Powder Coating and Woodworking Machine Restoration

[Model A Fan]

I'm wondering if there are members who have used powder coating as a way to restore their machines (bandsaws, drill presses, etc). I have a large sandblasting cabinet and will use an old kitchen oven for the powder coat baking process. I have an old 14" Milwaukee bandsaw and an old Delta drill press that need to be restored. Powder coating seems to be an effective method of finishing the metal parts due to the hard surface the powder coat produces as well as being a consistent and even surface.

It seems everyone just uses spray paint on their projects, so I'm wondering if anyone does powder coating for theirs. There are SO MANY colors available and different finishes. The hammered finish that used to be available in spray paint is no longer available but it is available in powder coat, so it seems this might open up a whole new set of color and texture options.

Here's a website for examples of colors available.

Powder by the Pound

 

[loganb]

I've never done powder coating but I think the problem with the type of parts you're describing is that the size and thermal mass of the parts attempting to coat may be challenging to get into an oven/get to temp.

 

[senlow]

I've never done powder coating but I think the problem with the type of parts you're describing is that the size and thermal mass of the parts attempting to coat may be challenging to get into an oven/get to temp.

!000 points to loganb!!! Many professional powder coaters have not figured this out. Cure time is a function of how long the part is at cure temp, not so much oven temperature. A home kitchen oven will get massive parts up to temperature, but it may be a bit slow.

With the price of quality paint, powder is a good option. Keep in mind that just like liquid paint, prep is key.

To answer the OP's question, I'm an ex-powder coating professional that is still stuck in the dark ages, using liquid paint.

 

[slowtwitch73]

Blondihacks has a couple vids on doing PC (model train build) with some good insights.

You can def get bad finish with PC... and then it's a real pita to start over.

My Delta drill press was powdercoated when I restored it.. but I had a pro shop do it.

 

[Model A Fan]

Thanks for the info guys, I would practice first on some scrap metal and once I've developed a little technique, attempt the larger pieces. I don't mind if it is slower as I've had these machines for several years and they don't even get used weekly. I mostly acquired them to do a restoration on them for some attractive shop eye candy and use whenever I'm actually woodworking (not nearly enough sadly).

 

[ichabod]

I have powder coated a old drill press, turned out nice. I have powder coated a half dozen old fire hydrants including the one in my avatar photo.