compressor filter and regulator

I just bought a 2 hp compressor and a filter regulator. My question. The regulator has one chamber for the filter and the other chamber for the oil reservoir. Their were not any directions on the type of oil to use. I,m not sure that I should put any in it as I'm primarily going to use it for paint. I,m not going to use it much for air tools. So should I or should I not put in the oil? And if so what type of oil?

unscrew the resivoir walk over to the trash can and drop it in.Its for air tools only,not paint.

Better yet replace it with another filter/dryer. If you are going to use it for air tools get another setup and hoses to use strictly for your air tools and keep the paint setup only for spraying.

As for the oil, use air tool oil. Which, by the way, is a great after run lube. As mentioned, it's great for air tools ONLY.

If you do want to use air tools, and not have different hoses, just throw a few drops in the air tool (where the air goes in) before each use. Been doing that for years in the south with no ill effects on the tools, and more importantly, on the hoses I use to spray paint things!

The little filter really doesn't do any good. A dessicant type filter will work with far less work. There's tons on info in the archives on this.

the first link is the one I just bought. The second link is the one that I'm thinking I should get to replace the first on. What do you think?? Like I said I'm mainly going to use it for spraying paint.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=42035
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=1118

Hi,

I bought 4 of them recently! Had problems with one getting a good seal on the big old filter cap, but fixed without much problems (seal was slightly out of place). It's a good value. Physically it's pretty big, like 5" dia and a foot or so tall, may not be easy to mount right on a compressor. Other than the one problem (which I'm sure they would have exchanged no problem if I couldn't fix it), I like'em alot.

By the way, the further from the compressor you can get the filter/separator, the better. Consider putting a quick connect fitting on both the in and out, then put it at the end of your standard 50' hose, then use a shorter hose for spraying. Make a little box to put it in and set it close to where you are spraying.

Another idea is to put a T in the output from the compressor, use one side with the Filter/reg/lube assy for air tools, use the other side for painting with a dryer installed.