Cheap inline pressure regulator for filling pcp guns, need to go from 2500 to 15

[Buldawg76]

Does anyone out there no where to get or info on buying or making a in-line regulator to use when filling a PCP gun from a SCBA 45 CF tank with 2500 psi in it and be able to drop that pressure down to 1500 psi for filling the gun to 1500 psi. I have seen on this forum where rsterne made one with a ninja Paint ball regulator. In talking to him he has said that it worked fair but take a while to stabilize the pressure and it did not work as good as he had hoped. Just wondering if any one out there knows of a cheap way to co this. Also does anyone do machining for a reasonable price on the side for forum members. I have a FDAR- PCP XC60C rifle that I would like to add a gauge to and want to place it in the fill fitting at end of reservoir. I have drawn up a blueprint for the fill fitting that I want and have the 7075 piece of aluminum bar stock for it to be made from. Please message me with info about regulator or machine work
Thanks Mike

[rsterne]

If you don't need the regulator adjustable (which is what you requested) then converting a Ninja regulator would be relatively easy.... You would then set the pressure using the bellevilles and shims, just as with any Ninja reg.... All that is needed is to block off the bottom end (the part that fits into a tank) by drilling and installing a 1/8" NPT pipe plug, and then drilling and tapping the bonnet to 1/8" NPT and installing a female Foster.... Air would do in through the male Foster (I would remove the check valve) and out the female.... Like this but just plug the tank stub on the left....



Bob

[Buldawg76]

Bob
I had thought about that after I pm you yesterday and that is what I will probably do. I got the tank and regulator today and have not been able to get the regulator to unscrew from the tank. There are no flat for using a wrench or socket on so what is the best way to get the reg to unscrew from tank without damaging it. Also it is an ignition air control system tank and reg and I have took the top half of reg apart trying to find a means to unscrew from tank. It appears to have the Belleville washer type regulation setup and has a 5k and 1.8K burst disc in it, so does that mean that it is set to regulate output pressure to 1800 psi and if so do think that the FD PCP would be safe at that pressure as it is only 300 psi above what is recommended or should I set it to 1500 psi and if so does that need washers installed or removed and approximately how many to achieve that pressure.
Thanks Mike

[Buldawg76]

Bob
Also I just thought about pressure release in the line. have you had any experience with the in-line fitting that you slide a outer sleeve on it to release the pressure or do you think I should use the type of release valve that uses a threaded knob to release the line pressure.
Mike

[rsterne]

The regs. are often installed with Loctite into the tank and can be a bear to remove.... heat helps, but boiling water may not be hot enough.... There was a pic of the tool that Ninja use on their gate here, but I can't remember the thread it was in.... It is made from delrin and fits over the reg body, using the fill fitting and gauge and burst discs for leverage....

The 1.8K burst disc means that the pressure is below about 1500 psi, it could anything below that.... If it's not a Ninja reg. I have no idea what to recommend for bellevilles and shims.... it will be trial and error.... The good news is that once you plug the bottom end of the reg. you won't have to waste much air each time you try it.... Anything over 1500 psi may blow the burst disc....

I have had problems with the slide checks, if you slide it without it attached to a gun, it will blow the outer O-ring.... I prefer a proper bleed-valve on the downstream side of the reg. between it and the gun....

Bob

[Buldawg76]

Sounds good Bob. I will try to use boiling water or  may have to make a piece of PVC pipe to get it off. I would like to save the appearance of the tank as I will resell it otherwise I would use a propane torch to get the Loctite to release. In the auto repair world I would use an oxy/acetylene torch to melt the Loctite but as I said I want to resell the tank. I got the tank and reg off E-bay for 27.00 shipping included. So I think I can make a little on the tank reselling it.
Thanks for the info
Mike

[Buldawg76]

One more question Bob. Does the gauge on the reg read tank pressure or the line pressure.
Mike

[rsterne]

The gauge on the regulator reads tank pressure (on every one I have seen).... If you want one to read output pressure, install a "T" fitting on the bonnet with a gauge and your fill hose....

Bob

[rsterne]

Simple bleed valve....    http://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=66646.0

Bob