air compressor (i need help)

pedro_paydro

pedro_paydro

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so i simply need some guide lines and opinions to choose the right air compressor for me. heres what im doing and the tool i will be using. its almost time for xmas and this is the only thing on my wish list.

-spray painting; car parts (but not like a whole car^^) and yes portable is a must

-powermate gravity feed spray gun (very cheap since im starting) 18 bucks couldnt pass up. CFM 4-7

any feed back is appreciated.:dblthumb2:
 
hey dave thanks for the post. heres the prob, i need it to fit in the trunk of my celica^^ would i be able to go with something like a 7 gallon? and if so any details u know i should look for when choosing one? things like HP, single stage, etc...
 
Honestly, I burned up every compressor I used smaller than that one for painting.

Smaller compressors were more suited for airbrushing.

Maybe another member has had better results painting with a smaller compressor. I haven't!!!
 
ouch, thats hard to hear. thank though, hopefully someone else will post here too.
 
Find a compressor that produces the CFM's you need for your paint gun and what ever else you will be using.
 
I may be able to help. I've done paint touch-up and repair for years and the smaller gallon compressor I used was a 1 gallon Campbell Hausfeld, but you would drain it if you were doing more than a small bumper blend. I sill use a single cylinder 2hp 33 gallon chraftsman which is good if you have the space. You need to make sue that the compressor will run if your plugged into an extension cord. I have a honda generator I use because of the voltage drop you get using extension cords. If you want to do paint work you need to buy a mini van or a truck, your celica will never hold all the supplies you must have to make good money at paint touch up. If you have any other questions feel free to ask I'll try to pass all of the tips and tricks I have to offer.
 
man thank you so much for the feed back jwell & DCD. but DCD im only 17 and doing it as a hobby and for some extra cash. im mainly using to spray headlights (restoration). ive tried a 3 gallon but not enough air. do you have any idea on something i could start with? thanks buddy
 
Craftsman has a 7gallon for a $169.00 or your local auto paint supply store will have spray cans of clear. What PSI are you spraying the clear and is your gun a HVLP.
 
the paint application says to spray at 8-10 psi on the cap, and assuming hvlp is the same as gravity feed yes my gun is gravity feed. it also need between 4-7 cfm which i dont understand noodles about.
 
Does your gun have a regulator at the bottom of the handle and are you shooting a standard automotive clear, hardner and reducer mix?
 
i have a filter and a regulator for it and all the little bell and whistles. my mix is a 4:1 no reducer unless i want to add some for a better flow. ppg shopline clear. all i need is a compressor that wont run out of air in the middle of doing these small jobs. also if u can answer, since the paint says to be sprayed at 10 psi does that mean im actually only using 10 psi of air? ive read before that ppl shoot clear around the upper 20's and mid 30's. idk maybe u can explain that:/
 
Paint at 22 psi and clear at mid to high 30's. Good Luck and cover everything up with paper or all your profit will go into clay.
 
thanks for the psi advice. so what does it mean when the paint application says (8-10 psi)? also what size compressor will work for me to start off with?
 
The 8-10psi is at the cap/nozzle. The air is dispersed at the spray nozzle in a way that lowers the overall pressure, but not flow (due to the amount of holes). You want to try to have 32-38psi at the gun/regulator throughout the painting process.

I had a small 2hp, 6 gallon porter cable that wasn't really good for much painting. You will need a larger tank, with a cheap compressor, or a better compressor if you want a smaller tank. Dewalt makes some descent compressors, check craigslist for them. I traded my small one for a large 30 gallon, 4hp straight up. Deals are out there, just gotta wait for the right one if you can.

As mentioned, be sure to mask the entire vehicle and any surrounding vehicles. If you don't think it will get all over, think again. I have seen paint float 50 feet or more and still be wet. Be sure to use the quickest drying clear you can, and be safe using an approved respirator and gloves at least. Hope this helps, and good luck.
 
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It seems that both should work on the smaller jobs you are doing. The Husky has a 2 year warranty vs. the Dewalt 1 year warranty. The Husky had more reviews overall, and seemed mostly positive. I have owned and do still own Dewalt tools, and they have always been great. It's pretty much up to you at this point.
 
thanks ken, amazing feedback. i will be looking at those two but husky has a lead since its cheaper and bigger in air capacity.
 
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