Hi All,
I seem to be using a lot of paint when I airbrush, and am wondering if my compressor is too powerful for my airbrush. I've looked at the compressor and can find no psi setting.
It's a Rotring conopois 777 compressor. Unfortunatly there's no tank or anything.
Short of spending out non existent money on a new compressor or tank can anyone suggest a way to decrease the pressure (wider hose? or partially squeeze the hose with a clamp or something?)
I'm using Tam acrylics thinned 40-50% (but can if I want to spray them unthinned with this compressor)
and a double action airbrush.
Thanks in advance for any feedback.
Tom

You need a pressure regulator. One with a pressure gauge is preferable. You should be able to pick one up a basic one for around $25.00. This will allow you to adjust the pressure down in the 15-20 psi range for airbrushing.

You really can't beat having a pressure regulator, especially one with a gage. The auto parts store is a great place to get one.

Another suggestion is to get a storage tank. And if you're short on kits at the moment :-) believe it or not, you can actually "build" your own. I put one together using a 6" diameter piece of PVC pipe with a cap glued on both ends. Tap two holes in the top, and screw in some "elbow" pipe and a "quick connect" fitting, (one for the compressor line in and one for the valve and air brush out) and put a drain valve for any water in the bottom and off you go. My "tank" is about 4 feet long, and the compressor will pressurize it to about 42 psi, which I can then regulate down to working pressure with the valve. I can run the compressor for about 5 minutes, shut it off, and have an unlimited supply of air and no "pulses".

Tom