First Pc - Lot To Learn

[wingwalker]

Well I finally did it. Learned a few lessons and have a lot more to learn.
Gun seemed to work OK but what do I know so far
I did two pieces, experiment! One a fan blade off a 1936 6 cyl engine, the other a Bell Anchor. Anchor is heavy cast metal and the fan probably about average in size and all.
The spray seemed to come out kind of a heavy cloud. I thought it would be more concentrated. But look like it covered OK.
Put in oven cold, turned to 350 and let her rip. Took about ten min. and the fan looked smooth and shiny. The Bell was still a little dull.
Another five min. took out the fan. Waited another five min. and took the Bell out.
Both look cured. Still waiting for them to cool to do some scraping on them to see just how thick it went on. But so far the fan looks good but need to do the Bell a second time, could see where not enough powder in some places on it.
Got to order some chrome and try that. Want to try the one coat without clear and see how that does. Anyone know the part number for that?
Any comments and\or suggestion are very much welcom.
Thanks,

[wamontgomery]

Re: First Pc - Lot To Learn

Some bigger pics would be great. But from what I can see, looks good. Welcome to the world of powdercoating!

[pickleboy]

Re: First Pc - Lot To Learn

looks good from what i see. the only concern is that the cure temp and time was way to short. the time starts when the powder flows out and reaches temp, then start the timer.

[wingwalker]

Re: First Pc - Lot To Learn

Thanks for the feed back. I'll start timing when I see the powder start turining from dull. What do you look for to check if it came out right? The PC on the fan had a good shine,was flat(as much as it could be) and it is not brittel Is there another way to check.

It has become immediatley aware of why I see so many Threads on making an oven.
Using the kitchen oven is not as simple as it may seem. Very cramped for space and some where to hang item. One or two at a time. Tried hanging from the highest rack but not enough space under. So far have hung from the bracket holding the element.
Can you do one side of a piece and then let it cool and do the other side?
Should I let the piece cool in the oven or can I take it out? Trying to save time and do the next one....
To set oven there is a choice of Bake or Boil. Both of these only operated one burner at a time. Is ther a way to have both on at the same time or should I not do this? Seem like it would take less time. Not sure if it would make a difference
Time to check out how to make a bigger one for sure.

[sswee]

Re: First Pc - Lot To Learn

Check you powder cans for temp and time on the color and type powder you're using. If like me, you may need a magnifying glass.

A buddy of mine took my first parts, two motor mounts for a 50 Ford PU, and beat them on each other to see if they would chip or crack. They survived the test fine although I don't consider it a recommended way to check the quality of PC job.

What helped some for me on oven space is:
I took the top burner out to free up every inch possible. It's the broiler element and not really necessary. Held on to it for a bigger oven later. Both elements only work on the self cleaning models, most having a locking door. Drill and mount some long, small eyebolts in strategic places in the top of the oven to hang parts from. I can still put a rack back in if I need to. Best of luck. SS

[LeeParsons]

Re: First Pc - Lot To Learn

I'm with sswee, check the recommended curing temp and time. Most of the powders I have recommend curing temps of 400 and times of 15 to 20 minutes.

You already have most of the makings for a larger oven in the kitchen oven. You can use the two elements and oven control to build a larger oven. I am runing a 6'X3'X3' using 4 heating elements (came from 2 old kitchen ovens) and controling them from a single oven controler.

Until them, a way to make racking easier with the kitchen oven would be to remove the top (broiler) element then use one of the racks and fasten it to the top of the oven. Some small "J" hooks work well for that. Remove the surface burners and drill through the top, put in the "J" hooks, and your good to go.

[wingwalker]

Re: First Pc - Lot To Learn

Thanks for the suggestions. Removing the top element is a good idea.
I am using a 42"W, 52"D, 36"H wooden box as a paint booth. After using it twice now I "was" going to cut it down because it was to deep.
After using the kitchen oven a couple times it didn't take much to figure out I needed a bigger oven. Sooooo I'm thinking of putting some 2" insalation in it and cover the inside with sheet metal. I have two kitchen oven and was going to tear one apart and use the 2 elements but didn't think that would be enough. But with removing the top element from the other to make room I can use the third one in the box. Do you think 3 elements in that size will do the job?
Also got to figure out how to get the piece into the box once its an oven

Thanks again for all the help.

[seanc]

Re: First Pc - Lot To Learn

I took the top burner out to free up every inch possible. It's the broiler element and not really necessary.

I did like sswee and removed the broiler element. Oven still hits 400? in less than 15 minutes.

I added 3/4" angle iron to each side, up as high as possible, the create new "tracks" for the oven rack. I hang multiple small items on the rack first, then slide the whole thing into the oven in one shot. Works good.

Sean