Airbrush hoses

Bearcat57,

LOL but maybe you could have used petcock (let's see if that works). I used the Iwata Pistol Grip Moisture Filter attached to my AB for a while but, fortunately, don't have a moisture problem so rely on the trap on the regulator and not much from that when I drain it. To stay on topic about hoses, I was curious so did a little googling and here's what Badger says about AB hoses in their "Airbrush 101" pamphlet

"Air Hoses

BRAIDED air hoses are the most common and most durable type of airbrush hose. A braided air hose can handle over 100 psi

(more than enough for airbrushing). Braided air hoses are available with in-line moisture traps and quick disconnects.

CLEAR air hoses are best for airbrushing in environments where in-line moisture or contaminates may be a concern, because the

user can see any material passing through the hose before it reaches the airbrush. A clear air hose can handle up to 50 psi and

airbrush applications performed up to that pressure. Clear air hoses are available with moisture traps.

RECOIL air hoses are best for small work area airbrushing, because they stay out of the way. Recoil air hoses handle up to 50 psi

and can be used in airbrush applications performed up to that pressure.

VINYL air hoses handle up to 40 psi and are primarily for use with propel. Vinyl air hoses are not recommended for compressors."

Every thing I looked at stated that 'Braided' hoses are more durable.

strange, I guess the automatic bad word censor wouldn't let me use the word which begins with a 'c' and rhymes with rock to describe the little thingy on the inline filter that ya unscrew to drain the moisture out! ....guess I should have called it a valve.

Interesting. I think I may have done a little overkill with my efforts to keep moisture from reaching my brush. First off I have about a 5 ft. length of hose coming off my compressor tank to which my regulator/separator is attached and then an inline trap spliced into my braided hose just before the airbrush connection. But hey it seems to be working out. I drain a little bit of water out of the first separator after each session, but it must end there. Whenever I open up the *** on the inline trap it's dry as a bone and I've never experienced any moisture blowing out of the airbrush.

I guess moisture traps aren't 100% effecient! A commercial airbrush artist who uses an AB many hours a day told me that's why she used a clear plastic hose. Also, see the H&S FAQ HERE from a supplier of clear and braided hoses.

Duster, I was kind of thinking the same thing in regards to those who prefer clear lines so they can see any condensation. I would think by the time they noticed, it would have already manifested itself on the surface of the model. Yes, I agree, need to have that inline filter installed so that moisture never makes it that far in the first place.

I'm a braided hose guy. I like the way they just hang down out of the way, where as plastic ones can sometimes do some weird stuff.

Braided, they are better over all..

re: using vinyl to see condensate; seems more effective to get moisture trap

Get braided. Much tougher and they won't kink or tangle.

If you're asking about braided hoses vs the clear plastic ones I think the answer is 'braided'. Some like the clear plastic because you can see any condensed moisture in them. Any should last quite a long time.