AB Air Regulator. Another type.

Vladimir

Detail Decepticon!
There are several types of the air regulators that can be screwed on the AB bodies. One is that many airbrushers have in use. Some of regulators, even from well known brands, give air leaks, not talking about chinese made. From the users feedback the one from Grex - Micro Air Control Valve (G-MAC) is good, but I have not tried it. http://www.coastairbrush.com/proddetail.asp?prod=Grex_Micro_Air_Control_Valve
I had those chinese and never going to use such type again. But this thread is about another type.

My story about this air regulator started when I bought my first AB many years ago. The regulator was included in the AB box. I liked the regulator. But as the AB was chinese side feed, where I couldn't change the cup O-ring for solvent proof I'd sold the AB and unfortunately with that regulator. I didn't know then the regulators were not sold separately. Those ABs were sold out, so no chance to buy the regulator. I was searching for this type regulators in many online shops around the world, but couldn't find it. But an idea stroked me. I've proposed to one of our AB supplier to import these regulators to Ukraine and they agreed. In couple of month the regulators were here.
Having tried them, the result was the same. Very convenient air adjustment and no air leaks at all! Though it's chinese, but it works great. Air regulation is made by rotation on the axis middle part of the regulator (the biggest part of the regulator /on the photo/). You can't change set up pressure by sudden touching the regulator while painting, unlike those with side regulator.
I like these regulators and going to buy them for all detail airbrushes.
I advise to anyone to try it, maybe you'll like it.

P1011256.JPG P1011258.JPG

For bulk orders:

in China (BD-119) http://www.cnbida.com/products_detail/productId=385.html
in Taiwan (SPA-10) https://www.airprotool.com/spa-10.html
 
looks interesting and I would like to try one what do they sell for ?

They sell it here now for 3,5USD.

I’d give a couple a try. Is there somewhere to order just 2?

Can't really say. I haven't seen it being sold anywhere. Ask your local AB suppliers. Bulk order starts from 200 pieces only, I think they could bring these regulators, it's not a big money and quantity.
 
Would have been cool if the quick coupling was built in. Now it makes the whole connection very long.
 
Would have been cool if the quick coupling was built in. Now it makes the whole connection very long.

It is. But it's not giving any inconveniences for me, moreover added weight gives better balance for holding an AB as I paint standing at the easel, not sitting. For those painting sitting at the angled surface it may be inconvenient, who knows, one need to try to decide.
This regulator can be used without quick disconnect, just AB-regulator-hose.
 
Looks nice, might have to get one as my CM-SB & HP-CS are my only two Iwatas without the built in MAC valve (which I prefer). I have the external iwata on the SB, and the CS is naked. Maybe get one and put it on the SB, and move the iwata to my lonely CS. Lol
 
I've ordered one of each to see how good they are, will let you know in a week or so when they arrive.. I got my 2 male 1/4 quick connects for the compressor so now I will be able to attach the hoses and airbrushes :) I bet you i find the 2 I put in a safe place now.

Lee
 
I've ordered one of each to see how good they are, will let you know in a week or so when they arrive.. I got my 2 male 1/4 quick connects for the compressor so now I will be able to attach the hoses and airbrushes :) I bet you i find the 2 I put in a safe place now.

Lee

Though, I'm late for a couple of minutes for what you've done, but will say anyway:)
Cheap regulators of that type have very high risk of airleaking. That constant sound sssssssssssssss is real annoying:whistling:

I hope @jord001 you'll have better luck than I had. I don't mean, I had those regulators you've just ordered:)

Interesting to hear what you'll say after using your new arrivals.
 
Yes I have had a couple of cheap ones, mainly brought for the male connectors as it was cheaper to get them with the regulator but as you say they are prone to leakage and the mac is rubbish. I do have my grex g-mac for my main AB, these ones I have ordered will be on the 2nd hose. If they are both rubbish I will consider another g-mac but at such a high price I may go for the Iwata one instead as its a little cheaper.

Lee
 
Also, I've noticed that some of the cheapostankless regulators seem to have a nut where the stem enters the valve, while others have just a straight collar. @Vladimir do you recall which yours were?
I think maybe the type w a nut might be a little better.
 
Yes I have had a couple of cheap ones, mainly brought for the male connectors as it was cheaper to get them with the regulator but as you say they are prone to leakage and the mac is rubbish. I do have my grex g-mac for my main AB, these ones I have ordered will be on the 2nd hose. If they are both rubbish I will consider another g-mac but at such a high price I may go for the Iwata one instead as its a little cheaper.

Lee

Try the one of this thread's;) I wonder what you'll say then.


Looks promising and professional! One thing I'd make to it is sanding down the plastic to a reasonable size or would even change for ss custom made part. Original size is kinda big:)


Also, I've noticed that some of the cheapostankless regulators seem to have a nut where the stem enters the valve, while others have just a straight collar. @Vladimir do you recall which yours were?
I think maybe the type w a nut might be a little better.

I'll strip one down for you and will take a picture.
 
Try the one of this thread's;) I wonder what you'll say then.



Looks promising and professional! One thing I'd make to it is sanding down the plastic to a reasonable size or would even change for ss custom made part. Original size is kinda big:)




I'll strip one down for you and will take a picture.
Yeah and I'd probably shorten the stem. If I did anything w the knob I would probably just vacuum cast an aluminum one. That would be easiest for me.

I just wonder if the two or three different Chinese types are all bad, or if one of them is actually good and bc they look similar they are all being lumped together. There seem to be two major designs and maybe 4-6 major suppliers with minor variations on the two designs.
 
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