Compressor size
Discussion
If you're going to be doing a lot of spraying then I'd say that ideally you want about 12-14cfm plus good size tank.
Small compressors (around 6/7 cfm) can't keep up with sprayguns, even ones rated 6cfm.
It is possible to spray a car with these (just used such on my Quantum because I haven't got room for anything bigger) but you spend a lot of time waiting for the tank to charge.
Small compressors (around 6/7 cfm) can't keep up with sprayguns, even ones rated 6cfm.
It is possible to spray a car with these (just used such on my Quantum because I haven't got room for anything bigger) but you spend a lot of time waiting for the tank to charge.
A 1 or 2 HP compressor is fine for spraying small parts with paint and running an impact gun. SCFM is only important to the impact gun if you are in a production situation, if you are willing to wait to recharge the tank almost any compressor will work. Likewise if you are spraying small panels you will not empty the tank fast enough to worry about.
Something in the 3 to 5 HP range is much better if you plan to paint whole cars. The first car I ever painted was with a 1 HP 110V compressor and a small Sears gun, turned out OK although this was acrylic laquer, not sure they even make that anymore.. I have a 4 HP portable which works very well for me, and has for years. I see both vertical and horizontal units with wheels available now up to about 5 HP, something like an Ingersoll-Rand 5HP will do you for life, you'll pass it on to your son if you have one. If you have more than one they'll fight over it...
Pick out a spray gun first, by all means go to an HVLP or similar high-efficiency outfit as it will pay for itself in paint after 1 or 2 jobs. The spray gun you want to use will dictate the SCFM @ pressure you need. Look at SCFM delivery and pressure, not just horsepower, although a quality 5-horse will do for most. Vertical construction does save floor space, but for a portable makes it easier to tip over (D'oh!)
If your electical supply won't let you go with your first choice, buy a small compressor with wheels on it as they are very handy to have, uprate your electrical when you can and then buy the big one.
How numpties make do without a compressor, I don't know...
Something in the 3 to 5 HP range is much better if you plan to paint whole cars. The first car I ever painted was with a 1 HP 110V compressor and a small Sears gun, turned out OK although this was acrylic laquer, not sure they even make that anymore.. I have a 4 HP portable which works very well for me, and has for years. I see both vertical and horizontal units with wheels available now up to about 5 HP, something like an Ingersoll-Rand 5HP will do you for life, you'll pass it on to your son if you have one. If you have more than one they'll fight over it...
Pick out a spray gun first, by all means go to an HVLP or similar high-efficiency outfit as it will pay for itself in paint after 1 or 2 jobs. The spray gun you want to use will dictate the SCFM @ pressure you need. Look at SCFM delivery and pressure, not just horsepower, although a quality 5-horse will do for most. Vertical construction does save floor space, but for a portable makes it easier to tip over (D'oh!)
If your electical supply won't let you go with your first choice, buy a small compressor with wheels on it as they are very handy to have, uprate your electrical when you can and then buy the big one.
How numpties make do without a compressor, I don't know...
Gassing Station | Bodywork & Detailing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff