New to Airbrushing question?

[Tim Marlow]

You can get them for Iwatta (and probably other manufacturer) as well Pete…

https://www.graphicair.co.uk/product/iwata-medea-external-mac-valve/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI59m6zNTU-AIVVIFQBh2TNgxXEAAYASAAEgLuTPD_BwE

Basically it’s a needle valve (hence the fine control) air flow reducer. I would disagree with the (quite garbled) H and S description though. Simply put, it’s not a pressure reducer by any means. It is a way of modifying air flow by changing the size of the hole through which the air passes.

Air delivery to the airbrush is a function of pressure and delivery tube cross sectional area (CSA). Pressure is the driving force, in effect, how hard the air is pushed through the delivery tube. CSA dictates how much air is allowed through at a set pressure.

Most of us (me included) change airflow by modifying the air pressure being delivered by the compressor, usually by means of an in line pressure reducing valve (PRV).

This device, on the other hand, modifies air flow by playing with the other part of the flow equation. It changes the CSA of the delivery tube. Increasing or decreasing the CSA by using the valve therefore changes airflow.

Having this device fitted to the brush itself is extremely convenient, especially if your compressor is fitted under your bench. If you need to change airflow during a paint session you can do it at the brush itself. It also increases flexibility of operation because it’s one more thing you can play about with.

Saying all that, it’s probably time I bought one

[Guest]

It also increases flexibility of operation because it’s one more thing you can play about with.

This is a reason not to have it if you’re new to airbrushing. There are already a lot of variables you need to get your head around, no need to add another before you’re even used to the basic ones.

[Tim Marlow]

This is a reason not to have it if you’re new to airbrushing. There are already a lot of variables you need to get your head around, no need to add another before you’re even used to the basic ones.

Not saying if anyone should or shouldn’t buy one. Just trying to explain what it is rather than what it seems to get called Jakko :tongue-out3: Personally I would probably get one and use it as a new toy……great for speckle effects on stonework with low atomisation at reduced airflow, for example……but not sure how many times I would use it. I already have a PRV on my airbrush stand so can easily change pressure on the fly.

[adt70hk]

You can get them for Iwatta (and probably other manufacturer) as well Pete…

https://www.graphicair.co.uk/product/iwata-medea-external-mac-valve/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI59m6zNTU-AIVVIFQBh2TNgxXEAAYASAAEgLuTPD_BwE

Basically it’s a needle valve (hence the fine control) air flow reducer. I would disagree with the (quite garbled) H and S description though. Simply put, it’s not a pressure reducer by any means. It is a way of modifying air flow by changing the size of the hole through which the air passes.

Air delivery to the airbrush is a function of pressure and delivery tube cross sectional area (CSA). Pressure is the driving force, in effect, how hard the air is pushed through the delivery tube. CSA dictates how much air is allowed through at a set pressure.

Most of us (me included) change airflow by modifying the air pressure being delivered by the compressor, usually by means of an in line pressure reducing valve (PRV).

This device, on the other hand, modifies air flow by playing with the other part of the flow equation. It changes the CSA of the delivery tube. Increasing or decreasing the CSA by using the valve therefore changes airflow.

Having this device fitted to the brush itself is extremely convenient, especially if your compressor is fitted under your bench. If you need to change airflow during a paint session you can do it at the brush itself. It also increases flexibility of operation because it’s one more thing you can play about with.

Saying all that, it’s probably time I bought one

Keep thinking about getting one of these, if not this one specifically.... Might have to save up my pennies....

[PaulinKendal]

You can get them for Iwatta (and probably other manufacturer) as well Pete…

https://www.graphicair.co.uk/product/iwata-medea-external-mac-valve/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI59m6zNTU-AIVVIFQBh2TNgxXEAAYASAAEgLuTPD_BwE

Basically it’s a needle valve (hence the fine control) air flow reducer. I would disagree with the (quite garbled) H and S description though. Simply put, it’s not a pressure reducer by any means. It is a way of modifying air flow by changing the size of the hole through which the air passes.

Air delivery to the airbrush is a function of pressure and delivery tube cross sectional area (CSA). Pressure is the driving force, in effect, how hard the air is pushed through the delivery tube. CSA dictates how much air is allowed through at a set pressure.

Most of us (me included) change airflow by modifying the air pressure being delivered by the compressor, usually by means of an in line pressure reducing valve (PRV).

This device, on the other hand, modifies air flow by playing with the other part of the flow equation. It changes the CSA of the delivery tube. Increasing or decreasing the CSA by using the valve therefore changes airflow.

