How to Set up an Airbrush Tattoo Cart

In this tutorial we will focus on the proper equipment set up, and maintenance information necessary for a well functioning airbrush body art system. We will assume that you have a fundamental understanding of how an airbrush and compressor work.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• One open-end adjustable wrench One compressor with regulator and hose: minimum 40psi, oil & maintenance free One ten-port manifold: assembled using brass fittings found at hardware store One

1. 
   Equipment and Setup

   Step 1: Equipment check: In this setup we will be using eight colors and ten airbrush. You must first have the following equipment, most of which can be found in the ITD 2004 Advanced Professional System:
   
   One open-end adjustable wrench
   One compressor with regulator and hose: minimum 40psi, oil & maintenance free
   One ten-port manifold: assembled using brass fittings found at hardware store
   One ¼" 6.3 mm Hex Connector
   Ten Airbrush, ten 10ft airbrush braided hoses: preferably Await HP units
   Ten Coz plastic airbrush spray bottles with caps
   Nine Jounce bottles of ITD Paint: black, blue, red, green, yellow, orange, pink, white, purple
   110 ITD Stencil & Display Package
   Work unit with airbrush holders
   One bottle of isotropy alcohol
   One container of cotton pads
   One cosmetic powder brush
   One container of talc or baby powder
   One small garbage container
   Two stencil organizers

2. 
   Aircompressor assembly

   Step 2: Compressor Hose / Compressor assembly: Prepare the threads of the hose using Teflon tape. Attach the compressor hose to the compressor outlet. Use the adjustable wrench to snug the threads down. If you live in an extra humid climate you may need to install a moisture trap before attaching the hose. Moisture traps can be found at most hardware stores. Notice the ITD rolling, portable, work /storage unit seen in this picture doubles as a compressor silencer. We designed it specifically with special events in mind.

3. 
   Manifold assembly

   Step 3: Compressor Hose / Manifold / Hex Connector assembly: Your next step is to attach the manifold to the other end of the compressor hose. Both hose and manifold must be threaded tightly (use adjustable wrench) into either end of the Hex Connector. We recommend that you use Teflon tape around the threads of the hose as well as the manifold. This will prevent air leakage, which in turn will keep the compressor from over working and overheating.

4. 
   Airbrush hose assembly

   Step 4: Airbrush Hose / Manifold assembly: Thread the airbrush hoses onto the Manifold ports, then snug hand tight (do not use wrench). There is no need for Teflon tape here, as the airbrush hoses have rubber seals. Be careful to avoid crimping the hoses. Repeat process until all the hoses are attached.

5. 
   Airbrush hose and jar assembly

   Step 5: Airbrush / Hose / Spray Jar Assembly: Be sure you have a firm grip on the airbrush as you thread it to the airbrush hose. Here again, there is no need for the use of Teflon tape or the adjustable wrench (just snug by hand). Insert Coz plastic spray jar into the bottom of the airbrush and gently twist until secure. Place airbrush / spray jar into airbrush holder. Repeat process.

6. Step 6: Compressor adjustment: Before plugging in the compressor be sure that the off/on lever is in the off position. Plug in compressor and flip lever to the on position. When the compressor tank reaches maximum capacity, your compressor should automatically shut off. Take this opportunity to listen for possible air leaks in your system. If everything has been properly installed there should be no air leaks. Next, set the compressor regulator to approximately 20psi.

Tips & Warnings

• I use plumbers tape to prevent leaks. Tighten all connections firm. These 2 steps will prevent leaks, which will prevent the air compressor from running anymore then necessary.
• Be careful using Co! If the valve breaks the bottle can become a rocket.