Airbrush regulator

[MistyEyedWanderer]

I'm putting together an airbrush compressor.
Found something old and solid, not going the Chinese plastic way.
But...
All I can find for regulators is Chinese plastic.
A separate moisture trap would also be fine, or a combination.
I'm assuming 0-30 PSI range is a good idea, rather than up to 100 or above.
Is there something less disposable with 1/4'' BSP fitting?

[Steven B]

I can't imagine you'll find any air regulators that stop at 30psi rather than going all the way up to 100+. The upper range doesn't matter, higher just means you can run your compressor/tank at a higher pressure meaning less noise whilst you're working.

Machine Mart has a decent range:
https://www.machinemart.co.uk/c/valves-gauges-filters-and-lubricators/?p=1

As do Sealey:
https://www.sealey.co.uk/category/5637150626/filters-regulators-lubricators

i.e. buy from somewhere other than eBay or Amazon - anyone specialising in air-tools should have something decent. Just don't get anything that includes a lubricator otherwise you'll end up with oily models!

Steven B

[middlefour]

Talk to Steve at Barwell Bodyworks, he has an excellent range of airbrush equipment and very, very helpful. The web site is very good, just google the name.

[JanW]

Make sure your compressor is oil free, you don't want an oil mist on your models.

Jan

[MistyEyedWanderer]

Make sure your compressor is oil free, you don't want an oil mist on your models.

Jan

Not only does it need oil, it has a sump!  Must be a way to trap and filter all contaminants.
Wander what grade of oil to use.  I'm guessing mineral 30W for compressors.
Pleasantly surprised by the look of the Clarke gear.

[me00rjb]

You need a filter regulator. RS have a good range:

https://uk.rs-online.com/web/c/pneumatics-hydraulics/pneumatic-air-preparation/filter-regulators/

Although the Clarke ones linked above also look good.  This one is very similar to the one I use, and has the advantage of the inbuilt gauge:

https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/clarke-cat190-miniature-airline-filterregulato/

The control is more than fine enough for airbrush use, I can easily set it to any pressure between 0 and 30 psi. It would go higher but I've never needed to try.

I also have a compressor that uses oil, and have no issues with it. Look for 'compressor oil', there are plenty of options available. Ideally look up the spec for your compressor so you ensure you get the right grade.

[MistyEyedWanderer]

Looking at various setups, It seems that in order for a trap to be effective, that it ought to be placed some distance away from the compressor in order for the water/oil to condense.  I have seen large bore copper pipe made into a long trap, but this is way over size for indoor hobby use.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxfNGkyGt3g

I could use 10mm microbore copper coil, spiraling from floor level compressor with a collector drain bowl at the bottom, and the regulator/filter at bench height. That would make adjusting pressure easier. 
That's if the principle works of course.