Replies

1. 
   wghulley | Jun 18, 2006 08:09pm | #1

   The 5 HP rating does not provide the information necessary for choosing a HVLP system. I have a shop vacuum that has a 5 HP motor and a dust collector that also has a 5 HP motor, however the simularity stops with the number 5. The shop vacuum has a peak HP rating and draws 11 amps at 110 volts. The dust collector has a continuous duty motor drawing 34 amps on 220 volts.
   If your compressor a peak HP motor on a 110 volts, I doubt if you can operate any HVLP gun properly. If it is true 5 HP on 220 volts you can probably use any gun you wish.

   Garth

1. 
   Bonka | Jun 18, 2006 11:16pm | #2

   Thanks for your reply.  I do not know if it is a true 5hp but is 220v.

1. 
   TKanzler | Jun 19, 2006 06:35pm | #3

   Assuming it has a separate motor driving the compressor with a v-belt(s), read the HP rating on the motor nameplate.  If it says "SPL" or "special" in the HP box, then it's not 5 hp.  If it says "5" in the HP box, then it is. 

   As a very crude estimate, figure 4 cfm for each HP (real motor HP).  This is crude because it depends on lots of design and construction variables, but it will get you in the ballpark at least. 

   If the real motor hp is unknown, then you can make another guestimate of HP = (V x A x .65)/746 for a small motor with no run capacitor (just a start capacitor), and HP = (V x A x .8)/746 for a small motor with a run capacitor (usually has two capacitor humps on the motor).  This too is crude, but it'll get you in the ballpark.

   Ballpark guestimates for both motor HP and air delivery per HP is going to give you pretty iffy air delivery values, but it's better than nothing.  It's like trying to determine quarter mile performance from fuel economy.

   Be seeing you...

   Edited 6/19/2006 2:46 pm ET by TKanzler

1. 
   Bonka | Jun 22, 2006 11:58pm | #4

   I says 5hp on the plate.  It is 230v 15 amp and has two "ears" on the motor. By using your formula it is just under 5hp.  It also says it is rated at 120psi.

   So now I have a little HVLP gun with a 1mm in it. It is gravity feed.  It is most likely considered a touch up gun.  How do I find out what size valves or what ever the term is, to use with what product?  I do not, at this time plan on anything large but will one day work up.  I will probably be using lacquer and shellac mostly.

   Thank you

   Bonka