Compressor question

After having a bit of a think and messing about with the compressor, I have realised a couple of things that might make a difference. When it is running I get a different reading on the pressure gauge when there is air going through the brush than when there is not. I assume that is normal. When there is air going through the brush, I can adjust the pressure up to and down from 12-14 psi. When there is no air going through the brush, I can adjust it up to and down from max capacity. I know this sounds stupid, but does this mean that I make my adjustments when there is no air going through the brush? I have never used a compressor before, and having spent the money on it, I want to use it properly. Thanks for putting up with my super-noob questions.

Compressor gauges typically read a different pressure when air is flowing and when it is not. Normally you would adjust the pressure when air is flowing since that is what is important to you when you are using the brush.

I'm not familiar with your compressor, but 12-14 psi may be all it is capable of doing. I wouldn't think so, but it could be. That's the pressure range I like to paint at, but I would think you'd be able to get a bit more out of it.

What do the specs for your compressor list as max pressure? And does it show a "Working Pressure" or anything that is lower than the max?

The spec sheet lists a maximum working pressure of 56 psi. It also says that the compressor might not be able to achieve that depending on the airbrush, but I can't see my airbrush knocking it back that much. It is a brand new Badger 175. I've had the airbrush apart once, but I'm sure I put it back together properly.

Make sure you don't have any leaks anywhere. You should be able to hear them hissing, but you can also put some soapy water on the connections and see if any bubbles appear.

Also, are you using a compressor adapter with the small vinyl hose? Some of them have a bleed hole that is used for compressors without regulators. If yours has a regulator you won't need a bleed.

Compressor specs are usually on the generous side. MikeV will probably be familiar with your compressor, but I would think you should get more pressure than that from it.

I don't think there are any leaks. When I have heard hissing, I was able to track it down and tighten the connection. I will look into the compressor adapter. Thanks for the tips.

Scott answered most of that for you.
I have not used the Air Star V but since it does not have an air tank then the pressure dropping a lot like that is not uncommon, although 12-14 psi seems low to me but maybe not. I always set my air pressure when it is static and no air is being sprayed out. Of course I have a Jun-Air with a 5 gallon tank and my new Badger Million Air also has a small .4 gallon tank but neither one drops more than about 2-4 psi when you release air from the airbrush.
I would email Herman at Badger as he is their in-house engineering guru. Send an email to Ken at Badger and he will either answer you or forward it to Herman.
Ken's email is kenbadger@aol.com

Mike

Thanks, Mike. I appreciate the help.