Problem with TC-20 Compressor

[joemc3]

Hello

I'm new to airbrushing. I just received an TC-20 compressor / airbrush kit for christmas. It's the kit shown here at amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/Airbrushing-Pe...d=RUOAHILAR3EW

I've read through the instructions and hooked up the compressor. I've attached the regulator to the compressor, the host to the regulator and the airbrush to the host. When I turn on the compressor, it will activate for a few seconds and then shut down and then come back on after a few seconds. I understand this is normal.

However, I'm getting NO airflow through the airbrush.

I removed the regulator from the compressor and turned the compressor back on. I get plenty of airflow from the compressor. I've blown air through the airbrush manually and it has good airflow.

So it's either the hose or the regulator and I suspect the regulator.

The regulator in the picture on Amazon is the same regulator I have. However, the regulator in the one page manual looks different. The manual shows that I should turn a knob at the top of the regulator to adjust pressure. However, the regulator I have doesn't turn like a knob. It just unscrews and then comes off.

I'm not sure if there's something I was supposed to do to get the airflow through the regulator that somehow I've missed.

Thanks for any help.

 

[MrIxolite]

The regulator's knob has a locked position, try to push or pull on the knob and try turning it again to turn it until you see the pressure in the gauge go up.

 

[joemc3]

Did knob did have an inscription saying "Push Lock". However, I couldn't seem to get it to move. Maybe I'm being too gentle. Thanks for the advice. I'll try it tonight when I get home.

 

[RuneBrush]

Yup, it'll pull up and unlock

 

[joemc3]

Looks like that was it. I had tried pulling / pushing that think a hundred times. Maybe it was stuck coming out of the box and I was being too gentle. Didn't want to break it on day one. Seems to be working consistently now. Thanks for all the help.

 

[tjans]

I fully realize this thread is from 2012, but I have a related question and perhaps the answer would help someone else googling about this compressor. I'm able to turn the regulator as the OP has figured out, but it doesn't seem to have an affect on the pressure. From the factory, when I turned it in, it registered about 40, and when I hold my airbrush button, it drops to 20. I tried completely lowering the pressure and then slowly turning it back up, but I cane never get the gauge to show above 20 with the trigger presses. I've used larger compressors in other non hobbying applications before and this is not how I'd expect the gauge to work. Does the OP or anyone else have any insight, or have had a similar issue?

 

[airhead]

I fully realize this thread is from 2012, but I have a related question and perhaps the answer would help someone else googling about this compressor. I'm able to turn the regulator as the OP has figured out, but it doesn't seem to have an affect on the pressure. From the factory, when I turned it in, it registered about 40, and when I hold my airbrush button, it drops to 20. I tried completely lowering the pressure and then slowly turning it back up, but I cane never get the gauge to show above 20 with the trigger presses. I've used larger compressors in other non hobbying applications before and this is not how I'd expect the gauge to work. Does the OP or anyone else have any insight, or have had a similar issue?

That is a small (1/5 HP) tankless compressor. with the system closed, it will build up to 40 psi. Once you open the system (push the trigger on the AB), all it can maintain with flow is 20 psi. If you need more than 20 psi (t-shirts), then you need a bigger compressor - preferably one with a tank. Try you local home center (Home Depot/Lowes in the US).

 

[tjans]

That is a small (1/5 HP) tankless compressor. with the system closed, it will build up to 40 psi. Once you open the system (push the trigger on the AB), all it can maintain with flow is 20 psi. If you need more than 20 psi (t-shirts), then you need a bigger compressor - preferably one with a tank. Try you local home center (Home Depot/Lowes in the US).

I'm only using this for painting minis, so I don't need a ton of power. I thought it was anywhere from 15-30 PSI as a range for painting minis. Is that true? So what you're saying is it'll basically put out max 20, but I can lower it below 20 if I need less power? I only tried one mini last night and couldn't get the line very thin, and I ended up with a lot of overspray (which I'm sure will go away with practice). I also felt like I was getting a lot of paint hitting the mini and scattering (which is why I thought it was too high on pressure).

I probably just need to get a feel for how it works, maybe I wasn't being patient enough and just need to put it on it a bunch of really thin coats...

 

[airhead]

Thin lines = less air. With a top feed gun, thin paint to near ink and run 4-10 psi.

Overspray is the nature of the beast. Thus the need to mask.

Spidering or centipedes are a sign of too much paint and too much air - or being too close or not moving fast enough.

 

[tjans]

Thin lines = less air. With a top feed gun, thin paint to near ink and run 4-10 psi.

Overspray is the nature of the beast. Thus the need to mask.

Spidering or centipedes are a sign of too much paint and too much air - or being too close or not moving fast enough.

Perfect, I was able to lower the PSI and get a thinner line. I will try it even lower tomorrow. For a cheap kit, this will do just fine, I think, for a beginner.

 

[HeWhoWalks899]

My apologies first and foremost for bumping such an old thread, but it's the only place I could find that people were talking about the compressors and issues with them. I also have a tc-20 compressor and a regulator on it. The issue I am having is that the regulator is leaking air at such a constant rate, the compressor is firing up routinely to pressurize to 40 PSI. I've run my hand all around the hose and connection, and it almost seems as the there is a leak in the regulator at the very bottom of the drip valve and is pushing the air up. (Sorry, no picture, and no info on the regulator; at work right now.) Do I need a new regulator, or can I simply use the compressor without the regulator?

 

[Splurch]

My apologies first and foremost for bumping such an old thread, but it's the only place I could find that people were talking about the compressors and issues with them. I also have a tc-20 compressor and a regulator on it. The issue I am having is that the regulator is leaking air at such a constant rate, the compressor is firing up routinely to pressurize to 40 PSI. I've run my hand all around the hose and connection, and it almost seems as the there is a leak in the regulator at the very bottom of the drip valve and is pushing the air up. (Sorry, no picture, and no info on the regulator; at work right now.) Do I need a new regulator, or can I simply use the compressor without the regulator?

You need the regulator and moisture trap. Without the regulator the PSI will be too high to use and without the moisture trap you're going to eventually get spurts of water as you use the compressor which will ruin what you are working on. To test the problem spot detach the hose and block the spigot with your finger, if it keeps pumping air then the problem is the regulator or compressor. If it is the drip valve as you suspect the clear plastic housing can actually be unscrewed, so try removing it, cleaning the valve as best you can and putting it back on.

 

[HeWhoWalks899]

Thank you very much! I contacted "Master" and they confirmed it was an issue with the regulator. Luckily, they can be replaced for $15 or so.

 

[SheedaR]

I have an Tc-20 & The Compressor Stops after About 2 seconds. If I take the hose off it will stay on . If i loosen the hose then tighten it , it turns back on for about 2 more seconds . How can i fix it .? Its brand bew .