best pressure regulator

Not having a tank or some sort of resevoir such as a section tube/pipe the regulator cannot do its job adequately. The compressor is constantly pulsing the air pressure as it pushes it out the outlet. A tank not only acts as a resevoir but as a baffle to absorb the pulsing. The regulator can then control the airflow by controlling the volume at which it exits the tank. I've also had some luck using a large glass bowl moisture trap in line between the compressor and the regulator.

Two features I look for in a regulator, a guage that reads accurately the pressure ranges I use for airbrushing and a control that allows adjustments by the 1/2 pound at the most...jumping a couple of pounds with the slightest adjustment just doesn't cut it for me.

I bought the cheapest regulator I could find at the local discount hardware store. It works and at about a third of the cost of an "airbrush" regulator. The dial isn't setup for airbrushing, but it works for me.  Here's one from Harbor Freight that looks identical:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=90590 

HawkeyeHobbies wrote:

Not having a tank or some sort of resevoir such as a section tube/pipe the regulator cannot do its job adequately. The compressor is constantly pulsing the air pressure as it pushes it out the outlet. A tank not only acts as a resevoir but as a baffle to absorb the pulsing. The regulator can then control the airflow by controlling the volume at which it exits the tank. I've also had some luck using a large glass bowl moisture trap in line between the compressor and the regulator. Two features I look for in a regulator, a guage that reads accurately the pressure ranges I use for airbrushing and a control that allows adjustments by the 1/2 pound at the most...jumping a couple of pounds with the slightest adjustment just doesn't cut it for me.

Hawkeye

I have a moisture but it is right at the compressor outlet. I tried adding a eight inch length of pipe from the moisture trap to the regulator. Is there anything else I can try short of getting a new compressor, one with a tank? I am building on a rather tight budget now days

modelbuilder wrote:

Hi all Ive been reading this months issue of Finescale and while it talks about adding a pressure regulator to your compressor, it doesnt say which is best or best arrangement. I have a regulator now but it doesnt function. no matter where its located I cannot adjust the pressure below 40psi. If it helps all I have is a piston compressor with no storage tan k.

well it's kinda like this: what's in your budgit? If you can do it; then I'd recommend a good quality colesting air filter (sp) and a precision air regulator. But then your also looking at about a $150. You can buy a Wilkenson (the best) combo for about $50 that has the colesting moisture trap & regulator. The colesting type of filter will take all moisture out of the air stream better than anything but a dedicated air dryer (very expensive). A precision regulator is accurate all the way down to a half pound of air if you need it. Remember you get what you pay for with this stuff.

gary

Hawkeye

it is 1/2" copper