Replies

1. 
   InMyOpinion | Feb 13, 2007 12:08am | #1

   Your desires are understandable, but may be teetering on unrealistic--particularly regarding the spray gun. Consider a Makita compressor. Some run at a low speed, are relatively quiet, and are oil machines. There are a number of trade-offs when choosing a compressor. In this example, the Makita motor is not designed to run for long intervals.

   There are several challenges to spraying even under the best of circumstances. "Spraying" and "small compressor" do not meld for outstanding results. You might (seriously) consider an aerosol can for some applications. These days, some are excellent.

1. 
   Mettius | Feb 13, 2007 12:38am | #2

   > Your desires are understandable, but may be teetering on
   > unrealistic--particularly regarding the spray gun.The things that matter most to me are:
   Space (as in taking up not so much) and,
   Noise (as in quieter is better).I was thinking a smaller tank would be a good thing since I don't do much spraying and the thing wouldn't waste all it's time filling to full if I'm only going to use the nailers (a more common occurrence). But if spraying effectively dictates a larger tank, then I guess that is what I would need.I was looking at these two: Any thoughts?
   http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=236704-48540-K7045V&lpage=none
   <a href='http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS/EN_US/diy_main/pg_diy.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0004047970.1171316209@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccejaddkefkfhidcgelceffdfgidgio.0&CNTTYPE=PROD_META&CNTKEY=misc/searchResults.jsp&MID=9876&N=2984+3966&pos=n24' http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS/EN_US/diy_main/pg_diy.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0004047970.1171316209@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccejaddkefkfhidcgelceffdfgidgio.0&CNTTYPE=PROD_META&CNTKEY=misc/searchResults.jsp&MID=9876&N=2984+3966&pos=n24target='_blank'>http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS/EN_US/diy_main/pg_diy.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0004047970.1171316209@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccejaddkefkfhidcgelceffdfgidgio.0&CNTTYPE=PROD_META&CNTKEY=misc/searchResults.jsp&MID=9876&N=2984+3966&pos=n24</a>-Mettius

1. 
   InMyOpinion | Feb 13, 2007 02:25am | #7

   If you're painting a cabinet door with low viscosity material, for example, the Makita will do well. So we need to quantitate what a "little" spraying is. If nailing, you can bring the Makita hot dog into the home and do trim work, no problem.First impressions of the Kobalt Lowe item are good. The little bit of description and reviews are good. I've had poor luck trying to educate myself about Kobalt. If I were closer to a Lowes, I'd go look (and see what brand names may be stamped into the metal, among other things). I like the warranty.I own the Husky. It is a Campbell Hausfeld, by the way. The portability of tires is important to me. We are talking a lot of cast iron here. Although the Husky is fine, today, I might buy the Kobalt.The time to fill the tank is immaterial. Belt or no belt these machines are noisy; I wear ear protection in a small shop. I'd suggest a 3/8" hose. Drain the tank every day you use it. The Husky maxes out at 135psi and kicks in at about 120psi. Be careful to reduce pressure to not exceed your tool specs.I would all but ignore any tech information provided by HDepot. Some of its salespeople (not that HDepot has a monopoly on employee shortcomings) speak with confidence regardless of the veracity of their "knowledge." A minor case in point: the Husky needs 12oz. of oil . . . not the 16oz. in the Husky bottle that the salesperson tosses you saying "use this." The motor is not among those listed in the documentation. If you Google for it, you'll find it's associated with a much smaller compressor.Best wishes. (These compressors will support an impact wrench, if you're into that.)
   jc

2. 
   nikkiwood | Feb 13, 2007 01:23am | #3

   Have you considered a self-contained HVLP gun? It is small, portable, and you don't need a compressor.

   ********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

1. 
   Mettius | Feb 13, 2007 01:30am | #4

   > Have you considered a self-contained HVLP gun? It is small, portable,
   > and you don't need a compressor.I have, but since they are about the same price as a compressor (and I have a need for a compressor as well) I figured the compressor would be a better bet. Some of the articles on FWW indicated that the Turbine driven units tend to dry the finish and cause clogging issues at the tip.-Mettius

1. 
   nikkiwood | Feb 13, 2007 01:39am | #5

   <<< Some of the articles on FWW indicated that the Turbine driven units tend to dry the finish and cause clogging issues at the tip>>>Balderdash --- that just goes to show you can't believe everything you read.********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

3. 
   Mettius | Feb 13, 2007 01:39am | #6

   Home depot compressor link didn't work:

   It is a
   HUSKY
   2.0 Running Hp 26 Gal Vertical Compressor
   Model VT6315

   -Mettius

4. 
   mapleman | Feb 13, 2007 06:34am | #8

   Mettius,

   I'm no expert, but I have been doing quite a bit of research lately, as I am planning to upgrade my compressor and spray gun.

   I don't want to sound insulting, but HVLP stands for High Volume Low Pressure. You can't get a High Volume of air out of a small compressor, even if it runs all of the time (continuously).  8.7cfm @40 psi is not going to be produced by a "small" air compressor. I have a husky belt drive 5hp 26 gallon compressor, which I am under the impression is much larger than you are looking for, and it only produces 5.5 cfm @ 90 psi and 6.3 @ 40 psi. Not anywhere near what you would need to drive an hvlp gun in the range you are looking at. Ther are  new types of guns out which are "RP" (reduced pressure) guns, which use a reduced amt of cfms and use a reduced amount of material much in the way an HVLP gun does.

   I have looked at husky and kobalt compressors, and to get the cfms you are looking for, you would have to get a 220 volt compressor with a 60 gallon tank (or larger). That would actually put you in the 10.5-12 cfm range. Husky used to make a belt-driven upright with a 30 gallon tank. That may  get you the cfms you require, but I haven't seen it offered at HD in quite some time (I think Lowe's has a kobalt in that size - but I think it's 220 volt)

   Good luck

   Lee

1. 
   InMyOpinion | Feb 13, 2007 06:39am | #9

   Mettius,Don't overlook what is being said about newer guns. I respect the previous response, but I stick to my gun (sorry about the gun pun). jc

1. 
   Mettius | Feb 13, 2007 07:54am | #10

   Thanks for the feedback.I don't have 220v in my garage, and I like the idea of being able to move the compressor easily (i.e. wheels). Guess I'll swing by Lowes and HD see how much room those compressors will take up.As to the makita compressor which one were you referring to?-Mettius

1. 
   InMyOpinion | Feb 13, 2007 08:04am | #11

   MAC700I've used it to spray with Wagner and Apollo HVLP guns . . . but for short intervals (for all the reasons discussed). I buy all my Makita tools from Amazon.com.Cheers. jc