Air Compressor (for auto paint) - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

Pearly · 09-01-2004, 03:33

I'm looking at buying an air compressor for myself.

Does anyone know what the minimum psi, or horse power rating that I need for auto painting is?

I've hired them before, but neglected to pay attention to the psi ratings.

Also, know where I can get a good deal in Melb?

Thanks.

rod · 09-01-2004, 03:36

you would need a 12 cfm Compressor as a minimum

regards
rod

Pearly · 09-01-2004, 03:38

ah ok thanks.

I think the ones I hired where 17cfm and they worked very well.

davway · 09-01-2004, 03:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by rod

you would need a 12 cfm Compressor as a minimum

regards
rod

and how much is that in litres? i just got a compressor today that is a 2.5hp and 40 litre tank. it came with a few accessories including a spray gun as well. would this be sufficent to paint with?

rod · 09-01-2004, 03:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by davway

and how much is that in litres? i just got a compressor today that is a 2.5hp and 40 litre tank. it came with a few accessories including a spray gun as well. would this be sufficent to paint with?

2.5Hp is what the electric motor is rated at
40 litre is the air tank capacity

you need to know what the 'Pump" can pump ie: 12 cubic feet of air per minute

regards
rod

XD 351 Ute · 09-01-2004, 04:24

Yeah Pearly, it really depends on how many paintjobs you want to do, how good a compressor quality, etc, etc.

My cousin is a spraypainter, and he uses a 17 cuber for his home jobs.
I actually bought a 17 cubic inch myself, originally to do the same, but ended up giving the ute anway & buying one already done!
This size is also very handy if you end up with a good collection of air tools and do a bit of work at home.
Get a reasonable sized resevoir on it, and it will last for yonks..

Ed :)

Pearly · 09-01-2004, 04:32

I just don't want to get myself one that is not going to be strong enough to paint the car with.

The first one I hired, the attendant didn't know any better than myself and gave me 10cfm compressor. I don't have to tell you that it screwed up my paint job. Went back, and spoke to the manager. Thats when he gave me a 17cfm one, and that did the job.

Just wondering what the minimum is for auto paint. I know you can use a 10cfm and even less for other paints, but car paints require a certain pressure.

I think I'll stick with 17cfm. Just need to find a good deal now!

XRated · 09-01-2004, 07:28

Pearly, I know a place called "Jamieson Air Tools" in (or just near) Box Hill. I'm not sure on prices etc but they stock some quality equipment.

BTW, where are you painting your car?

xdc351 · 09-01-2004, 15:56

Make sure you spend the extra and get a BELT DRIVEN compressor!!!!

At least a 50L tank is a bonus. Anything bigger than 2.5HP will require access to a 15 amp powerpoint.

You want as much PSI as possible, but it has to be consistent, which is where higher CFM comes into it. My 17cfm will hold 95psi without breaking a sweat, i've found it adequate for painting what I need to. Spray shops use around 130-140psi but few single phase compressors can produce that.

You have a PM...

EBXR · 09-01-2004, 17:20

Pearly,

I asked the same question of a panel shop owner, and was told that bigger is better. As mentioned above, 12 cfm is okay; anything smaller will continually be pumping up, and you would be constantly waiting for the pressure to build up while trying to paint the car.