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I just got my dad's old Kestrel F450 air compressor running again after nearly ten years without use. It's the right PSI and everything else for airbrushing (Although it makes a lot of noise) but I've hit a snag (Don't I always).

I haven't got a clue what size hose I need to connect an airbrush up to it. It's not a small connector, but I don't know the exact size. If anyone owns one of these, or would know the standard size connector for a car paint gun (same as the compressor) then I would be very happy to send an internet cookie, free of charge.


Many thanks in advance,

[i]LazzurusMan[/]i

Worst case scenario, take your airbrush to whatever hardware store you'll be buying the parts from and test-fit everything.

I don't have an airbrush, but a few questions you'll need to answer:

What type (make and model) of airbrush are you using? Iwata and Badger use different sizes, so you can't just expect something that works for one to work for the other.

By "right PSI," do you mean that you can regulate it down to 20 PSI, or that it's only pushing 20 to begin with? Or are you planning on airbrushing at the same PSI your air-tools would use (that's not a good idea).

Also, Kestrel's page is a nightmare to navigate -- unless someone is already using that exact compressor, you may be better off bringing the compressor to the hardware store, too.

I'm buying a cheap airbrush from Ebay, I've seen youtube reviews and they apprently work as well as the £90 Badgers and iwatas, for only £10.

You wont find the compressor on there, it's about 10 years old and by all rights should have exploded when I first tested it XD


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http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AR2000-Air-Control-Compressor-Pressure-Relief-Regulating-Regulator-Valve-Gauge-/390568240629?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item5aefae65f5


Also does anyone know if that would work to keep the psi to an acceptable level as my compressor has a max psi of 42, and doesn't say if it has a min, and doesn't have an in built regulator.

I have 3/8 inch quick connects on my HVLP guns. My compressor has 1/2 inch pipe threads on the output manifold with 3/4 inch threads off the pump itself...

All my airbrushes are 1/8 inch on the brush with 1/4 inch to the airbrush manifold...

With various mixes of flared, pipe threaded and compession fittings thoughout.

Soooo...your best bet is to stick the compressor in the back of your car, drive on over to a hardware store and have them sort it out for you. They generally have old guys behind the counter who enjoy that sort of thing.


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Does the compressor shut off on its own after a bit (shutoff...not die of over pressure or thermal cut off). If it does, you will want an inline regulator with high and low side gauges. You can get away with one like that, but they tend to be less accurate than ones which have a proper low pressure side to them. Since the scale is all high side, if you are dialing in for 15 PSI to spray some paint, getting the pressure right can take a whole lot of futzing. The knob can shift with vibrations and bumps while you work and the regulator itself will likely have a fair ammount of internal play (+/- 5% on 100 PSI range is the difference between smooth and splattered...if that variance is due to slop on the internals you can pulsing air with the compressor piston and when the pump shuts off and comes back on).

If you know for sure the compressor tops out at 42 PSI or so, a single mini regulator rated for 60 PSI should do. That is what I use on my manifold. Good quality ones will only cost $10-15 in the US...dont think they would be much more over there.

I'll take the hose I have for my dads car painting gun and see if they can tell me what size that is to I know which size adapters to get.

Does anyone also know how to make it quieter? I've seen about building a sound box sort of thing from ply and composite material...what is this composite material??

A compressor is going to be loud. Almost any sound-dampening is going to restrict air flow, though I saw plans for an iso rack with fans and a couple baffles a few years ago, but I can't seem to find it, now.

An option is to get a long hose and run the compressor a distance away from you.

Another option is to wear ear plugs.

It's not me I'm thinking of, it's my family and neighbors. I have seen plans for a box with plenty of air flow in to the compressor, but I haven't got a clue what kind of sound insulating materials there are XD

Generally you make stuff quiet with heavy stuff (to deaden vibrations) or thick stuff (to stop the sound waves from travelling) or through isolation...which accomplishes both in a round about way.

Easiest way to handle it is just a box with a door for access made out of a dense material like MDF. Stick the compressor in the box on top of something like 1" rigid foam. Line the sides and top with foam. Cut a 1" hole in the bottom - drill a hole for the cord out the back and a hole through the top for your airline.

Most compressors used for airbrushing have a very low CFM rating - so intake air isn't a problem unless you are actively attempting to make the container airtight. The bigger issue is keeping the pump and motor cool - as they depend largely on being able to emanate excess heat through radiation...and most methods of making it quiet also happen to prevent that heat from being shed. That will depend on the compressor, how long it needs to run in each charging cycle and the size of the box (larger boxes are able to absorb more heat).

Compressors are not always loud. they make super quiet compressors now.

http://www.californiaairtools.com/ this company makes super quiet air compressors. i splurged a bit but i did not go all the way. it runs at 56 dcbs which is about as loud as most people run their television. When i have mine running my room mates have no clue if the door to my room is closed. If it is open its a slight buzzing sound from down the hallways but not enough to be disturbing. My downstairs neighbor has no idea i even run it at all.

If you were to make your own sound dampening box i would suggest audio dampeners used for vehicles and cut out holes for computer fans. but that could be just as expensive as getting the kind of compressor i use.

edit one Yes that regulator would work. the only thing i can think to mention on that is how is the humidity in the uk? if its anything like here in southeast texas you need a water trap.

I intend to get a water trap. And will that regulator stop my airbrush from exploding when I stop letting air through it? The compressor is constantly blowing air, and I'm a little worried about it blowing the brush apart whenever I stop :/

Im making that video now, well as soon as i get the camera charged up.

Cheers for the video, I'll post the same question I gave you here as well, pick a few more brains just to be sure XD

My compressor doesn't have a tank, and I don't think it'll cut out if the air it pumps can't escape in some way. Will the regulator I found on ebay solve this problem and stop air flow to my brush when I don't press the button, or will the compressor just blow my brush apart?

Cheers,

LazzurusMan