Do I need an air regulator? Is my filter adequate?

[gsea]

I have a 175psi, 25gal, 5.5cfm @90psi cman pro compressor at home for weekend auto work. On 3/8" hose, I run impacts, die grinders, and various detailing and blowing/inflating jobs.

Currently, I am just using the on-compressor regulator and have this little 1/4" Milton filter inline before a 50' hose reel.

3 Questions:

1) Is there any reason to go to a 3/8" setup?

2) Is the on-compressor regulator sufficient or should I add a piggyback regulator and gauge to the filter? If so, do I remove the on-tank reg or just open it all the way up?

3) I have looked around quite a bit and can't seem to find any bracketry for these. Are there any cheap ones available or will I have to make something?

 

[fordbroncodave]

if you get a sharpe brand water moisture separator just install it really close to the compressor. it has a regulator and gauge built in as well as a drain ****.


i think you mean you have 1/4" line and looking to upgrade to 3/8"? bigger is better but it can be limiting in tight spaces. also costs lots more and you have to factor in adapters if you need any

 

[pipsters]

I have a 175psi, 25gal, 5.5cfm @90psi cman pro compressor at home for weekend auto work. On 3/8" hose, I run impacts, die grinders, and various detailing and blowing/inflating jobs.

Currently, I am just using the on-compressor regulator and have this little 1/4" Milton filter inline before a 50' hose reel.

3 Questions:

1) Is there any reason to go to a 3/8" setup?

2) Is the on-compressor regulator sufficient or should I add a piggyback regulator and gauge to the filter? If so, do I remove the on-tank reg or just open it all the way up?

3) I have looked around quite a bit and can't seem to find any bracketry for these. Are there any cheap ones available or will I have to make something?

My guess is you have the 150 psi 25 gallon compressor, correct?

Like this?

If so I have the same one. I put a Husky 3/8" regulator on it thinking it would flow more air. What I found out is it actually was a LOT worse. The regulators on the Craftsman pro compressors are actually really good. They flow a lot of air.

Here read thru this:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2105640#post2105640

If you were to add another regulator take the one you got off. I am looking into a Norgren as they are a lot better. Also, your filter is OK but maybe look into something in the 3/8" range as they would flow a lot more air. Do you catch any moisture in the filter you currently have? I've been looking at adding one as well.

 

[gsea]

i think you mean you have 1/4" line and looking to upgrade to 3/8"? bigger is better but it can be limiting in tight spaces. also costs lots more and you have to factor in adapters if you need any

Sorry, I should have been more clear. I am running 3/8" hose, but this is a "mini" filter with 1/4" NPT threads, so a 3/8" hose will thread right up to it.

My guess is you have the 150 psi 25 gallon compressor, correct?

Like this?

Almost... this one:

Also, your filter is OK but maybe look into something in the 3/8" range as they would flow a lot more air. Do you catch any moisture in the filter you currently have? I've been looking at adding one as well.

Milton says it will flow 27cfm, but I'm sure there are caveats to that. It does collect moisture as it is.