Air pressure issue.

M

Magickalhack

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So, as the title says, I am having a bit of an air pressure issue with my airbrush. I have a super basic setup; badger 150-4 and a paasch d500 1/10hp compressor. No regulator. Based on what the I can find on the compressor it should run at about 20 psi which should be enough, however as I was trying to troubleshoot and clean my brush I noticed that while I had good airflow, there didn't seem to be enough pressure to pull even water up the tube.

Any help would be appreciated. I got this setup used 3 or so years ago, so I understand it could be time to replace stuff.

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I can pull water(and paint if I reduce nicely) on 20 psi on bottom feed - different airbrush. If I would be in this situation, I would soak the nozzle in to the reducer/cleaner and clean it. If that wouldn't work I would start crying on this forum lol

I think usualy they recommend more psi for bottom feed airbrushes. If I am not mistaken starting from 30 psi.
 
I can pull water(and paint if I reduce nicely) on 20 psi on bottom feed - different airbrush. If I would be in this situation, I would soak the nozzle in to the reducer/cleaner and clean it. If that wouldn't work I would start crying on this forum lol

I think usualy they recommend more psi for bottom feed airbrushes. If I am not mistaken starting from 30 psi.
There was no obstruction of the nozzle.

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What kind of bottle are you using? The vent hole is clean?


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What kind of bottle are you using? The vent hole is clean?


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That is my bottle. Backflow was fine, and as I said, air was going through the brush, just not pulling water. And the vent hole was clear.
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try this - if you have a pipette, eye dropper, anything to transfer some water - turn the brush on it's side and put some water in the tube that the bottle would connect to, and see if that will draw through the brush... Let me know what happens. I suspect even though they say the compressor is "20psi" it may actually be producing less... those things are really kind of small.
 
Compressor specs may say 20psi but once you use the trigger on your airbrush the pressure likely drops to less than 15psi, which is fine for gravity brush, not so good for siphon feed

The manual for that brush states that 30psi is the most efficient for that airbrush
 
Compressor specs may say 20psi but once you use the trigger on your airbrush the pressure likely drops to less than 15psi, which is fine for gravity brush, not so good for siphon feed

The manual for that brush states that 30psi is the most efficient for that airbrush
I kind of figured this was the case. Looks like the first bit of new kit I am buying is a new airbrush. Thank you. This one can wait until I can get a better compressor.

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I kind of figured this was the case. Looks like the first bit of new kit I am buying is a new airbrush. Thank you. This one can wait until I can get a better compressor.

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I’d suggest a better compressor should be first on the list. A decent compressor will run any airbrush out there. If you plan on using mini spray guns then you’ll need a totally different level of compressor.

The compressor you have is tankless so you’ll likely find the compressor running constantly which can lead to overheating and premature failure. Diaphragm compressors also have a tendency to cause the airflow to pulsate, which makes it hard to get a consistent paint flow.
 
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I’d suggest a better compressor should be first on the list. A decent compressor will run any airbrush out there. If you plan on using mini spray guns then you’ll need a totally different level of compressor.
I know I will need a better compressor, however I want to get a gravity feed brush anyway; and 50-60~ is easier to do first than 100+. Budgeting and all. It is good advice though. Thank you.

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I know I will need a better compressor, however I want to get a gravity feed brush anyway; and 50-60~ is easier to do first than 100+. Budgeting and all. It is good advice though. Thank you.

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Sorry, I was adding to my post while you were posting.....
 
Yeah, I'm gonna throw this out there just so you will be forewarned - if your compressor won't draw water up the feed tube of a 150, it may work with a gravity feed brush, but it will atomize roughly, and may require a lot of reduction. The difference in the amount of air required to work a siphon feed brush vs. a side feed, or gravity feed is negligible (at best). If you could spray water with what you have, but paint was a bit difficult, I may give different advice. I'm with JackEb, buy a compressor.
 
You probably what to check the part that connects to your airbrush to make sure there no clog in it.

Thanks Henry

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You probably what to check the part that connects to your airbrush to make sure there no clog in it.

Thanks Henry

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I can backflow, and I can feel air coming out of the front of the airbrush, so nothing is clogged in that regard, there is just not enough pressure to draw liquid for some reason. Since the setup previously worked, I tore the airbrush down and cleaned everything, put it all back together and it was the same. Hell, it worked earlier that day.

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My VL worked on 20 PSI I didn't see any sighs that was struggling to spray but I was using the cup not the bottle.

Thanks Henry

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My VL worked on 20 PSI I didn't see any sighs that was struggling to spray but I was using the cup not the bottle.

Thanks Henry

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I was only using the bottle for cleaning. I am thinking that the airbrush may unfortunately be nearing the end of its life.

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The air compessor I have is a 2hp with a 24 L tank it good for 15-20mins or so of spraying and It's ok until it start up a scares the excrement out of me because it's a lound bloody thing.

Thanks Henry

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I was only using the bottle for cleaning. I am thinking that the airbrush may unfortunately be nearing the end of its life.

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I doubt that is your problem...… I suspect its more your compressor that has reached its 'end of life.'
Your compressor isn't strong enough to pull the paint up from the bottle, the diaphragm in it may have deteriorated to a point that it is now failing or has a tiny hole in it from being overworked

Hey @DaveG.... what is the lifespan of a Badger 150-4 :)
 
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