Having this device fitted to the brush itself is extremely convenient, especially if your compressor is fitted under your bench. If you need to change airflow during a paint session you can do it at the brush itself. It also increases flexibility of operation because it’s one more thing you can play about with.

Saying all that, it’s probably time I bought one

This looks good. Thus far I've never played with pressure - as @Jakko says, for newbies like me there are enough variables already without tinkering with that, too!

However, now might be the time to start. My only reservation is the overall 'stack height' - I already have a quick release connector at the brush end, which I'm loathe to lose. So with that AND this device too, it might become unwieldy.

[Tim Marlow]

Paul mate, you buy this to modify flow. It doesn’t modify pressure…..



This is a PRV…..and it reduces pressure. If you get one, make sure it has a useable pressure gauge though. 150 psi range will give you very crude control…..

They fit in the round hole at at the top of some airbrush holders….

Seen on the left here…..

[Andy the Sheep]

Beg your pardon Andrea,. I thought you was a bloke :smiling3:

You're welcome, Bob. :hugging-face: :smiling2:
If you mean "male" with "bloke", you're right! Andrea, in Italy is a male name (almost always), so bloke is as good as mate, sir, mister or any informal way to address a male friend/acquaintance.:smiling:
In the past I received mails from the English speaking world beginning with "Ma'am" :smiling4:: my answer was that not even in her wildest dreams my wife ever called me ma'am"... :tongue-out3:.

Never mind, Bob, I'm used to this kind of misunderstanding about my name and if you use Andy it's fine as well: it's how I was called by my schoolmates back in the late '70s. :thumb2:

Andrea

[adt70hk]

However, now might be the time to start. My only reservation is the overall 'stack height' - I already have a quick release connector at the brush end, which I'm loathe to lose. So with that AND this device too, it might become unwieldy.

That's what I'm thinking..... Perhaps have this 'stuck ' to the side of the desk, acting as 'bridge' between two reasonable length air hoses?

[BarryW]

This is a reason not to have it if you’re new to airbrushing. There are already a lot of variables you need to get your head around, no need to add another before you’re even used to the basic ones.

Actually I find it incredibly useful and makes spraying a lot easier.

I think that it might be specially useful where you have less consistency between the paint shades you are using.

It is not to my mind just another variable to contend with. That is if you use it properly, set the compressor to the highest pressure level suitable for your set up and adjust down or back depending on you paint flow.

[PaulinKendal]

Ah yes, Tim, I already have one of them on my (AS186) compressor. I just fancy being able to instantly alter flow on the fly.

As an aside to Modler bob (the OP) - don't let all this esoteric stuff intimidate you. An airbrush is an incredibly useful bit of kit - if you're minded to get one, go for it. I just started using it for priming and varnishing, and went on from there.

[Modler bob]

This is a reason not to have it if you’re new to airbrushing. There are already a lot of variables you need to get your head around, no need to add another before you’re even used to the basic ones.

Yes, I think for me you're right Jacko.
I think stick to what I know for now, for the kits I have, the other problem is costs
Thanks again everyone for great information.

[Modler bob]

You're welcome, Bob. :hugging-face: :smiling2:
If you mean "male" with "bloke", you're right! Andrea, in Italy is a male name (almost always), so bloke is as good as mate, sir, mister or any informal way to address a male friend/acquaintance.:smiling:
In the past I received mails from the English speaking world beginning with "Ma'am" :smiling4:: my answer was that not even in her wildest dreams my wife ever called me ma'am"... :tongue-out3:.

Never mind, Bob, I'm used to this kind of misunderstanding about my name and if you use Andy it's fine as well: it's how I was called by my schoolmates back in the late '70s. :thumb2:

Andrea

OK "Andy"
My mistake.

I'm ficko 2

[Tim Marlow]

I just fancy being able to instantly alter flow on the fly.

…and that is exactly the reason for buying one Paul. You‘ve got experience and know exactly what you want it to do so the airbrush works for you.

[stillp]

Hi Pete. SMS doesn’t have any that I can find listed but I found this on line.

https://www.graphicsdirect.co.uk/products/harder-steenbeck-fpc-valve-complete?gclid=CjwKCAjwk_WVBhBZEiwAUHQCmUlbKlFsd1D8Hxuf_fe_j1ivZogKv843e341sJvlrcG0-uwibrcdOBoCvjMQAvD_BwE

They are also called MAC valves incidentally. They do the same thing.

Thanks, I'd been wondering what to do with my Fathers' Day Amazon voucher!
Pete

[Ian M]

If I need to sort the presure on the fly, I lean forward and adjust the valve on the compressor...
Learn the basics then move on to the more "prof" toys.