Thinking about getting into powder coating (Check List).

[BLKonBLK98]

I'm in the planning stages of putting together a small PC setup. My initial focus will be smaller automotive parts (calipers, valve covers, suspension parts, etc.). I understand it is probable that I will outgrow my purchases, but I am looking for a small initial investment (~$1k).

Gun - I am considering everything entry level from Harbor Freight, Eastwood, and Caswell. I am leaning towards the EW dual voltage gun mainly because I like the idea of the container being under the gun. Is this really an issue? What's the gun of choice in the couple hundred dollar range?

Compressor - I already have this, just need to add a regulator and water trap (which I should have done a long time ago).

Curing - Mainly looking at the HF 110v oven but would like to know more about curing using lamps vs. ovens since they fall in the same price range but seem more useful. I have a feeling they don't preform as well though for some reason.

Prep - Looking at a small Bad Boy Blaster. I know this is going to come up short but blasters are expensive. It should be enough to get me started though.

Area - I plan on spraying in an open area (indoors, no booth) and was thinking of using some wire shelves i have to hang/set parts on. This is one of the reasons I'm interested in curing lamps. If I could spray on the shelving and then put the curing lamps in place that would be nice (but not at the expense of the finish).

Let me know what you think and thanks in advance.

[DaGunster]

I'm starting off also. Like you, I went with the EW Dual Voltage, got it on ebay for a good price..

On the compressor, I'm using a dessicant dryer from Harbor Freight that cost $40 - plus plumbing.

I have a Harbor Freight only 3miles from me. Very handy

CURING
The HF oven is a bit small - I've seen it. I bought a small toaster/convection oven on ebay for only $20. It won't hold much but I can get a brake caliper in it. It runs on 120, 'cause 220 is out for me.

I'm probably going to be buying the Infratech SRU-1615 curing lamp, I have larger items I need to cure. Probably doing that buy today. Found it on Amazon at a good price.

I'm seriously looking into kerosene radiant heaters. Since I don't know if this will work, I'm going to get going with the convection oven/curing lamp combo first, then buy this.

I've put a post here about radiant heaters, but no answers. I'm filling in most of the blanks myself.

BOOTH
I don't have a garage. I've got a huge patio and a covered carport. The house sits on almost a full acre. But the wife has nixed any painting and powder coating there ( I gagged her out when I painted the wheels on my motorhome).

I don't get freezing weather here, but I do get a stiff breeze - So. Cal ... but out east a bit.

So .... I'm building a booth and an area for me to shoot paint, powder coat and let things cure. I went online and found some plans for a PVC framed greenhouse. I'm adapting the plans and using a mesh tarp from HF. It's going up against the fence and I'm sinking two posts to frame it better. It won't be air-tight, but will cut down on the breeze I get through here. It's big enough to get a large car in. I'll have it done by Saturday.

I have -5- months to figure out how I'm going to paint and cure in inclement weather.

I'm pouring concrete into little molds and making bricks for the flooring so I don't slop in mud and kick up dust. This is work, and will take another 3 or so weekends to finish out.

The curing lamp will double-duty to cure paint - gotta paint the wifes car. Some of the neighbors are lining up asking me to paint their cars also.

Good Luck!

[BLKonBLK98]

sounds like a plan. i have a shop so i'll probably just set aside a corner. i think i am going to try the curing lamp as well (SRU-3215) despite the poor reviews. my idea is to use the wire shelving to hang/place the parts, then i will cover the rear and sides with (97%) reflective cloth used for indoor growing. hopefully this will aid in getting an even cure but i will also be hanging from a rotating hook so i can face the part. it should also contain the mess a little better.

as you mentioned, if the lamp doesn't work for pc it has other uses.

good luck to you as well.