Quote:
Originally Posted by HarryD
Thanks for the thoughts.
I am looking for an inexpensive solution (i.e Harbor Freight) to repaint parts of my vehicle. If I want to go with a spearate gun etc set up, what should I consider that will let me use my 2 hp, 3 gallon conventional compressor? It is rated at 5.8 cfm at 40 psi and 2.9 cfm at 90 psi.
I am not married to a HVLP system, just something that will work for panel repairs.
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Harry,
I'm no expert or professional but your compressor is to small for all but an HVLP touch up gun and even then it is iffy. HVLP stand for HIGH VOLUME low pressure. Your compressor can not keep up with the volume of air an HVLP gun needs to operate. In addition to not being able to produce the volume of air the compressor is creating a lot of moisture in the tank which goes through the air lines. Moisture and paint don't mix and moisture and air tools in general aint so good either.
You may want to search Craigs list in your area. You can probably find a decent size compressor and a good HVLP gun used.
That being said I did buy the Harbour Freight HVLP gun combo a few years back. I have used them to paint cabinets, a few small boats, a lawn tractor, my front struts, suspension and SEM rust shield the undercarriage of my 911. My compressor is 6HP 30Gal. @ 8.6SCFM. The HF guns use 9SCFM. As you can see I am right on the edge of the compressors capacity. I use two oil/water seperators in my line with the guns and one for my air tools, I need to stop every so often to let the compressor catch up. If you are painting a mirror your compressor and and the HV touch up gun will work. If you are painting a 911 door your compressor and the large HVLP gun are going to be iffy. At the least you will be stopping and waiting for the compressor to catch up every pass or two. You will never be able to paint a 911 bhood.
I was able to find a SATA and BRINKS HVLP guns on Craigs list and paid less for both than either would have cost new.
When I am ready to paint the important parts of my car I will move the car to a friends garage that has a compressor that can handle the amount of volume needed to operate the guns properly.
Good luck.
Don