DIY Air Setup_Gun Pressure Regulator

C

Chris Martin

Promoted Users
Hi all,

I am almost ready to start painting my project. Got my new gun, treated myself to a DeKups set, got my SPI paint order and working on the spray booth now.

My question today is that I have a crappy HF regulator for the gun. So far worked OK but since I have a shinny Iwata gun now I could get something a little better. I see some people have flow control type regulators while others (like my HF one) are diaphragm type. I do like the later since it is a true pressure regulator but I guess the flow control one would work well too and it is less bulky I guess.

Opinions? Which one would you recommend?

I'm spraying SS if that matters.

Best
 
I bought a DeVilbiss digital HAV555 a few years back for just over $35, however now you need to add almost a $100 to that now. o_O
Mine is set up to put on the gun long enough to set the correct pressure using the wall regulator, then I remove the gauge at the gun and put it back in it's box.

Personally, I don't buy anything at Horrible Freight.
 
Good feedback. Thanks guys.

Looked at the HAV555. Yikes, it is expensive for what it seems to be. I actually have little digital regulator that looks like the one in that DV one. I can put it in the regulator I have now and carry on.

I agree with the HF comment. But... from a DYIer perspective I have purchased a few things that turned out to be OK (like I needed a gun to spray contact cement and the $15 ones worked like a charm). And for doing the epoxy primer 2 years ago their stuff did a reasonable job. So they have a place in this ecosystem I guess.

But for the final top coat I did get an Iwata (although not an expensive one) and looking for a better gun regulator. One thing to keep in mind though is that if I do find a setting for the gun I like, who cares if the gage is super accurate or not? If the reading is off but repeatable you just take note and use that setting in the future with a quick spray pattern check. But I have no experience, maybe wrong and ready to be corrected.

Chris
 
in the old days we just found an air hose and plugged in. only had cheater valves then. it's a constant adjustment from day to day. what worked fine yesterday may be shit today. humidity/temp/barometric pressure all play into it.
the best setup is a hose belt. supply hose on the belt with a regulated 3ft hose off that. i also run my hood off it.
 
I’ve always used rti’s and had good luck. My personal preference if my gun needs a regulator. I keep thinking of converting to adjusting at the wall but I like having it right there at my gun. But I don’t like the extra length. That’s when I like digital guns lol. Nothing in life is perfect right.
 
Once I tried adjusting at the wall using a temporary gauge at the gun, I have not gone back.

Also, finally tried the DeKups and man what a difference. Of course they are shooting up in price as well.
 
Yes, the DeKups is costly. But since this may be a one shot project and, I am not 40 anymore, I am investing in whatever makes the job more pleasant. I'm also going to the gym to build up that arm strength :)

Now, if I can find a way to get the paint from the gallon can to the mixing cup without making a mess I'd get that!

Chris
 
With the HVLP Guns of Today you need All the CFM you can get which should not be confused with PSIG.
Most All painters Today that use a choke valve do so with It wide open and are actually just using it's Guage for referencing. You would be well served running a 3/8" ID HOSE and Connectors from the Regulator to your Gun. Which will Guarantee proper operation IF the rest of your Air System is capable. Look at my Iwata test cap post in Tools if you aren't convinced of this.
You will be running 22-25# AT the Gun inlet trigger fully pulled as well. Nobody runs "recommended" unless somebody knows different and I haven't met or conversed with them yet in almost 20 years of owning 2.
Those HF regulators are fine. I've got a drawer full of them I used for years till I switched to just the wall regulator 15 years ago and a removable tee/Guage at the Gun. It's in the post too.
You can do the same thing with a choke valve if you're interested. Just remember to open it WFO !
The other advantage of ditching the gun regulator is Weight loss and less shite hanging in the way.
My main reason anyway.
 
Chris Martin said:
Thanks. I actually used those, and still have, when I primed the airplane 2 years ago. They do work great but still do require some cleaning. I just ordered two of this via amazon, not cheap but seem like the perfect solution:

Click to expand...
s-l500 (4).jpg
I like these for all my primers and of course on my mixing bank toners
 
I'm sorry but you can't call yourself a "painter" unless you're bench looks like this, ok? LOL..... I just used shoebox cardboard because I never had nice shirts with the cardboard inside. :cool:
20220905_144510.jpg
 
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