Any guns that will work with 6 CFM?

c3_guy · 09-27-2009, 08:58 PM

I have painted one car, 25 years ago and I am trying to establish a budget to repaint my vette. I can afford the paint and supplies but if I need to buy a new compressor I will have to wait. Have a son in college.

I have an old craftsman gun that doesn't work all that well. I also have a 5hp (peak) compressor that puts out 6.6 CFM @ 40 psi.

I saw that Eastwood has an HVLP gun that was designed to work at 4 CFM. Has any one used it? If so is it any good or are there any other guns that will work with my compressor?

thanks

markids77 · 09-27-2009, 11:01 PM

Unless you intend to do all sanding, grinding, flat filing and such by hand, you'll never get to use that spray gun with the compressor you have now, it is way too small to run any air tools for more than a few minutes at a time... sand one, wait 3 sucks; I have been there. Not good to have to wait for air in the middle of a coat of paint either. Or suffer the ravages of wet air from an overworked, overheated pump. Perhaps you can borrow or rent a suitably sized compressor for your project? Enlist your brother in law's tools/ assistance? Enroll in a body shop course at a local Community college and do your car there?

c3_guy · 10-04-2009, 10:46 AM

I have located a used compressor that can be had for $250. It's a 3.2 HP, 60 gal with a 11.5/10.2 CFM @ 40/90 psi. It's still a little smaller than I wanted but do you think it will be adequate for painting and body work? Or should I keep looking for a bigger one?

thanks

porchdog · 10-04-2009, 12:07 PM

you need a 5 hp at least. i painted with a 3 horse for years but was doing lacquer and mostly bikes. you wont run many tools with it.

markids77 · 10-04-2009, 12:24 PM

Closer to adequate, but Porchdog is correct. If you do upgrade try not to settle for just OK; only a bit more $ and no cursing later while you wait for air. Size the unit for the largest job you think it will do... sandblasting a frame comes to mind; that takes a lot of air.

porchdog · 10-04-2009, 01:37 PM

the best place to buy is from a rebuilder. my 10hp was bought rebuilt in 1983. 10 years ago i had the pump redone by the same guy while building my shop. beware the so called 6 hp junk . most are 3 hp with dual capacitors ( starters ) . the hp rating will say spl .

c3_guy · 10-13-2009, 10:32 PM

I am going to look at and hopefully pick up a used 5 hp, 80 gallon, 2 stage compressor tomorrow. Anything I should look for or check out before I hand over the cash?

c3_guy · 10-22-2009, 02:31 AM

I got a compressor. It is a 2 stage, 80 gal with a cfm of 18. It is hooked up and running. Thanks for the help.

markids77 · 10-23-2009, 04:59 PM

Great! Now for the fun stuff. Have a good time and let us know how it comes out!

c3_guy · 10-23-2009, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markids77

Great! Now for the fun stuff. Have a good time and let us know how it comes out!

I'm sure I will have many questions before I actually spray any paint.