Airbrush and Compressor recommendations

[Aros]

I'm wondering if the compressor is designed to turn off when there is no airflow at the desired setting on the regulator. It says it has a piston, which is why I'm coming to that conclusion. Since there is no tank to store the air in, then it would have to turn off in order to prevent from bursting a line. Other compressors with no tanks have a diaphragm instead of a piston. This allows them to run continuously. So, I'm thinking that the compressor should turn on when you press down on the trigger of the airbrush, and release any pressure that is in the regulator.

But, you say that the compressor doesn't start when you press the trigger?

That's right. I have to finagle the regulator AND the actual hose connection (loosen) to get it to start the compressor but no matter what I do nothing is coming out of the airbrush itself when I press the button down. Something is definitely wrong but I just don't know what I am missing?

[Aros]

I will attempt to make a short video walk-thru so you can see what I am doing and maybe that will jostle something?

[AkumaZeto]

Loosen the nozzle cap a quarter turn. EDIT. I just read more. If its not coming on its either froze becasue it to cold seized becasue its to hot or the pressure switch at the back of the cylinder head is bad. Those are the only three options. Oh I suppose power wingdings in the 110v could be a issue. When switched on it should pressurize the hose and shut off

[Aros]

Okay I may need to bring the entire unit indoors to get warmed up for a while. I will do that today. Thanks for the info.

[Prowler901]

Also, you will get no paint flow until you pull back on the trigger.

[Aros]

I have tried everything and the way it is acting I may have a faulty airbrush. Nothing else seems to be wrong with it. I may have to return the unit for another one. Thanks for the help fellas!

[Aros]

Okay as is his default setting, Alpha saves the day! He was kind enough to give me a call on his break with his family to walk me through it. Turns out that little needle/pin at the connector point on the airbrush (where the hose connects) was stuck and not moving. Once I was able to get it to move up and down in conjunction with pressing the button down it worked! Now look out world! I am about to wreak serious novice-level airbrushing on some unsuspecting canvas in my garage!

MOOO HAHAHA!!

:P:Silly:LOL

[Prowler901]

Woohoo! Alpha saves the day! :Cool:

So glad you got it sorted, Aros. Now get busy! ;)

[Grossman56]

Keep a wet rag handy Todd, I've even dipped the tip in water to free it up, also, put the rag ove the end and pull the trigger slightly, this will back flush the gun, so be aware, it will bubble in the paint pot and overdoing it will be a mess. After using, pull it completely apart and clean it thoroughly, You'd be surprised at how much paint is left in the gun.

Grossman56

[Aros]

Thanks for the tip (no pun intended) Grossman!

[Aros]

I wrote this article for our Knowledge Blog yesterday with the full knowledge I am no expert, in fact I am a mere novice, but with that in mind, I wanted to present a Tips and Tricks article for Airbrushing and Weathering 101 to folks like myself just starting out in the art, or curious about it. As I state in the article I would like to expand on it so I would love for any of you with tips and tricks of your own to please post them here so I can add them to the article for the benefit of any novice...This would include any corrections to any of my statements! Thank you in advance!

https://www.motionrc.com/blogs/motion-rc-blog/weathering-your-warbird-101

[Corsair 167]

This is an excellent series for the 'newby'

[Whizzer]

What a wealth of information for anyone interested in air brushing. I found numerous questions asked, and answered, relating to air brushing. I have a pancake compressor and will make a insulating box to help reduce the noise but my question, not only about the use of a pancake compressor, but of air pressure to operate air brush, has been answered as well. The mixing of different paints, preparation of surface, all seem to be answered for me. At least so far. Great discussion and thanks to all who offered opinions and asked the questions. You have all been a BIG help. Now to get busy making the sound insulating box. Hopefully it will reduce the noise sufficiently and if not, a quieter version of compressor will be necessary.

[F22trainer]

Forget the compressors- get compressed air tank from welding supply buy a set of gauges. The tank can be refilled for about $30 (exchange) the tank deposit is around $100, but you get it back when you return the tank. Mine lasted a year...enough to get art finished for several shows and several small projects as well.

[Pauly]

I found a compressor last week just like this one at a flea market for $20 bucks. It works perfect.

[Grossman56]

Great find!!

Grossman56

[seaviper]

Got my first airbrush finally! It's one of those $89 specials from Amazon. Works great. I have already used it to repaint part of my L-39 following a hard landing.
I used those 50 cent craft paints from walmart thinned with windex and water. The brushes appear to be of high quality.

[RCjetdude]

I got a similar setup and have enjoyed it. I am planning to get a compressor with a tank on it though as the pressure drops considerably if you hold the trigger down. I have also gotten an in-line moisture trap that I mount right on the gun as enough spraying can lead to condensation getting to the nozzle. Not anymore!

[MikeT]

Got my first airbrush finally! It's one of those $89 specials from Amazon. Works great. I have already used it to repaint part of my L-39 following a hard landing.
I used those 50 cent craft paints from walmart thinned with windex and water. The brushes appear to be of high quality.

Be careful with Windex. The ammonia can have adverse effects on your equipment over time.

Mike

[seaviper]

I personally believe that the thinners, fingerprints, and even the paint itself are more corrosive than the ammonia. That being said, I do rinse the brush with water. I also run some mineral spirits through it as a final step.
I have never had windex, or one of those clones of it, attack any tool. I have used it for years to clean up plated tools after paint or spackling. None have ever corroded.
Now I don't know if the ammonia or the mineral spirits will harm the o-rings. But o-rings are relatively cheap and easy to replace. You kind of have to expect the o-rings to fail over time anyway.