New Business Questions

[jbar800]

Ok. I have searched, read and looked at many areas of the internet to get information on starting a new powder coating business. I thought now I'd post something here to get information from those that have actually started one.

To give just a little background and intentions, I am basically looking for a "hobby part time business" to run out of my garage. Not large parts (i.e. car frames), rather small type parts. Largest being something the size of an ATV frame, cart frame, etc.. I am active in the areas of MX racing (15 to 20 events a year), dirt track racing, friends in the go karting race business, vintage snowmobiling events/shows, friends that have engine building businesses, near businesses that sell go kart parts, etc..

So, having given some information I am looking to see what would be needed to get something started. Started with "word of mouth" advertisements with work on small stuff only, although I am a senior IT analyst and could put together a web site if desired.

Aside from information and basic due diligence around how to officially start a business, what equipment and space would be needed to get a small hobby started? I have been looking at the Casewell Pro start kit. Would this kit work and would?

Thanks for any information.

[palmbeach]

I belive that the Caswell pro kit comes with a 2000W Infrared Curing Lamp. I would save your self the time and money and just start with a house hold oven. The Curing Lamps work but i would not recomend it for someone just starting out. I stared out with the caswell gun and had great results. hope this info helps and the best of luck to ya

[jbar800]

Thanks for the info. That actually was one specific question/area that I was wondering.

I assume a gas (propane) oven would work?

[PCT17522]

We use both electric and propane ovens. Natural gas works, too. The size of your oven will be your limiting factor as far as what you'll be able to coat (like ATV and go cart frames). I'm no electrician (but I know a few), and we have modified old ovens with additional heating elements so that they will recover temperature faster and heat more efficiently. Any old oven will probably work fine, as long as there are no cold spots...and once you have one they're not too difficult to figure out. If you keep an eye on used epuipment catalogs, you can pick up an old batch oven for a couple hundred dollars.

[jbar800]

Would all items in the Powder Rookie Starter Kit be recommended without the lamp?

[FigureLLC]

start with the $95 gun and a used kitchen oven (check craigslist for free ones). it will become apparent what you need as you progress.

starting an LLC is pretty easy. fill out a form from the state and send them $100. if you google "___insert your state___ taxes", your state will probably have instructions. virginia has a flow charge outlining the steps and contacts, etc.

[jbar800]

Can you use most any powders provided by multiple companies with any gun?

[FigureLLC]

yes. trick is finding companies to sell you less than a 50lb box. thanks caswell!

[nuttyman]

Originally Posted by jbar800

Can you use most any powders provided by multiple companies with any gun?

yup. I prefer NIC & Tiger Drylac. Also like AbsolutePowder; they're nice folks.