Regulators and Filters

Slurm · Post by **Slurm** » Sun Mar 12, 2006 5:55 pm

Hey all,

I used to build and paint models when i was a wee lad, and i have recently decided to get back into the hobby again. But, now i have the money to afford all the cool tools such as airbrushes. I currently have a Craftsman 3 gallon air compressor and i was wondering what you all would recommemnd that i use as far as regulators and filters. It DOES already have a factory regulator with it, BUT the pressure drop when actuated is pretty bad. Im not sure if it would affect the flow of the airbrush. So, how extreme do i need to get with a secopndary regulator and filter set up?

Thanks!

Lt. Z0mBe · Post by **Lt. Z0mBe** » Mon Mar 13, 2006 1:45 am

Slurm,

WElcome to the boards!

As for a regulator, I don't know how extreme you need to be. Any external regulator should work fine provided the fittings are a match. Even if they're not, adapters can go a long way to fix mismatches.

As for a "filter," are you referring to an intake filter or a moisture trap? Intake filters are a must, as even the finest grit will take its toll on the compressor. Moisture traps I can't speak to. I've never used one. BUT, some people swear by them and those same people are some of the best painters on here.

I hope this helps.

Kenny

P.S. Check the forum rules about avatar size. It's cool, but a little large. Welcome!!

Kylwell · Post by **Kylwell** » Mon Mar 13, 2006 10:46 am

I've got a combo regulator & moistier trap. After years of using a cheap one I sprang for a good one. Don't scrimp. Man what a difference a decent regulator makes.

Does your compressor have a tank?

Slurm · Post by **Slurm** » Mon Mar 13, 2006 3:24 pm

This is the compressor i have:

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product. ... 0915310000

Funny thing is, i was looking at that SAME regulator/moisture trap you have. Ive been trying to get a company discount on it since i work for Parker, but so far no luck. (I work in a different division)

Kylwell · Post by **Kylwell** » Mon Mar 13, 2006 3:31 pm

And you're getting a big psi drop. Well, sounds like my problem. The cheap tool regulator I had really didn't work for pressure below 30psi. Airbrushes tend to perfer 12 to 25 psi. 32 is considered hi-pressure.

Hence my $45 dollar regulator. This is my regulator, and I can recomend Airbrush.com. Your other or additional option is to buy a 5 gallon aircan, fill it with the big guy and run your aibrush off the tank. Quiet, and will last through several sessions.

Slurm · Post by **Slurm** » Mon Mar 13, 2006 5:10 pm

Someone else mentioned the idea of using a seperate tank for my air supply to me. But, how is the air outlet regulated on such a setup?

Thanks a bunch for all the help btw

Kylwell · Post by **Kylwell** » Mon Mar 13, 2006 5:19 pm

Same way. But you don't get pulses (fluctuations in the psi), pressure doesn't bump up when the compressor comes on, and it's quiet.