Using CO2 to run an airbrush.

[Desolas]

I tried using a 5lb CO2 bottle to run my airbrush tonight with interesting results. One, I realize now my cheap Aztek airbrush is a POS. I was laying down a coat of paint on my new body, I stopped painting for a moment and was adjusting the angle of my paint feed when BAM the tip blew out of the airbrush and blew a splattering of paint all of the body. Body ruined, boo-hoo.

Anyway, leads me to the question - how do you regulate excess pressure when using a pressurized system? I have a 5lb bottle, dual guage regulator, and a solenoid. When I stopped painting I was just turning the CO2 off via a power strip that the solenoid was plugged into, but I forgot for a second and it hosed my airbrush. (I had my working pressure set at 15 psi as instructed by the airbrush manual)

For the short time it worked, it worked well, but I think I may still be missing something.

[rcaddikt]

I've used a 20lb bottle for years and have never had that happen. Not sure what happened to you. I don't know what your soleniod is either. I just have the tank and dual gauge regulator and this has worked great. I've never had an Aztek either. Was it an old/worn brush?

[rs43evo]

its cuz its an aztek, they have the plastic screw in tips, they blow. alot of pressure will strip the threads.

[AirbrushFanatik]

I have never used co2 in conjunction with an airbrush however i dont see how you can blow off the tip of an aztek airbrush (i am currently using the A470) unless you had a huge amount of pressure, i have painted with 90 psi with no prob.

[Desolas]

rcaddikt, the solenoid is just an electric gate that shuts off the co2 supply when power is not provided, it turns the gas on/off.

What airbrush are you using? How do you have it plumbed, using plastic lines? Are they threaded into the air brush or do they use push in/barbed ends?

What happened with mine was the case of the airbrush failed, not the threads, the air brush itself split near the tip giving enough room for the tip to just be pushed out of the end.

I think my problem is just I had a cheap airbrush, simple as that. I am not even sure which Aztek it was, probably the cheapest of the bunch. What would you guys recommend as being a decent airbrush, yet still being economical?

Thanks.

[rcaddikt]

Des,

I'm using an Iwata Eclipse HP-BCS bottom feed brush Eclipse (http://www.dixieart.com/Eclipse.html) . I've also used a Badger 150 with it. I just have the regulator mounted directly to the tank, then a standard (i think it's standard) 1/4" quick connect to the regulator. I'm using the braided nylon/vinyl hose recommended for the brush. I can take pics of my actual set-up tonight if you would like/need?

http://www.dixieart.com/a-18mt.jpg

I would recommend any Iwata brush. As would most of the other painters on this board. It may not seem econominal up front, but believe me, take care of this brush and you'll never have to buy another one!

[piranha661]

What type of regulators do you use. How much time would you get with a 5lb bottle.

[elgordox1]

I'd like to know that as well. I'm planning on acquiring a 15lb tank though.

[MaxxThrasher]

Here's (http://www.cfxpaintworks.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=551) a nice write up on Co2 tanks.