Question about my air regulator

ChrisQ · Post by **ChrisQ** » Wed Sep 01, 2010 8:33 pm

I have a Harbor Freight compressor and bought the TCP Global TFR-2000 regulator to go with it. http://www.tcpglobal.com/airbrushdepot/ ... D+TFR-2000

I did not have any prior knowledge when I bought it. I just knew from this board that I need to regulate the pressure. Unfortunately I couldn't find any airbrush regulator reviews and comparisons online so I just took a stab at it.

The lowest setting I can have this thing on is 60psi. If I dial it any lower it loses all pressure and just hisses the whole time. Below 60 no air at all makes it to the airbrush. I'm starting to think this was not made for modeling applications but maybe for spraying industrial paints on vehicles or something. It's obviously not going to work for modeling unless it's just a faulty part or something.

I have it installed exactly like the factory regulator was and I even used plumbers tape to make sure the connector is screwed down tight. There were no hints or directions with it and none on the site. It works great at 60 and above but that's not helping me out.

Any advice for this one or recommendations on another regulator more suited to my needs would be helpful.

Kylwell · Post by **Kylwell** » Wed Sep 01, 2010 8:56 pm

There is usually an in side & and out side. Check the regulator for arrows or some indication.

If none, swap it out from the current assembly and see it that works.

If not, contact the dealer or manufacturer.

Lt. Z0mBe · Post by **Lt. Z0mBe** » Wed Sep 01, 2010 9:17 pm

I have cast the sprues upon the floor and can divine in them an answer. They spin a tale of starcrossed lovers and mismatched ports. It is you they speak of. I see a man who has installed his compressor on the northside of a southbound regulator. Poseidon's winds tell me it is the south side of the regulator you seek for your compressor.

Go now, brave airbrusher. Pipefit like the wind.

Kenny

ChrisQ · Post by **ChrisQ** » Wed Sep 01, 2010 9:24 pm

Hahaha that sounds about right! I'll give it a shot.

ChrisQ · Post by **ChrisQ** » Thu Sep 02, 2010 6:45 pm

Indeed there are arrows on the thing, not highlighted or accented so I didn't notice them the first time.

However now the regulator wouldn't quite line up level so I gave it one more tweak and the freaking nipple snapped off, half inside the compressor.

So I guess I'll be needing an easy out and a new nipple before I can get back to painting. Magillla Gorilla strikes again