discussion Quick Release Couplings - a Tip

[Dave Ward]

I'm probably preaching to the converted, but I highly recommend using a quick release coupling on your airbrush hose. The male coupling screws onto your airbrush, and the female to the end of the airhose. Now you can power up your compressor, without an airbrush attached. The quick release coupling acts as a self closing valve, allowing you to swap airbrushes quickly, without having to release the air out of the system, making cleaning and colour changes much easier
You can clean/clear an airbrush much more easily without the length of hose limiting your movement - I've even answered the door with a paint loaded airbrush clutched in one hand. Even if you have only one airbrush, it can save you time, wear and tear on your compressor.............
I got mine via a slow boat from China, for less than a fiver, from either Amazon or ebay. - Just make sure you get the correct thread size!
Dave

 

[SimonT]

Looks like the same set I use Dave c/w the air valve - mine were via ebay

I second Dave’s recommendation

 

[scottie3158]

I use them as well.

 

[Dave Ward]

Looks like the same set I use Dave c/w the air valve - mine were via ebay

I second Dave’s recommendation

I never use the air valve - I control the air pressure at the compressor valve/moisture trap
Dave

 

[Fernando N]

Totally agree with Dave, easy to start up your compressor without an AB on or clean the AB when changing paints in a session.

 

[SimonT]

I have the air valve and a second moisture trap at the AB end - I use the compressor regulator to get somewhere near then the local air valve to tweak as required

 

[adt70hk]

I'm with Dave too. Makes set up and especially cleaning sooooo much easier!

 

[Mr Bowcat]

I have the air valve and a second moisture trap at the AB end - I use the compressor regulator to get somewhere near then the local air valve to tweak as required

Me too, although I leave the compressor regulator on 50psi and adjust using the MAC valve.

 

[Mickc1440]

They do look like a good idea, have to have a wade through ebay

 

[Mr Bowcat]

They do look like a good idea, have to have a wade through ebay

Or maybe support the site sponsor. ;-)

https://www.scalemodelshop.co.uk/product/1-8-bsp-quick-disconnect-body-and-plug

 

[wasdale32]

Hi, just one thing to mention - if you have an Iwata airbrush you may find that the rubber o-ring in the connector on cheaper versions disappears into the base of the airbrush if you tighten the adapter and then it leaks - I'm still trying to find some flat rubber washers the right size

Mark

 

[Jim R]

..... I leave the compressor regulator on 50psi and adjust using the MAC valve.

I do the same except my compressor is left set at 30psi.
Jim

 

[Dave Ward]

I set the pressure on the compressor regulator, because it has a gauge, and I can repeat settings visually, rather than counting the turns on a valve.
Dave

 

[Mr Bowcat]

Fair enough Dave, I tend to adjust the MAC valve based on how the brush is spraying and how it sounds, rather than turns of the knob.

 

[Guest]

I'm a definite fan of quick release couplings but no so convinced on the accuracy of most regulator gauges, so tend to play it by eye & ear also.

The output of my compressor is set to full, then I have a 5 metre 1/2" high pressure hose acting as a cooling/condensing loop, then a second regulator/filter/trap at the side of me where I adjust the pressure. Airbrush hose runs from that.

 

[SimonT]

Fair enough Dave, I tend to adjust the MAC valve based on how the brush is spraying and how it sounds, rather than turns of the knob. :smiling3:

Same here

 

[Jim R]

I tend to adjust the MAC valve based on how the brush is spraying and how it sounds,

That's how I work too. The actual pressure is not important. I adjust the MAC until the airbrush sprays as I want it to.
Jim

 

[adt70hk]

On the pressure front I do a bit of both. when I started out with an AB last year I started using the pressure gauge but was well aware that the reading on my Chinese compressor gauge might be inaccurate, so then tweaked the pressure until I was happy, and then made a note of what the gauge said it was. So far, touch wood, it's panned out ok.......