SEARCH FINESCALE.COM

Enter keywords or a search phrase below:

Airbrush/Compressor setup?

2563 views
5 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    November 2005
Airbrush/Compressor setup?
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 6:47 PM
Hi, guys. Just got my new Badger Crescendo airbrush kit. I also picked up a slightly used Paasche D500 compressor off eBay for $28. My question is: what else will I need to have a complete setup for airbrushing? Will I need an air regulator since this compressor is made for airbrushing and not a larger compressor that's not made for the hobby? Oh, yeah, and what about a moisture trap?

Sorry for all the questions, but I want to get started practicing right away. Thanks for any help you guys can give!

JohnSmile [:)]
  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: SETX. USA
Posted by tho9900 on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 8:35 PM
John - congratulations! The 175 is a good airbrush... I have that one as well as the Badger 155 and Iwata HP-CR and after the HP-CR I use the 175 second most.

You'll need a regulator at the least, you can get one at most hardware stores and even Wal Mart if you have one near. They have larger graduations to the markings (from 2.5 to 5psi per mark) than the hobby style ones but it still works, you might want to check out a real hobby regulator though as I think eventually you will want more control over how much PSI you use (the marks are 1psi increments). If you have a Hobby Lobby nearby they have them (complete with built in water trap) for about $40 I believe. The ones at the hardware stores are about $25 with $15 or so for a watertrap so they are about the same price.

Speaking of water traps, unless you live in a rather dry area (like New Mexico or such) you'll want to get one. Nothin ruins a good paint job like a stray drop of water coming from your airbrush.

Besides that, just paint and something to paint it on as well as the appropriate thinner and you'll be airbrushing away!!!

Good luck to you and if you need anything else dont be afraid to ask!!!
---Tom--- O' brave new world, That has such people in it!
  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: SETX. USA
Posted by tho9900 on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 8:36 PM
oh yeah, at the store the water trap I mentioned is most commonly referred to as a moisture trap or air filter with moisture trap.
---Tom--- O' brave new world, That has such people in it!
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 9:15 PM
Thanks a lot, Tom! I really appreciate the advice.

By the way, how does the 175 do as far as fine detail airbrushing? I eventually want to do some of the German WWII aircraft, and I know they have some pretty complex paint schemes.
Thanks again!
John
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Hayward, CA
Posted by MikeV on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 9:27 PM
If possible I would try and find a small airtank or convert a small fire extinguisher bottle and put it between the airbrush and the compressor.
It will smooth out the airflow because those diaphragm compressors pulsate the air quite a bit.

Mike

Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom. " Charles Spurgeon
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 11:28 PM
Hi, guys - new here. I'm in the process of setting up a couple of airbrush rigs for my sons, was wondering about compressor recommendations that won't break the bank. I got my first airbrush probably at about age 13, my dad built up an old freezer compressor, freon bottle for a tank, with a dryer and regulator for me. The old compressor is long gone, but I've still got the freon bottle!

Do any of you have any experience with the Campbell Hausfeld 2gal tank-mounted diaphram compressor that I could pick up at Walmart for about 70 bucks? I know I'd need a dryer, and possibly a regulator with finer control, or at least a lower pressure gauge, but other than that, what do you think?

Thanks!
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

SEARCH FORUMS
FREE NEWSLETTER
By signing up you may also receive reader surveys and occasional special offers. We do not sell, rent or trade our email lists. View our Privacy Policy.