Pancake compressor (Porter Cable) + HVLP/LVLP?

[Airedale]

I did some searching and came up with a little bit of info on the subject, but would like some more insight if you guys have it.

As I have been getting into woodworking, the one thing sticking out for me has been the finished product and the time it takes to get a good result. I am thinking that a spray on finish is going to be my best bet.

Right now I have a 6 Gal 1.5 HP Porter Cable Air Compressor. It barely spits out any air at like 2.4 CFM.

I have been looking into getting a spray gun to work with this, but am worried I might be disappointed. Any of you use one of these? I doubt my projects will be bigger than some cabinets / doors. I have a coffee table planned for the future, but that isn't too large.

I saw some recommend the PSH1 spray gun from Porter Cable. The one thing that worries me is the CFM rating on that gun is higher than what the Air Compressor I have can do.

If this kind of thing is out of the question, I am considering getting an inexpensive ($150) Turbine setup from woodcraft.

What do you guys think?

[Swingman]

"Airedale" wrote

I'm, like you, interested in a practical answer to the question. I've read, and been told, that the following will run on a 2 cfm compressor:

but, other than a magazine article in a woodworking mag where it was only briefly mentioned, I've not been able to find anyone with any practical experience for woodworking purposes.

Hopefully your post will kick it in the ass a bit ... :)

[bob kater]

[clare at snyder dot ontario do]

Go for ththe turbine HVLP

[dustyyevsky]

I've got a Porter pancake also, and have successfully used a Critter (glorified airbrush) gun with it. The compressor is cycling at least half the time I'm using it so I can't imagine using anything larger. I've also got a dedicated HVLP/turbine setup but for smaller projects I always use the Porter/Critter set up. The Critter gun is hands down the easiest gun I've ever used and cleanup is super quick. As long as you don't expect to shoot anything heavy like latex, a small gun on the Porter compressor should be fine.

Dusty

[Peter Huebner]

I have a tiny compressor, in the 1 - 1.5 hp range, Hindin brand. I stick a regulator/moisture trap on it and use a top-loading small spray gun that my paint wholeseller recommended and this setup has worked fine for me, I've done plenty of enamel spraying of cabinets and also some auto-laquer repair work with it although I'd hate to use it on a building! (the cup only holds about

200-300ml).

Can be done. Just don't get a gun that has to suck the paint up from below and go to a specialist shop to buy your gun, they should know what they are selling you ...

h.t.h., -Peter