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Building Tips and technical articles. => Paint and finishing => Topic started by: Tim Wescott on June 13, 2019, 09:08:00 AM

Title: Good inexpensive regulator
Post by: Tim Wescott on June 13, 2019, 09:08:00 AM
I just got my compressor put back together, on a tank that actually has a drain valve so maybe it won't rust out.

My $19.95 Horror Freight regulator is broken, though.  Anyone have opinions on what's a good cost-effective regulator?  I admit that I haven't looked to see what the name-brand regulators cost (and I don't even know what name brand is any more -- Binks and DeVillbiss come to mind, but I'm probably just showing my age).

I'm looking for something that'll work well enough to occasionally squirt dope, and won't break just from sitting on a shelf for a while.
Title: Re: Good inexpensive regulator
Post by: Randy Powell on June 13, 2019, 04:25:08 PM
Well, Harbor Freight wants about 12.79 for one.

https://www.harborfreight.com/125-psi-38-in-npt-air-flow-regulator-with-dial-gauge-68231.html

An upscale one (Speedaire or Campbell-Hausfeld is around 20-25 bucks.
Title: Re: Good inexpensive regulator
Post by: pmackenzie on June 13, 2019, 05:29:22 PM
Spend a few extra bucks and get one with a filter/water trap on it:

https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-air-filter-with-regulator-68232.html
Title: Re: Good inexpensive regulator
Post by: Mike Haverly on June 16, 2019, 09:41:20 PM
I've been using one like this for ten years with no issues.  https://www.harborfreight.com/air-tools-compressors/air-compressor-accessories/filters-regulators-lubricators/industrial-air-filter-regulator-unit-68247.html
About the same price a ten gallons of gasoline around here.
Title: Re: Good inexpensive regulator
Post by: Fredvon4 on June 17, 2019, 09:00:54 AM
Hint I have not had good long term luck with any brand where the water collection bowl was plastic

I still have two that have a GLASS bowl (sears) and over 30 years old....STILL WORKING FINE

The plastic bowls deteriorate in less than 2~3 years....Chemical vapors in shop? Thermal cycling? I don't know