I was wondering if anyone had tried to tap a vacuum exhaust as an air supply for the air assist ?
1 Like
I’ve thought about this but I’ve always been a little worried about getting the balance right.
It should work in theory though, you just need to trade flow for pressure?
Maybe 3d print a y for the exhaust port with one side being a smaller hole and the other being a larger hole free of obstruction (or with a muffler that doesn’t impede flow much)
I’m sure I’m overthinking it and ~any attempt would be “good enough” though 
I was thinking shut off valve somewhat open and tap in before the valve to regulate the balance.
1 Like
One concern to consider here is that one will be recirculating air through the vacuum, and depending on the design of the vacuum, that air may also be used to cool the motor.
2 Likes
I agree I may have to filter the exhaust .
I don’t want to restrict the flow too much, so I don’t lose suction and cooling.
Not sure you would get the differential pressure high enough for the air assist without choking the vacuum exhaust. If the exhaust is restricted enough there will be heat buildup from the impeller flow “stall” that “could” lead to pre-mature motor winding issue in which motor takes a permanent vacation.
Don’t ask how I know……
1 Like
Yep. I will use a ball valve or something to restrict the flow and listen for the rpm change.
This on a pre stealth sonic DeWalt vacuum.
Worth a few $ test
Worth testing, but I doubt you’ll get enough static pressure to push air through a 1/4" air line. Definitely be careful with overheating.
1 Like
or you could use an air brush pump.
can’t you use a cheap fish tank pump? not much of a pressure, but IMO more than what a vacuum can provide, and if enough would -again IMHO- worth the hours of designing and making a y-piece for the vacuum?
I am being lazy, killing time. I didn’t think of an air brush pump.
I don’t have house air. Again a lazy summer day and day dreaming.
No angst
This compressor works great for my air brush and laser air assist. I don’t know about other air assists, though.
LINK: https://www.amazon.com/Master-Airbrush-Runner-Compressor-TC-320/dp/B07ZQL2BHQ
1 Like
I think that’s a sell. Thank you !
I was concerned about footprint ( not really having a clue ) and this would fit nicely.
47db works for me.
Jim
1 Like
Ok, since I am here. Air brush recommendations ?
I know this is a tangent of thought.
From my mini painting days the names I remember are Badger and Iwata.
This is an area where the bottom of the barrel is probably just not worth buying but the high end is almost certainly unnecessary.
I’d expect maybe $50 for a decent air brush 
The wife got me a beautiful Harder and Steenbeck years ago and it’s…only marginally better than my entry level Iwata at my skill level (which is mediocre)
I can not find an amperage rating . Do you know what it is ?
The TCP Global site does not show it.
Thanks
It says 1/5 horse power. So at 120v single phase you’re looking at ~1 amp. Maybe double it for safety margin and the little fans 
1 Like
Thank you ! 20 characters …
1 Like
Looks like this will do the trick with the same compressor.
1 Like
Might be worth looking into a small pressure tank if the duty cycle ends up being too high. Realistically, one of those whole home water pressure filters would work.
Cheap, pressure rated, comes in basically any size you like, could put a mist coolant in it if you’re cutting metal.
1 Like