Air compressor help

[danc333]

I have a question regarding air line regulators. I know this may open a can of worms, but.... are the central pneumatic ones that HF sells **** **** or will they work ok for the home user? I have a Speedaire 2HP 20 gallon compressor. I use impact wrenches, air ratchets, DA sander, air hammer, and all types of nailers. I do not paint. I want to build an air manifold that has 2 or 3 outlets and be able to set each outlet to a different pressure. My brad nailer and finish nailer use 2 different pressures and i don't want to keep changing the regulator every time I change tools. So i am asking because name brand regulators cost way more than I want to spend on this project. I have a good IR air filter that will go inline first. Any suggestions are appreciated. If not HF ones any other brands I should consider? Thanks for your help.

 

[garfunkle24]

I have a question regarding air line regulators. I know this may open a can of worms, but.... are the central pneumatic ones that HF sells **** **** or will they work ok for the home user? I have a Speedaire 2HP 20 gallon compressor. I use impact wrenches, air ratchets, DA sander, air hammer, and all types of nailers. I do not paint. I want to build an air manifold that has 2 or 3 outlets and be able to set each outlet to a different pressure. My brad nailer and finish nailer use 2 different pressures and i don't want to keep changing the regulator every time I change tools. So i am asking because name brand regulators cost way more than I want to spend on this project. I have a good IR air filter that will go inline first. Any suggestions are appreciated. If not HF ones any other brands I should consider? Thanks for your help.

http://www.wilkersoncorp.com/product/regulators.html

I've always had good luck with Wilkerson regulators. I've used several other types but I couldn't tell you the brands. None seemed to work as nice as the WIlkersons, but I never independantly pressure tested them either.

 

[MarkH]

I have a number of Arrow, Wilkerson, and Milton ones that I got off Ebay for just a few bucks more than I would have paid at HF. The old metal Norgens are also good. They all are equipped with IR liquid filled gauges. Both regulator and gauge can lead to inaccuracy. So that becomes a personal choice depending on the value of what you are trying to protect and the value of the time lost if something breaks.

Also at first I had my airline filter right next to the air compressor, it did not catch much water, water was still in vapor form which a standard filter does not catch. When I moved it down the line farther (see multiple articles here) the amount of water in it went from almost nothing to you mean I have to empty the damm thing again! That was followed by an auto drain Wilkerson filter.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

www.surpluscenter.com

Charles