Airbrush Newbie with a Question about Central Pneumatic Compressor

I updated my regulator to a better one and It was a great move.  I updated my review here if you are interested.
http://www.happinessismandatory.com/misc/Tools/Compressor.htm

Thanks for all the help,
Jon

Pretty much money.  I only wanted to spend about 30 bucks right now.  With a gallon or two tank the total would have been around 60 bucks.  So I went with this setup and I can add the tank on when I am ready for pretty much the price of the tank. 

 I mainly wanted the drop in pressure and the tank would be nice since the compressor would not have to run every time I airbrush.  Not that its loud or anything.

 Tommorw I am going to swap out the regualtor with this one
Mini air reglator 19.94 221026
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=221026-1126-KBA10700AV
Its only 5 buck more and Lowes has a great return policy.  I remeber looking at this one and decide on the other becasue it was cheaper.  Like the german from Last Crusade I chose poorly.

If it works better I will update my website with my opions.
Thanks,
Jon

JButler wrote:

Just curious, Greasy .. why did you not go for a tank?  If you were going to use a tank, where would you place it in your setup?  Are you happy with it so far?  What do others think of Greasy's setup?  I appreciate all of the detailed info you provided, Greasy.  I'm probably going to go the exact same route.  I have the same compressor and I'm new to airbrushing.  John B Eugene, OR

that Kobalt regulator is no good.. been there, done that. see Greasy's other post.

Just curious, Greasy .. why did you not go for a tank?  If you were going to use a tank, where would you place it in your setup?  Are you happy with it so far?  What do others think of Greasy's setup?  I appreciate all of the detailed info you provided, Greasy.  I'm probably going to go the exact same route.  I have the same compressor and I'm new to airbrushing. 

John B

Eugene, OR

I have finally gotten my regulator added to my compressor.  I just wanted to say thanks to EdGrune  for the advice.  It was not hard to do at all.  But if anyone else is in a similar situation I just  wanted to post a list of all the items it took to update to an additional regulator.

List of Parts I used (all purchased from lowes):
Kobalt 1/4 NPS air adjusting valve 14$
Kobalt 1/4" Recoil Air Hose 8$
2 Watts A-732 Pip Coupling 1/4" FIP 3$
2 Watts A-738 Pipe Hex Brushing 1/4" MIP X 1/8" FIP 3$
1 Watts A-717 Brass Pipe Nipple 1/8" MIP x 2" 17000717 2$
Threading sealer 1$
Teflon Tape 1$
Total cost was around 30-34 dollars.

Here is a picture of the setup
http://www.happinessismandatory.com/misc/Tools/Compressor/Compressor_labled_large.jpg

also you can see my review of it at
http://www.happinessismandatory.com/misc/Tools/Compressor.htm

Thanks,
Jon

Greasy wrote:

On the digital Regualtor, when it auto shuts down, does it remember the last pressure used?  If it doens't that might seem like a hassle.  If if does remember that would be pretty cool. Jon

Don't know the answer. I suspect that it shuts off the display until you push the button again. For regulator/filter, I used something like this from Airbrushdepot.

But replace the pressure gauge with a side-ported, 60 psi, 2.5" unit from Ebay for better low end control and easy reading. The Ebay gauge section always has good selection. It can be done to the regulator you choose too.

On the digital Regualtor, when it auto shuts down, does it remember the last pressure used?  If it doens't that might seem like a hassle.  If if does remember that would be pretty cool.

EdGrune thanks for all the help.  You don't know how much I appreacit it.  I am defently taking your advice.

Jon

The Harbor Freight digital air regulator is really cool.

You don't pay the extra shipping if order the same time as the compressor. I was looking at that Harbor Freight compressor too before I decided on the Paasche DA400. Both are good choices.

I looked at what was in stock at my local Lowes this morning during my regular trip there.   In the air tool department they have 2 sizes of regulators by Cobalt.   Both are packed in a clear plastic tube.   The smaller one, their mini-regulator, is about $19.95.   The larger one is thirty.  Since you're working with a small compressor & lower pressures the mini should do.   I have one on my air brush setup which is driven by an old Fisher Scientific laboratory air pump.   The regulator will handle a hundred pounds - so even when you upgrade your setup sometime down the pike you can reuse it. 

I've been thinking about the fittings you would likely need to hook the regulator to the compressor.   Coming out of the compressor you will need a 1/8 inch nipple (a piece of pipe threaded its entire length - about an inch long).   This goes into the 1/8 to 1/4 coupler.  Out of the coupler with a 1/4 nipple.  Here you can go directly into the regulator or through some elbows to change the orientation.  Street elbows are male on one end and female on the other.   If you go with regular elbows you will need some nipples on inlet/outlet.

The teflon tape helps seal the gaps where the male & female threads meet.   Raw metal to metal will leak.   The tape also helps lubricate the parts as they are screwed together.  You will need to use a wrench because hand tight will leak too.   The teflon will also allow things to be disassembled later.   Plumbers pipe dope hardens and makes for a more difficult seal to break loose later.  

Thanks that is excatly what I was looking for.  I couldn't fine the copupler in Lowes I only looked in the air tools department.  The Regulator I saw as about 30$, I might try the 9 dollar one first, but you proably get what you pay for.  Does the teflon tape make it are to remove the parts later?

Thanks

I would include a small airtank in the system you propose to a. remove any pulsing of the air caused by the compressor and b. maintain an adequate volume of air until the aircompressor cuts back in.  Harbor Freight has a 5 gallon listing for 25.99 (41712-8VGA) - connect it into the line between the compressor and the regulator/seperator (remove the tanks pressure guage and replace it with 1/4" T fitting)

As far as your hose from the regulator to the airbrush, they are available in lengths of 10 to 25 feet with a 1/4 in fitting on one end and a 1/8 in fitting on the other (try http://bearair.com/).

Hope this helps a little

Go back to Lowes.  Head over to the air tool section and pick up a regulator (Cobalt brand - should run you about 20 bucks).  This will regulate the air pressure coming out of the compressor and limit whats going to the airbrush.   You won't be spraying at 60 pounds. 

Next, head down the plumbing aisle to the fittings.  In my Lowes they are located right next to the steel gas pipe.    There you should find some 1/4 to 1/8 reducing couplers in brass (Connect it the other way and it is a 1/8 to 1/4 increasing coupler!)  The samples are attached to display boards (at least in my Lowes) and the items themselves are bagged items.  You should be able to get the parts you need to connect the compressor to the regulator, to the outlet pipe/hose; nipples, couplers, tees, angles, etc.  

Grab one of the workers in the plumbing department and explain to him what you want to do.  He should be able to help you pick out the fittings necessary.  

Pick up a roll of Teflon thread tape while you're there.  Wrap a layer of the tape around the male threads before threading into the female.   Makes for a more leakproof connection.