Air Compressor Hardware Suggestions

[Ferrino]

I finally took the plunge and bought a decent 220v air compressor (60-gallon tank unit by Kobalt from Lowe's: 11.5 CFM at 90 psi) for my restoration work. Once I have it wired up to a 20-amp breaker and mounted to the floor, I need to purchase all the hardware that goes after the outlet port from the tank (no regulator/shutoff valve/filter is included). What is your setup, please? I am looking to do some HVLP painting with this, so I'd like a setup that can cope with moisture (or as much as we have here in SoCal). I'd like to hook up one of those 50' retractable reels too - is 3/8" hose fine? Thanks!

[911pcars]

Yes to the following:

If compressor noise is important, consider an insulated space and/or other location. Add rigid air lines to work/spray area.
Air line water filter
Multiple outlet manifold and quick-disconnects before or after the filter outlet (your preference)
Add'l air pressure reg. and filter at your spray gun inlet for more accurate spray pressure
Improve access to tank moisture drain (factory drain is sometimes inaccessible)
Larger hose for less pressure drop if using long hose
3/8" hose should be fine.
A hose reel makes for convenient recoiling 50' feet of hose
Don't cheap out the spray gun

Sherwood

[Ferrino]

Thanks. I was proposing to buy this retractable 50' 3/8" hose reel. Can you recommend specific parts for a 3/8" regulator and filter, please? I see a lot of people have a filter right after the regulator, then the main air hose and then another in-line air filter right before the tool (media-blaster or HVLP gun) - is that the way to go?

[heimtun]

You'll need to cool the air after it is compressed before it gets to the inline water filter. Distance makes this easier - metal pipe helps disapate the heat.
FWIW - my compressor is in my basement (often more humid that garage - not today though) and the pipe runs about 40 feet before it gets to the inline water filter.
Wayne

[911pcars]

Originally Posted by Ferrino

Thanks. I was proposing to buy this retractable 50' 3/8" hose reel. Can you recommend specific parts for a 3/8" regulator and filter, please? I see a lot of people have a filter right after the regulator, then the main air hose and then another in-line air filter right before the tool (media-blaster or HVLP gun) - is that the way to go?

A possible issue with inexpensive self-retracting anything units is how long will the mechanism last? For weekend/occasional use, should be fine. There are also manual hose reels.

Are you looking for specific brand names for reg. and filter or just the pipe details? The placement of the filter depends on whether you need filtered air for all of your compressed air needs.

For more consistent painting tips, I'd go direct to websites that deal exclusively with spray painting or try reviewing an assortment of YouTube videos that have a pro or serious slant on information.

[HawgRyder]

Look into the idea of an automatic moisture/water dump valve (like the ones used on semi trucks)...it makes remembering to drain water a lot easier.
Bob

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by 911pcars

A possible issue with inexpensive self-retracting anything units is how long will the mechanism last? For weekend/occasional use, should be fine. There are also manual hose reels.

For more consistent painting tips, I'd go direct to websites that deal exclusively with spray painting or try reviewing an assortment of YouTube videos that have a pro or serious slant on information.

The more expensive Harbor Freight reel is pretty robust. It does not have a swivel though and you have to line yourself up with the reel when it retracts. Mind you, I bought mine a while ago but no issues. Meaning they may have a swivel one now. Plus it is equipped to take pretty big hoses.

Regarding painting tips, +1 on your thinking 911pcar - the forum here is pretty good. Porsche962 is awesome and will answer your questions directly. I do think a couple of hours on a dedicated topic site will pay massive dividends.

I do remember him (Porsche962) saying that special hose is required for HVLP painting. I don't understand it but I do remember it, and he says stuff for a reason. Good basis for metal pipe with multi outlets.

Regarding spray gun $$$ - Yes on pinching when you spring for the HVLP big boy. I like the little finger trigger siphon feed unit from Lowe's for little jobs - which includes spraying leather seats with dye. Very adequate.

FWIW:

1. Once you get a high quality gun set up right, you will feel like Batman.
2. Spend more time cleaning your gun than you do spraying your gun.

[Shuie]

I think I have the same compressor. I bought a flexible steel braided line on ebay for the compressor outlet to rigid pre-cut 1/2" black iron pipe runs. All of the pipe, Ts, unions, valves, couplers and fittings were purchased from lowes. The support clamps for the pipe are 3/4" EMT supports screwed to 2x4s. About a year later I moved the compressor over to the other side of the garage and had to splice back into the run of iron pipe on that side. I have 2 drops w/drains in the corners now. I also bought a 3/8" drain kit for the tank from ebay. pics below from the messy 2 car family garage.

[Ferrino]

Originally Posted by 911pcars

Are you looking for specific brand names for reg. and filter or just the pipe details? The placement of the filter depends on whether you need filtered air for all of your compressed air needs.

Specific brand names/part numbers, if possible. I guess I would want filtered air for media blasting and painting only.