How can I make an airbrush compressor from a regular air compressor?

Question

It would seem simple to just add the airbrush to it, but there is also the ink to think about and other stuff. I don't have a clue as of what to do. Any advice?

Answer 1

Most of the small compressors they sell for airbrush, actually suck. They have very small tanks, or none at all, witch means the compressor is running all of the time. This causes moisture problems, because it's just pumping hot air through your hose. By the time the air reaches your gun, it's cooled just enough to create water, causing you to have to use a small moisture trap at the base of your gun (not necessary with a large tank compressor). Most professionals won't use them at all, unless it's absolutely necessary for portability reasons.

A shop compressor will automatically shut off when the tank is full. The air will cool in the tank, leaving most of the water there (there's a drain at the bottom to get rid of it later). This also means less noise, as the compressor isn't constantly running. When the pressure in the tank reaches a set low level, it will kick back on and fill the tank again.

Get yourself a shop compressor (the bigger the tank the better), some 3/8" hose, and a regulator with moisture trap (just in case). Put the compressor in another room, and run the 3/8" hose to where you'll be working. This will help keep your work area quiet. Mount the regulator to the wall or something in your work area. Now hook the hose to the input on the regulator, and your airbrush hose to the output.

Here's a link for everything I've just mentioned. http://www.harborfreight.com/  I've had their 21 gallon compressor in my home studio for a few years now, with no problems. Oh yeah! of course you'll need fittings. You can get those there too.

Feel free to email me with any questions.

Answer 2

I have a couple  of airbrush compressors,  they are (expensive), but low end diaphragm compressors with no reservoir.  They are also frustrating to use because you have to set a bleeder valve just right.   Now I just use a regular tank compressor run at 35-40 PSI.

Answer 3

An airbrush usually comes with a small pot to hold the ink/paint.  The compressor will need to have a pressure regulator that can be adjusted to the specifications provided by the airbrush manufacturer.