Compressor Regulator Challenges

I did the same as EdGrune with my Paasche D300R compressor.  I replaced the stock 0-50 psi guage with a 0-30 psi guage. Much easier to read and get better control.  The compressor won't put out more than 50 psi, which you won't need and it's safety release will protect it if it goes nuts and exceeds 50 psi.

Go onto Amazon and look for a 30 PSI pressure gauge.   The gauges sold with most big box store regulators can be off by up to 10% full scale.  The narrower range limits possible range errors and is within all of my brushing needs 

Thank you all...you've given me a great deal to consider. I did find out from California Air Tools that using 2 regulators is fairly common for airbrush artists. One regulator at the tank, and a finer regulator closer to the brush.

Now just to decide which avenue I will go with...I also do RC planes, so long painting sessions are not infrequent. 

I had an old pancake compressor with a wide range compressor, and did that- put a narrow range regulator in series with it.  Worked fine, except for noise.  Finally moved it into garage and bought a quiet tankless compressor.  It does have a high frequency pulsation but that has never bothered my airbrushing.

Hi     

       Although I don't have one now, I did have a W.R.Brown Compressor sold By Harbor Frieght in the late seventies. It has powered my De-Vilbiss,Paasche and Binks and Badgers too. It had a built ON regulator and Pressure control as well as a Moisture Trap . Guess what? It died this year. Never had ANY problems without a tank. And anyone's hoses fit, as well.

I usually shoot at 20PSI, but for airbrushing the insides of jet exhausts, intakes, and that kind of thing, I have gone all the way down to anywhere from 8 to 10 PSI.  The regulator valve is a multi-turn valve, so adjustment is very fine and accurate.  I'm on my second one of these.  Had the previous one for 6 years and used it heavily.  The only reason I had to replace it was because I was really lax in my maintenance routine...didn't regularly drain the tank, so it eventually got a rust hole in it.  Stupid mistake on my part, because its very easy to drain it.  The description at the top of that Amazon page is funny.  Says it has a 6 inch hose.  LOL.  Its actually 6 feet, and I'm still using the hose that came with the previous one.

Edit:  To answer the question about its upper range, it will go 35 and higher easily.  Definitely an awesome, quiet little compressor.

That looks like a solid choice...i may ultimately end up going down that avenue. Thank you! How accurate is the air selection...are you able to dial in pressures from 16-35?

Seems like that would be a viable solution, but you could eliminate the hassle with something like this.  Its what I have been using with my Paasche H.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006ACB6D2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1