I want to get my sons into airbrushing and figure they can start how I did with undec containers and trailers. I have about a dozen of those. Check. Next, I found a good deal on an airbrush, it's a basic Badger Model 350 http://badgerairbrush.com/Badger_350.asp I have a compressor in the garage, a PorterCable CFFN250N that has a 6gal tank and can do 135psi...way more than an airbrush can handle. I've only used it for air tools (brad nailer, etc). It's been 20 years since I've done any airbrushing but I remember needing a pressure regulator and something to filter the air. So I looked around and found the Testors Aztek 50680. http://www.testors.com/product/137120/50680/_/Pressure_Regulator It looks (and is priced) like a quality unit. Will it work with the Port Cable compressor? Do I need anything else to connect the compressor-to-regulator-to-airbrush? If you have experience with this regulator, I'd appreciate your opinions of it. If there is a better one for the money, I'd like your recommendations. Thanks in advance!
a regulator/moisture trap is a good idea. i have used one for years. but the price there is a little steep since an adaquate one can be bought for less than $50 at a local auto parts or paint store. attaching to your compressor is just a matter of having the correct fittings. i am sure the store sales clerk can help you with that.
You can get regulators and moisture traps for alot less than that Testors unit. I got a regulator and moisture trap from Sears for about $60. As for pressure, depends on paint, but anywhere from 20 to 35psi works.
Ryan,check out Harbor freight.I bought a full size actual HVLP spraygun WITH a regulator on it for like,35 bucks,been using it two years painting motorcycle parts and gun stocks,so the regulator alone is probably ten bucks,just bought a moisture trap for my airbrush for something like seven bucks.
I use a Paasche R-75 ( http://www.paascheairbrush.com/products/Compressors/Regulators/R-75 ). Lists for about $35.
I concur. Harbor Freight also has some nice airbrushes for less than $15.00. Some of their stuff isn't bad,
Thanks guys for the help. I have a Harbor Freight about 10 miles away so I'll stop by there. That Paasche R-75 looks good too. $21 on Amazon! Hopefully everything hooks up when I have everything together. Glad to know there are some less expensive options...you guys saved me a lot!
I have a 30 gallon compressor that I use for everything non-railroad related, and recently plumbed some new gauges for airbrushing. Nothing fancy, just the stock regulator which provides good PSI control, and 2 new gauges, 1 for tank pressure, and 1 for line pressure. I don't have a moisture trap, and haven't had any issues. I do primarily use acrylic paints, but the compressor is in the garage so does get subjected to higher humidity during the summer months. I added a standard male quick coupling onto the end of my airbrush hose too, so it is easy to connect and disconnect from the compressor. If you have an air source without a regulator, I would suggest not spending too much on whatever you choose, as a basic device will be adequate. I posted about it on my blog awhile ago if interested: http://www.nscaleaddiction.blogspot.com/2011/12/model-railroading-tools-air-compressor.html
In addition to your regulator and compressor mounted water trap, you should also place a hose-mounted Paasche moisture trap ( http://www.paascheairbrush.com/Cata...archID=3142665&ObjectID=6108094&ObjectType=27) on your airbrush hose. You can get them at various places (I believe that Michaels may carry them) or order it from Micro Mark. Seems like the cost is about 15 bucks or so. Never assume that the big moisture trap on your compressor gets all the water out of your line. Water in your airbrush hose, creeping towards your airbrush can very well ruin a paint job. Dry air is essential. Cheers! Bob Gilmore
