air compressor (i need help)

[pedro_paydro]

so i simply need some guide lines and opinions to choose the right air compressor for me. heres what im doing and the tool i will be using. its almost time for xmas and this is the only thing on my wish list.

-spray painting; car parts (but not like a whole car^^) and yes portable is a must

-powermate gravity feed spray gun (very cheap since im starting) 18 bucks couldnt pass up. CFM 4-7

any feed back is appreciated.

[david79z28]

I have used this 30 gallon compressor to paint motorcycle parts. It worked great. It's portable...

30-Gal. Cast Iron Portable Electric Air Compressor-VT6315 at The Home Depot

It doesn't work very well with a DA sander, impact wrench, or a grinder.

[pedro_paydro]

hey dave thanks for the post. heres the prob, i need it to fit in the trunk of my celica^^ would i be able to go with something like a 7 gallon? and if so any details u know i should look for when choosing one? things like HP, single stage, etc...

[david79z28]

Honestly, I burned up every compressor I used smaller than that one for painting.

Smaller compressors were more suited for airbrushing.

Maybe another member has had better results painting with a smaller compressor. I haven't!!!

[pedro_paydro]

ouch, thats hard to hear. thank though, hopefully someone else will post here too.

[jwellsii]

Find a compressor that produces the CFM's you need for your paint gun and what ever else you will be using.

[DerbyCityDetail]

I may be able to help. I've done paint touch-up and repair for years and the smaller gallon compressor I used was a 1 gallon Campbell Hausfeld, but you would drain it if you were doing more than a small bumper blend. I sill use a single cylinder 2hp 33 gallon chraftsman which is good if you have the space. You need to make sue that the compressor will run if your plugged into an extension cord. I have a honda generator I use because of the voltage drop you get using extension cords. If you want to do paint work you need to buy a mini van or a truck, your celica will never hold all the supplies you must have to make good money at paint touch up. If you have any other questions feel free to ask I'll try to pass all of the tips and tricks I have to offer.

[pedro_paydro]

man thank you so much for the feed back jwell & DCD. but DCD im only 17 and doing it as a hobby and for some extra cash. im mainly using to spray headlights (restoration). ive tried a 3 gallon but not enough air. do you have any idea on something i could start with? thanks buddy

[pedro_paydro]

Portable Air Compressor, 2 Horsepower, 8 Gallon, 125 PSI

any thoughts on this? what you guys think? enough space to hold up the air i will be spraying and its 2hp. plus its pretty darn cheap!

[DerbyCityDetail]

Craftsman has a 7gallon for a $169.00 or your local auto paint supply store will have spray cans of clear. What PSI are you spraying the clear and is your gun a HVLP.