Which compressor should I buy?

[00Psst]

I'm about to embark on my first non-rattle can paint projects. I'm going to be painting my old Toro ride on mower first to get some practice first and then I'll be painting some small auto body parts like rear spoilers and parts about that size.

I want to pick up an HVLP gun as I'll be painting things from time to time - my own parts as well as parts for friends. It won't be anything consistent, and all parts would be small - no whole cars for sure and probably nothing larger than bolt on types of accessories.

I'm really looking to find out what size compressor I'll need for this type of project work - I was figuring on a budget of a couple hundred bucks for the compressor. If anyone has a good suggestion for a budget sprayer that would be helpful too.

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[dink]

I think this thread will really help you out

http://www.garagejunkies.net/showthread.php?t=367

 

[00Psst]

^^^ Thats funny. I posted in there because I couldn't really find what I wanted in that thread and someone suggested I start my own thread instead.

I'm really looking for info for a smaller compressor than I'd need to paint a whole car. The parts I'll be painting will be small, and easily handled and won't require anything near what it would take to paint decklids, hoods, never mind a whole car. I'm really talking about painting much smaller items - things like rub strips, winglets, spoilers, and plastic engine covers. I've done all with the rattle can method (VW provides color matched rattle cans with clear coat cans in a kit) and I want to step up a notch from that.

 

[rdnkjeeper]

The only recommondation is that you get a belt drive, they last a lot longer and are a lot quieter.....sorry for the spelling.

 

[l_bilyk]

You need something fairly powerful to put out enough air to run a spray gun. Have you considered conventional sprayers instead of HVLP? They tend to use less air. The HVLP guns have a higher transfer efficiency but it's only 10-20% better. IMO it's better to waste some materials rather than have a poor finish because the compressor cannot suppor the spray gun.

 

[kartracer55]

What is you exact budget? a few hundred could mean 200 or 800... Does it need to be portable? keep in mind, with a larger compressor, you will be able to run air tools for workin on that VW of yours. Also, for painting, you will need a standard filter, but also a descicant (spelling?) filter to take care of moisture. What are your space "issues" that you mentioned. Also, remember you will ALWAYS grow into your compressor.

Jim

 

[00Psst]

Hadn't thought about a conventional sprayer - I don't know much about it obviously. I would go that route if it makes more sense.

Budget for the compressor and sprayer is around $400 or less.

Space issues are that I'll be painting in my already pretty full garage so I'd like to have something that won't take up a ton of room but still be big enough to do what I want it to do. If it can run some air tools as well that's a plus as I do mechanical work on my car as well as on friends. I just haven't ever done any real painting.

I really do appreciate the help guys. Thanks.

 

[kartracer55]

Well thats not much to work with if you want a paint gun as well. A good lower end paint gun is gunna be no less than 100, and your looking at 100 for a reg. filter and a descicant filter, so thats 200 for the compressor.

Most guns require around 15cfm@20-40 psi, so your looking at a compressor that puts out around 10@90 in order to get decent results.

Unless you can find a big compressor used (Yes, you can get some great deals) 200 wont really be enough. You can get compressors for 200, but they will be cheap, noisy, and have a short life and youll be kicking yourself in the *** for wasting $$$ on it.

Jim