Compressor + Painting question

[sanders7981]

I know quite a few of you have done this at home and I have searched and searched with mixed results.  I am nearing the stage in my restoration where i need a compressor for priming and painting.  I have been told that I can use a portable 5 hp compressor to do this, but from what I have read on numerous forums it is nearly impossible! The majority of compressors I am finding that run at 5hp are 60 gallon + and non-portable.  I will more than likely be using an Eastwood Concours HVLP, 4 CFM required, and Summit low VOC Challenger Orange paint to do the job.  So my question is, what compressor did you DIY'ers at home use?  I would like to think that since a lot of Eastwoods products are geared for the DIY'er you can use smaller compressors, but from what I am reading... you need to drop some serious coin to get results.  To me, that kind of eliminates the money saving side of things as my paycheck is only so much from the Corps. Just trying to save money where I can.  Right now I am looking at $750-850 and another $150 for wiring the damn thing in to my garage.   Thanks in advance!!

[elitecustombody]

Most portable compressors do not put out enough volume and won't be able to keep up.Try finding a used one on CL that can put out at the least 10-12 CFM's

[bill440rt]

I have a 6hp 33 gal Craftsman compressor (oilless) at home & it does the job fine spraying with HVLP & non-HVLP guns. It's not what you would normally consider "portable", but it does have wheels on one end. 

I had a 5hp 30gal Craftsman before (oiled), which did the job as well.

The little "pancake" compressors for nail/staple guns, etc will not keep up.

[1BAD68]

I've painted with the little portable units. They work with HVLP but the main problem is heat/condensation.
The air doesn't have much time to cool after it's compressed in the little tank. So it cool's in the line which causes condensation.
That condensation enters the gun and splats out with the paint causing massive frustration.

[sanders7981]

Thanks for the info!  I just want to know for sure that I can tackle this with minimal expense and have learned to ask of those who have been there before.  I did some further looking and found these two.  I have read good things about Quincy, and considering this other brand Ironhorse.  Both are made in USA.  I found both just above what I really wanted to spend, but I figured it's not that much (after pleading my case to my wife) and they both meet/exceed my cfm requirements.  I looked at some craftsman models, but all my Sears had in stock were the 1.2 hp 20 gal models.  I suppose you have to special order the 5 hp model. 

Here are the two in my scope...

http://www.eaglecompressor.com/air_compressor_model.php?recordID=278

http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Quincy-Q13160V-Air-Compressor/p6982.html

[AirborneSilva]

this is the one I have my eye on

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-tools/air-compressors/5-hp-60-gallon-165-psi-two-stage-air-compressor-93274.html

[Silver R/T]

this is the one I have my eye on

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-tools/air-compressors/5-hp-60-gallon-165-psi-two-stage-air-compressor-93274.html

x2 good choice

[tan top]

this is the one I have my eye on

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-tools/air-compressors/5-hp-60-gallon-165-psi-two-stage-air-compressor-93274.html

x2 good choice

  you ant at least a 13cfm if you have a HVLP

[sanders7981]

this is the one I have my eye on

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-tools/air-compressors/5-hp-60-gallon-165-psi-two-stage-air-compressor-93274.html

I looked at that one too and was definitely considering it, however I wanted something that I know would last long term.  Most of the smaller tools are ok-good, but I was a little more weary about a larger purchase like this.  I think I read somewhere that a motor went out on one after warranty and it was going to cost more than what was paid.  Not knocking HF becasue I have bought a TON of stuff from them. 

[AirborneSilva]

this is the one I have my eye on

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-tools/air-compressors/5-hp-60-gallon-165-psi-two-stage-air-compressor-93274.html

I looked at that one too and was definitely considering it, however I wanted something that I know would last long term.  Most of the smaller tools are ok-good, but I was a little more weary about a larger purchase like this.  I think I read somewhere that a motor went out on one after warranty and it was going to cost more than what was paid.  Not knocking HF becasue I have bought a TON of stuff from them. 

Yeah I know that some of their stuff is made a bit cheaper but then there is always the extended warranty which I will get when I buy it....

[Silver R/T]

this is the one I have my eye on

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-tools/air-compressors/5-hp-60-gallon-165-psi-two-stage-air-compressor-93274.html

I looked at that one too and was definitely considering it, however I wanted something that I know would last long term.  Most of the smaller tools are ok-good, but I was a little more weary about a larger purchase like this.  I think I read somewhere that a motor went out on one after warranty and it was going to cost more than what was paid.  Not knocking HF becasue I have bought a TON of stuff from them.  

Yeah I know that some of their stuff is made a bit cheaper but then there is always the extended warranty which I will get when I buy it....

x2. Besides I bet that pretty much every compressor is made in China so your Sears, Kobalt, etc compressor has just as much probability of blowing up as this HF one
If you read reviews for that compressor they're all 5's, except one 4. I usually don't buy things that have rating less than 3-3.5

[sanders7981]

this is the one I have my eye on

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-tools/air-compressors/5-hp-60-gallon-165-psi-two-stage-air-compressor-93274.html

I looked at that one too and was definitely considering it, however I wanted something that I know would last long term.  Most of the smaller tools are ok-good, but I was a little more weary about a larger purchase like this.  I think I read somewhere that a motor went out on one after warranty and it was going to cost more than what was paid.  Not knocking HF becasue I have bought a TON of stuff from them.  

Yeah I know that some of their stuff is made a bit cheaper but then there is always the extended warranty which I will get when I buy it....

x2. Besides I bet that pretty much every compressor is made in China so your Sears, Kobalt, etc compressor has just as much probability of blowing up as this HF one
If you read reviews for that compressor they're all 5's, except one 4. I usually don't buy things that have rating less than 3-3.5

I am sure most of those are... but that is why I went specifically with a known US made compressor.  I looked at Kobalt/Campbell Hausfeld, Husky, Craftsman... wasn't too satisfied with the reviews for what i needed.  Extended warranty is definitely the way to go with any company.  You never know when Pvt Murphy is going to show up at the party! 

[sanders7981]

Finally, My Quincy Airmaster has arrived!  Time to make some progress on the Charger!