yeah, I used to wing it and then got a proper regulator. I also, just recently, added an inline water filter which I had ignored. Seems to have greatly reduced the spitting, just as I saw posted here and, come to think of it, the paint seems to flow more reliably, too. That would figure. Got one at Home Depot for $11.
I use a Sears 1hp dry piston w/ 7gal tank I bought for $160. Made more sense to me than the high priced hobby units and I can use it around the garage. Tank evens the air pressure, cuts down on running the compressor and it uses universally available 1/4" fittings, hoses, etc. Got all my attachments on quick connect fittings, makes life a lot easier. Only downside is the friggin noise but since it doesn't run but once an hour or so it's not so bad.
Regards,
Mark S.
Jupiter, FL