lets talk air compressors

[EJ253]

so im considering buying an air compressor

im wondering if 20/25 gallons and 3.5/4 HP would be enough to paint a car and use air tools with.

im considering getting one from harbor freight
theres two that are both $250

one is 20 gal 4HP oilfree
the other is 25gal 3.5HP oilled

which one do i want?



k thanks
Greg

[Anto]

check the CFM rating on them. HVLP guns need high CFM to work.

[HyperTek]

i think i read previously that no its not ideal, but you could do it. It will run out of breath. My friend paints with 18-19 gal i think lol

[silpena]

1st off go with the oil one and a get heavy duty industry motor so you dont burn them out. Autobody tools put alot of stress on compressor( even guns). Electric ones day 4-5 hp but really its only like 1.2 hp(since its direct drive and kw to horsepower is gay low)

2nd check the gun and its cfm requirements at so and so psi.

3rd make it at least 40-60 gallons. The more the better and decided how big the car is and about how many coats you will be putting down. Ending a certain spot where u cannot break a dry edge will ruin ur paint job.

4th pratice..practice..pratactice on your painting technique if your gonna buy a smaller compressor that night die or need excessive refill.

Some other things to consider the power system..110volt( not usally great) 220volt or 320 volt and so one. 220 volt is your best choice but the best choice would be a gas one. The motors are stout and strong. No need to worry about wiring, killing your self with a shock, burning out ur houses ciurcuts, probably cheaper to run in the long run. Most 4-5 hp put about 11-13 cfm at 30psi where hvlp's run at.

Most high efficany hvlp guns run at hella high psi. THey put out better results, consistant paint jobs and are more production painting where u have to get cars in an out. GUns that run at lower psi generally will have less efficancy. Waste more material. Create more orange peel but the benifits are they spray slower so beginer wonts create runs more. Oh but u will get more dry spots if u really suck. I rather have a run than a dry spot on my car. U can just nib them out, cut n buff. Dry spots u have to wet sand the whole panel and tape the whole car off again and just break off the section to be painted.

hope that helps! remember bigger is better when it comes to autobody and compressors lol.

Bit up craigslist for better deals on bigger compressors or fleamarkets. Make sure to have them start it up and build up pressure tp see if it holds up and doesnt leak. You can also take your gun too.Hook it up and depress the trigger and hold it to see how long it takes for the compressor to kick in. 1 min should be bare minimun for a 240 to be painted.

[EJ253]

thanks for all the info guys!
ill be some more research

[midnight zenki]

Don't go with the oil one, the oil particles make thier way into the air supply and lines contaminating the paint. You also need to look at recovery rates and cfm ratings (highest is best).

[az_240]

^use a good air filter and this should not be a problem.

I use a 60gal compressor that pushes 11cfm @ 90psi and it works great with my HVLP gun even though the gun says it needs 13cfm.

[lukem80]

Don't go with the oil one, the oil particles make thier way into the air supply and lines contaminating the paint. You also need to look at recovery rates and cfm ratings (highest is best).

oil ones last way longer and are way quieter....

i used a 20 gal $300 one from Sears to paint my car..

had to take a break after painting each side with an HVLP gun.. to let it fill up

no big deal really

[silpena]

exactly they last longer and are quieter. Just check the oil. Btw with any compressor i would get a very good filtration system for water/oil.