Super Cheap Compressor

[crazefox]

On a related topic. Can anyone tell me where (if anywhere) one can obtain nowadays nitrocellulose spraying lacquer ("Duco").

Why is that that the simplest , most basic workshop essentials seem impossible to procure nowdays.

i dont think they make it anymore

[Hoon]

The one I'm using to paint my bike is smaller/less powerfull than that one and is working just fine.

Yeah I got a similar compressor and for bike fairings its fine. I only do a few panels at a time anyway and with fairings it's no problem to pause between them if nesc. Wouldn't want to paint a car or anything though.

I slapped on a proper filter/regulator which is set to about 30 psi for my HLVP gun so as long as the tank pressure stays above that I'll get a constant supply.

I must also mention that I am no pro. I only paint to fix up my race bikes cheaply so only need to satisfy myself. My compressor is enough for me any flaws are usually due to my lack of skill/experience rather than the compressor itself. If you are a good spray painter then yes you will need the best tools to apply those skills but these small compressors are fine for small jobs for small people.

[geoffm]

Second what Hoon said. I did a CF bedford van with mine, and it was a bit on the small side. OK for bike bits tho.
I like my "wellmade' gravity feed spray gun - much easier to clean than a suction feed gun and better for spray primer with a big enough tip. Balance takes a bit of getting used to though/
I am no pro tho. MiT (aka manukau polytech) used to do spraypainting night classes - money well spent if you are planning on doing a decent job. Preparation is everything, and really, really boring....
Geoff

[zooter]

The supercheap website diy help guy helpfully mentions they are rated for 25% duty. ie pump for 1 minute, rest for 3 and it shouldn't blow up. I need something to run a plasma cutter on light duties.

[crazefox]

The supercheap website diy help guy helpfully mentions they are rated for 25% duty. ie pump for 1 minute, rest for 3 and it shouldn't blow up. I need something to run a plasma cutter on light duties.

Yip they are not the best. But you get what you pay for

[zooter]

I took a punt on the ones on Trademe at the moment, 100 bucks buy now. He had a few left yesterday.

[skelstar]

Be interested to see how that goes. Linky?

[huck farley]

On a lighter side. You could always use her indoors vacuum cleaner.

[bungbung]

I've had a sc 2.5hp compressor for about 3 years.
I hadn't heard anything about the duty cycle, I have used mine to spray ornate plaster ceilings and the compressor is running non-stop. I have been fairly religious about changing the oil and haven't had an issue so far. It's gets bloody hot, but the thermal cut out never has.

Apart from the ceilings the biggest thing I have used it on for painting are doors. The air capacity for that purpose is acceptable when using HVLP guns.

For use with air hungry tools, it is annoying having to stop and wait for the pressure to build up.

Still, for $100 - $150 depending on specials...