some air compressor questions

[tjespo22]

for a powder coat gun,whats a decent size air tank? i have a 25 gallon with like a 4 hp motor, its a craftsman but VERY old and would like to get a new one. i would be using it for other air tools also.. what size hose do i need? not in length, in thickness or diameter.. and what is a good filter to get moisture out. what is a good website to purchase all of this stuff? thanks

[FigureLLC]

that compressor will be sufficient for powder coating (it's not really 4hp, by the way... a little creative marketing from craftsman that got them sued). that compressor won't be enough for sand blasting, if you plan to do any of that. i'd recommend 3/8" ID hose. the inline dessicant filters that come with the caswell guns are sufficient for starting. they screw into the air fitting at the gun handle, and the hose screws into the filter. drain your compressor tank every time before you shoot.

if you're looking for air equipment, i like to use mcmaster-carr. you'll pay more, but you get high-quality stuff and you don't have to guess about what you're getting bc they post all the specs.

[tjespo22]

well i wont be getting a caswell gun, so where could i pick up a filter? does it have to go right before the gun or can i put it like in the middle of the line?

my tank is VERY old and leaks a bit ( i paid 60 bucks for it.) im thinking about picking this up.. http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...air+compressor

and comments on it?

[nuttyman]

put the filter as close to the gun as possible. when air is compressed water enters the lines in a vapor form. it will only condense to liquid form as it hits coldness, so the further from the compressor the water trap/separator is installed the more efficient a job it will perform.

[tjespo22]

i have a 50ft hose then the craftsman filter then another 50ft hose. this is my new air setup!


and where my booth is going to go. from the window till the pipe

[tjespo22]

is there a big difference between the caswell gun and the hot coat gun? if so what is it.

thanks for all your help.
espo

[FigureLLC]

yeah, that compressor will serve you well. two things you may want to consider with that particular compressor (we began with that one):

1) harbor freight sells an "auto drain" that you can plumb into the bottom of the compressor. they are triggered every time the compressor cycles on and then again when it shuts off, and it's activated automatically by pilot pressure from the blow off valve. they are $12 and worth every penny. NOTE: do not overtorque these as they're a bit fragile.

2) this is for any compressor... rubber hose retains heat, so water vapor won't condense in the air lines as quickly (bad). if you are able to run metal pipe (preferably galvanized) to a couple places in the shop, this will help water vapor condense out. also, run the pipe as high as you can to assist condensation/gravity. the next step would be a coalescing filter to remove condensed water. this isn't necessary initially, but maybe something to consider down the line.

[tjespo22]

well i bought the craftsman filter . it removes dirt and water. i have a 50ft hose coming out of the tank, then the filter then another 50ft hose.

[tjespo22]

no i just got to decide if i should make my booth from wood or pvc and painters tarp. both would be good but the wood would be alot more expensive. what do you think? and also, what kind of dust collector or ventalation system am i going to need? like i said, im new to this stuff, been reading a bit tho and from waht i see some ppl use shop vacs with a filter in front of the hose, do you run the shop vac all the time when your spraying? what about just an exhaust fan?

[nuttyman]

2) this is for any compressor... rubber hose retains heat, so water vapor won't condense in the air lines as quickly (bad). if you are able to run metal pipe (preferably galvanized) to a couple places in the shop, this will help water vapor condense out. also, run the pipe as high as you can to assist condensation/gravity. the next step would be a coalescing filter to remove condensed water. this isn't necessary initially, but maybe something to consider down the line.

actually galvanized is not recommended as the galvanizing can, in some instances, come off the pipe on the inside & clog separators & regulators. do not use plastic (PVC) either. black pipe is recommended.