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Thread: Compressors

  1. #1
    Senior Member JoeRuscito's Avatar
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    Default Compressors

    I currently have a 4.8 cfm compressor that seems to be doing the trick. I’m up to silver coats on the wings and soon will be laying a white coat of polytone. It works well for the poly fiber coats but I do then to do a lot of waiting in the booth for the pressure to catch up. I tend to do two wing bays at a time. This hasn’t been a problem because the poly fiber stuff blends so well I don’t end up seeing a line between bays.

    Now I’ve heard the top coats. Ranthane is what I’m using. Should be sprayed in one pass without delay. Otherwise you will see transitions in the color. What has everyone’s experience been? Is there a compressor that won’t break the bank that would keep up with the gun? I haven’t been able to find anything affordable? I’m considering “Y”ing together a few less expensive compressors...

  2. #2

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    Default Re: Compressors

    I don't have a compressor suggestion (other than the aviation department at the local "tool freight" store), but rather than teeing 2 compressors together, have you though about teeing several accumulators/tanks together? It'd be a much cheaper route than multiple compressors...

  3. #3

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    Default Re: Compressors

    Depending on weather and your timeline, you might be able to rent one.

  4. #4
    Senior Member JoeRuscito's Avatar
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    Default Re: Compressors

    Renting is a good idea! Ill look around. I currently have a 20 gallon tank. In order to do a whole wing I think I would need 80 plus gallons.

  5. #5
    Senior Member jiott's Avatar
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    Default Re: Compressors

    Don't have personal experience, but I've heard that HVLP is the preferred way to spray these coatings.
    Jim Ott
    Portland, OR
    Kitfox SS7 flying
    Rotax 912ULS

  6. #6
    Senior Member efwd's Avatar
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    Default Re: Compressors

    I used a Craftsman 20gal to apply polytone and I used the HVLP gun without an ounce of trouble that I recall. Eh, I didn't spray great big wings either though. Oratex, so the only thing I sprayed was all the fiberglass, plastic and invasion stripes.
    Eddie Forward
    Flying
    SS7, 912iS, Garmin G3X

  7. #7
    Senior Member jmodguy's Avatar
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    Default Re: Compressors

    I use an Iwata Supernova HVLP and a 5 hp dual stage 80 gal compressor and it was working pretty hard to keep up. Rent it if you can’t buy it.
    make sure you have proper filters, water traps etc.
    Jeff
    KF 5
    340KF

  8. #8
    Senior Member rv9ralph's Avatar
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    Default Re: Compressors

    Joe,
    You have to match the CFM requirement of the spay gun to the CFM output the compressor. Even is you rent one, you have to make sure the compressor output is in excess of the gun requirement.

    Also, piston compressors are more efficient than oilless.

    Ralph

  9. #9
    Senior Member JoeRuscito's Avatar
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    Default Re: Compressors

    Holy .... 80 gallons and 5 HP! That’s what I was concerned about the 20 gallon 2 HP is doing fine with the poly stuff.... almost considering sticking with poly tone..

  10. #10

    Join Date
    Nov 2017
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    Valrico, FL
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    Default Re: Compressors

    2HP is not doing fine, it's struggling to keep up and likely isn't keeping up. It's just that the lacquer-like spray qualities of poly-spray/poly-tone are masking your compressors limitations. An 80 gallon 5hp compressor is considered the minimum for spraying urethanes. And you still have to clean up the air.

    You will not get good results spraying polyurethane with (2hp compressor) it.

    Do yourself a favor and get one of these http://www.axispro.com/. Your spray problems will be over. Always clean, dry consistent pressure. Practice with it and learn it's ways and you'll get good results.
    James T
    Valrico, FL

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