Which regulator brand and type?

[IT_Architect]

I've read the regulator threads here, but didn't find what I wanted to know.

I have a Devilbiss LK6580V2-1, 6.5 HP Two-Stage 175 PSI compressor. (Delta=DLK... (Sam's Club), Ingersol-Rand(IRLK..), Porter-Cable=CPLK..., Snap-On..., etc.) It has a 1/2" discharge and ball valve but it has a 1/4" HF regulator that regulates perfectly, and passes a minuscule amount of air, which is the problem.

The Speedaire 4ZM22 and the ARO/Ingersoll Rand R37341-600-VS pass plenty of air, but they don't look to be the diaphragm type. (Piston maybe?) On the diaphragm side there is the Parker R119-04CG, but that's pretty pricey. Knowing how both work I would guess that the diaphragms hold a more precise pressure, but air tools don't care that much. What are your thoughts?

PS: A problem I see is the regulator itself. On the piston regulators, can you normally remove the top so that you can thread it on? I don't have 6" of swing between the deck pipe and deck. I could throw in a T I suppose and that way I have an outlet for full pressure for the air blast.

 

[sberry]

I have a T ahead of a reg for a crisis. I have several setups but what works about as good as any was a 3/8 setup I got from HD, its a combo filter reg but that sucker works pretty good for the 30$ or something I paid for it.
The hydrant could be abandoned, it feeds a reel. Pipe or hose it to a convenient place.

 

[IT_Architect]

I have several setups but what works about as good as any was a 3/8 setup I got from HD

Look at the construction of that one compared to the Speedaire 4ZM22 I mentioned above. Either it's a knock-off or the real McCoy under the HF name. LOL! It appears they don't sell your model anymore.

PS: It looks like they are selling Prime Fit's now. Take a look at the Primefit R3802G.

 

[sberry]

I have some top notch stuff too. It has worked fine but got a real deal on it. I have used some of the knockoffs and some cheap ones too, Menards has a 1/2 set in some tool force brand that works ok. Its one of the things I found if it works it works, I am sure a premium should work longer but I got a couple cheaper ones that lasted a career too.
I could go either way on quality here depending on how easy and convenient it was or if I was re using something I already had.
The water separater works super good on this sharps. It feeds about 1/2 the work in the shop, jumps on 2 pipes and a hose reel. The second reel has its own reg I found somewhere, the water trap works good on it too.
I have another 1/2 Sharps does not work so good, its really too big.

HF name.

One above was Home Depot Husky stuff I believe. Its some generic **** I bought at the time to go to an outdoor reel.

 

[sberry]

I put this littler cutie on my paint reel.

 

[IT_Architect]

I made my moves. I went with the New Speedaire Regulator 4ZM22 w/ Pressure Gauge $29.96. On the price I lucked out on, but that wasn't the reason. I wanted very much to go with the Watts R119-04CG or Arrow Pneumatics Midflow R374G because they were made in the US, but I also wanted very much to be able to dial to 150 on the output, and there was no US one that could do it. I would have gladly paid twice that if they did.

As far as fittings go, I'm going with the Milton V-Style fittings from JB Tool Sales where I can buy Milton V-Style for the same price as Harbor Freight M-Style. Based on the general consensus of many, they don't leak, they flow well, and you can connect and disconnect them under high pressure.