Hi all,
Whilst trying to get the perfect finish on my P38, my Aztek airbrush started to spray droplets off water, knowing my presure was fine and the thickness of the paint was ok, I can only think that moisture is comeing through.

My question is..........Is it better to get a moisture filter which fits on the air regulator, or one which fits on the air hose?
Any help would be greatfully received.

Hi Sweatydogz

I've actually got both! The one mounted on the compressor outlet is the easiest to empty - it's glass, so you can see any build up of water and has a convenient push-button drain. The in-line one is a metal tube with a small screw at one end, so you can't see if it needs emptying.

In spite of these precautions I still get spatters occasionally - depending on the weather.

Hope this helps

Rowan

The phenomenum of water in your air is due to pressure drop therefore, the closer to the end pressure your moisture trap is, the better. That being said, most folks put their inline moisture trap about half way along their hose. This gives them enough line to work with, while capturing a good amount of water.

Thanks Mike

Neat tip... I'll check how far along the air-line my in-line moisture trap is - I'm sure I can lose some slack. I've also heard the filters get completely clogged over time and need replacing - one cause of low air-pressure.

Cheers

Rowan

Too true. I remember reading about a fellow who had a devil of a time with his airbrush only to realize that he hadn't emptied his moisture trap in 2 years, and it had rusted solid.

:-) Not one to boast, but I do have a new, free £800 compressor I did have to buy a regulator with moisture trap (automatic empty :-) ) It's at the end of my feed and, as with my previous (but cheaper :-) set up) I don't have a problem with moisture :-)
Mal

Hi Mal!

That's not fair! How did you get such a tasty set-up for free?

Here's one jealous piggy!

All the best

Porky

Could anybody suggest a website where i could buy a filter. I've been around all my local DIY,model shops and no luck

Just about anything you could need airbrush wise is at the website below. Search their site for "moisture."
http://www.bearair.com/

Another one here with just the in line trap...


http://www.dickblick.com/zz269/23/products.asp?param=0&ig_id=1579


Shaun

Hi Sweatydogz

http://www.graphicair.co.uk/index.htm looks like they should have everything you need

All the best

Rowan

cheers everyone
Now i can concertrate on finishing my P38.

Hi to all modellers, it was my problem before, try to use a plastic connector and make a tiny hole on it so the moisture will go out there and it will reduce the pressure of your compressor for about 20%. No need for expensive water trap & regulator, just connect it between the compressor hose & airbrush hose. Happy modelling.

A filter is just that. It traps dirt. The water you see is just due to expansion. The compressed air leaving it is still saturated, so any further cooling will allow water out.
A regulator regulates the pressure.
A "so-called" water trap is just a cannister with dessicant that will get saturated and useless over time.
Always put things in this order. Filter then regulator then phony water traps. Consider a "T" with a short line pointing down with a valve before your brush at a low point in your line. Periodically, open the valve and condensed water will shoot out and clean up your air.
There you go. Have dry fun.

Sealhead (Kansas sunflower)