Upgrade: compressor or engraving system?

[V.Vetro]

Hi everyone.
At the moment, I’m using a small airbrush compressor, the Original Fengda FD-18A, with an Andu system (it is what I could afford for start).
It seems like it doesn’t push much, and in any case, it doesn’t maintain the initial power.

Do you think it would be better to upgrade the compressor right away, or could the issue be with the Andu itself?

Or both?


Thanks!

 

[monk]

i don't know the output volume of the air compressor. nor do i know the cfm requirements of yer andu. check both specs, that may help you decide. at a guess, i'd think the output volume, ( not the psi) would be a bit lacking for the airbrush. jmho

 

[AllenClapp]

Sometimes, when you have an underpowered compressor, you can get a portable air tank and connect it into the system. Your compressor will run a longer time to fill up that tank before the psi gets to where it is usable, but the compressor will keep running as you stop to turn your vise or another reason and you may end up always having enough psi to keep the handpiece going when you need it. Portable air tanks are inexpensive and available at Harbor Freight, Northern Tool, Amazon, etc. If you can borrow one from a friend and try it, you may find out if the issue is the compressor not keeping up or the handpiece system.

 

[chrishiggins]

Hi everyone.
At the moment, I’m using a small airbrush compressor, the Original Fengda FD-18A, with an Andu system (it is what I could afford for start).
It seems like it doesn’t push much, and in any case, it doesn’t maintain the initial power.

Do you think it would be better to upgrade the compressor right away, or could the issue be with the Andu itself?

Or both?


Thanks!

I would say it's the compressor. I have a andu foot control. And works perfectly with my silair. Compressor. I'm actually thinking of buying his hand control one next. I'm using a GRS graversmith now with a magnum and 901. But also have the andu and a Lindsay system (actually just sold the Lindsay set up)

 

[V.Vetro]

i don't know the output volume of the air compressor. nor do i know the cfm requirements of yer andu. check both specs, that may help you decide. at a guess, i'd think the output volume, ( not the psi) would be a bit lacking for the airbrush. jmho

Thanks, yes I checked them and on paper the PSI was fine. It's just that, being a small compressor without a tank, it overheats quickly and doesn't hold power.

 

[V.Vetro]

Sometimes, when you have an underpowered compressor, you can get a portable air tank and connect it into the system. Your compressor will run a longer time to fill up that tank before the psi gets to where it is usable, but the compressor will keep running as you stop to turn your vise or another reason and you may end up always having enough psi to keep the handpiece going when you need it. Portable air tanks are inexpensive and available at Harbor Freight, Northern Tool, Amazon, etc. If you can borrow one from a friend and try it, you may find out if the issue is the compressor not keeping up or the handpiece system.

Thanks for the tip. I had read about air tanks and I think I’ll give them a try, especially when, for various reasons, I need to change my workstation.

 

[V.Vetro]

I would say it's the compressor. I have a andu foot control. And works perfectly with my silair. Compressor. I'm actually thinking of buying his hand control one next. I'm using a GRS graversmith now with a magnum and 901. But also have the andu and a Lindsay system (actually just sold the Lindsay set up)

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I was afraid the bottleneck was the compressor too, and in fact last night I finally decided to get a Sil-Air 50/24 as well.
How does the Andu compare to Lindsay and GRS? My next upgrade will definitely be switching systems, but I’ve never tried the more “pro” ones. Is the difference that big?

 

[chrishiggins]

I'm still learning my self but feel like the GRS and Lindsay are completely different in not only the way they operate but the way they work when engraving. I feel like I have more control with the grs system. But I have been using it longer than the Lindsay. The andu is really close to the Lindsay system I would say the andu hits a little softer and does not have a much stroke adjustment.

 

[oniemarc]

For the Andu, you will need a compressor with a tank. The setup only works as it should, when the pressure remains as constant as possible. Same as with the Lindsay. Both don't like it when the pressure drops, it WILL affect the performance.
The Andu is more than fine to do some awesome work to get you started. The only true weak point is the pedal. It is alot harder to control than the Lindsay. Both work very similar though. Allthough I do prefer the Lindsay, because of the control issue. My Andu is setup with a 3d printed pedal now, with a valve I made in the lathe. Works almost the same as the Lindsay setup now, when it comes to control.

 

[chrishiggins]

For the Andu, you will need a compressor with a tank. The setup only works as it should, when the pressure remains as constant as possible. Same as with the Lindsay. Both don't like it when the pressure drops, it WILL affect the performance.
The Andu is more than fine to do some awesome work to get you started. The only true weak point is the pedal. It is alot harder to control than the Lindsay. Both work very similar though. Allthough I do prefer the Lindsay, because of the control issue. My Andu is setup with a 3d printed pedal now, with a valve I made in the lathe. Works almost the same as the Lindsay setup now, when it comes to control.

I totally agree with you on the foot petal. I took apart my Lindsay one it's actually a simple style valve they use.