Hi there,
I’m looking at getting set up for spray finishing. I make one off pieces so the most I would be spraying at once would be a table or single cabinet. I’ve tried to find info on minimum compressor sizes for spraying but have come up with nothing. I’d likely be using an HVLP gun but really know nothing about them or any spray gear for that matter.
I’m a carpenter so would like to use the compressor at job sites also and to keep the cost down have it be as small as possible. I was looking at the Makita Mac5200. It’s on their website here: http://www.makita.ca/index2.php?event=tool&id=247&catid=4
specs are:
Motor: 3 HP
Tank: 5.2 gal
Performance: 6.5 CFM at 90 psi
Max pressure: 140 psi.
Would this work for me?
Thanks all for your assistance.
Rob
Replies
I don't think so.
Most HVLP guns require anywhere from 7.5 to 15 cfm to work properly and you need to have a pressure of 10 psi at the nozzle. I think the Makita would not provide enough cfms as well as pressure if you plan to use it with a thin hose. I might be wrong so I hope someone else with more experience answers.
There are a lot of HVLP guns available and they can have different requirements. Many compressors can meet the CFM needs but its the volume of air that is important, you need a lot of it. Small tanks aren't going to cut it with most guns.
I do both carpentry and furniture making. I need a compressor that won't blow the fuse out on job sites, can run two framing guns and also run my Devilbiss HVLP. Because of these factors, I compromised and bought a compressor that isn't perfect for every use but gets the job done reasonably.
I've had my Speedaire for 15 yrs. It stays in the back of the truck on jobsites and my hose is on a Rapid reel (love it). Extremely quiet and doesn't run and rattle every 2 minutes like pancake and other small/inexpensive compressors. I have to let the air out of the tank when I'm on site with unknown electrical recepticles and the temperature is 0 or below. The 20 gal tank empties pretty fast with my older HVLP gun. On larger cabinets, I'm waiting for it to catch up. An auxillary air tank might help but I'm willing to compromise since it meets my needs so well. A good oil type compressor should last a lifetime.
Someday I may replace the Devilbiss with a Sata RP gun but my old gun sprays everything from automotive coatings to latex paints. HVLP is not the way to spray large objects like doors or walls, unless you have a lot of time to waste.
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/1NNF6?Pid=search
You need to do some research
That compressor seems too small. I'd suggest that you are going about this a bit backwards. First choose an appropriate spray gun that will serve your needs. Homestead finishing sells a good selection of spray equipment that is geared to woodworkers. Once a gun is chosen, you can acquire a compressor to match. Alternatively, you may decide to use a turbine powered system thus negating the need for a compressor entirely.
The determining factor is the specs on your gun. The issue is volume of air not necessarily the pressure.
check out spraygunworld.com they will have all the answers you need about guns,compressors,c.f.m etc.
It looks like a good compressor but the tank is small. It might run almost continuously with a conventional spray gun. It depends a how big an area your spraying and what gun you are using, as to weather or not it could keep up. I think you would be OK with a HVLP gun, but if your going to do doors its marginal even with a Sata RP. Look for a bigger tank or efficient gun.
No expert but you can always purchase some auxiliary tank to hold reserve air to keep up with most jobs!
Thanks everyone for your thoughtful comments. Very helpful indeed.
Rob
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