CO 2 Airtank set-up

The regulator, graduated in pounds Per Square Inch (PSI), up to 300 PSI. This is considered a 'low pressure' system as the guys using Nitrogen use a

3,000 PSI tank...definitely 'high pressure' in my book. The regulator simply bolts to the top of the 20 pound cylinder, and flow is initiated by opening the valve via the large black knob on the cylinder. Regulating the flow to the airbrush is done by means of the slotted brass knob on the regulator, below the dial face. Although this knob is slotted so as to use with a flat-blade screwdriver, it is easily turned by hand to closely control the gas pressure.

Click on image below to see larger image

This is a close-up of the airbrush hose attachment to the regulator. I use a standard braided airbrush hose designed to fit my Paasche VL. The brass

male/male adaptor piece came with the regulator. As can be seen, I use a little Teflon tape on the threads when I attach the hose.

Comment on the original "Safety Editorial": Just yesterday, we had a level 5.3 earthquake, the epicenter of which was about 60 miles from my home. Not a big quake by southern California standards, but it was easily felt for about 20 seconds just before noon local. The CO2 set-up survived well, with no damage to itself or anything else in my work area!

Click on image below to see larger image

A tank falling over and breaking the valve off will be a air powered torpedo able to go through a concrete block wall. So always secure your tank to avoid it falling over.

Update: Comment on the original "Safety Editorial": Just yesterday, we had a level 5.3 earthquake, the epicenter of which was about 60 miles from my home. Not a big quake by southern California standards, but it was easily felt for about 20 seconds just before noon local. The CO2 set-up survived well, with no damage to itself or anything else in my work area!

1.) My CO2 tank is usually tucked back between the workbench and the wall,
where there is not sufficient room for it to tip over, and I pull it out
(even with the white cabinet in the picture) to use it. In the picture,
I've pulled it out in the open 'for display purposes only'; it does not sit
out in the open as shown, only wanted it to be seen for the picture.

2.) I rent the tank, own the regulator. The plastic bag on the side is the
rental agreement, zip-tied to the regulator, so when I run out of air, I
don't have to search through tons of paper or receipts to find what I need
to get a quick replacement.

3.) I normally don't keep the air hose on the tank, but attach it only when
I'm hooking up the brush for a painting session.

4.) I'm a 3rd Generation Californian, so I don't sweat earthquakes. ;^) (Just
like the localized natural phenomena in every other part of the world (hurricanes on the east coast, blizzards in the north, red-necks in the
south...) you learn to prepare for them, but not live in fear of them. Okay,
southern red necks ARE pretty scary, but they're the exception to the
rule...