do I agree. I have a Paasche Model H, an Iwata Revolution and a Badger 150 and 100. Drove me nuts always having to change hoses. I found Paasche AB to Grex (Iwata) hose and Badger AB to Grex hose adapters at Chicago Airbrush and I'm a happy camper. One hose and any of my AB's. BTW, if you happen to have an old Binks Wren AB (mine must be over 40 yrs old) the Paasche adapter will fit it too!

Bob

Blame Paasche and Badger. They have the weird non-standard sizes. 

Compressors and regulators use 1/4" NPT connectors. I'm sure there are a few exceptions, but not many.

Iwata, Harder & Steenbeck, Grex etc use 1/8" NPT at the airbrush. Iwata and Grex hoses use 1/4" at the compressor side and 1/8" at the airbrush side.

If you have multiple airbrushes, I HIGHLY recommend buying yourself a Grex G-MAC (mass air control valve). It's one part micro pressure control, one part quick release. Their standard fittings work with Iwata, H&S and Grex brushes, and you can purchase adapters for Badger and Paasche. They screw on to the airbrush and work with the G-MAC. Easy as pie.

Thanks a ton! I've looked at only Badger, Paasche & Iwata. That's why I've seen many kinds of adapters for different sizes.

In order to avoid more headache, it may be better for me to buy an Iwata Eclipse and an Iwata Smart Jet.

Chrisk-k

All different connector sizes of Badger, Paasche & Iwata makes my head spin Worse, I cannot find information about exact sizes at their Web site. Moreover, sizes of air hoses seem different. Is there a site that shows different connector sizes of major ABs and compressors?

I want to connect a Badger 105 to either a Paasche or Iwata compressors. I also want to use a quick disconnect coupler. What would be a good way to get to know different sizes so that I can order the right components?

Chris K-k, the airbrush connector is pretty standard at 1/8" BSP (British Standard Pipe) as long as you stay away from Aztek, Badger, or Paashce. If you have one of those proprietary threaded airbrush, get this adaptor kit from TCP Global. Or shop for the specific airbrush to airhose adapter here.

Badger airbrush uses metric M-5 size thread. I heard the latest Badger Krome comes with an adaptor for the Iwata hose. I am not sure what the Aztek and Paasche size are.

Most airbrush compressor has 1/4" BSP female output fitted with a male-male connector. The Iwata airhose works in that case. A cheap generic airhose from Harbor Freight also fits.