What would be a good "beginners" choice for equipment to spray dope?

 I have a small compressor I use in my shop for nail guns etc.. is this acceptable? I don't have a spray gun or airbrush.


Thanks  Dan..

One of the gravity feed touch up guns from Lowes, Wal Mart, etc., would be a good first choice.  Your compressor will run it, it will just cycle more often than a "big" compressor, as you know.

The gravity feed guns will use all the dope you put in the cup, whereas the siphon feed guns will always leave a small amount in the cup.  No biggie, just less hassle.

Bill <><

Steve: It looks like it does a nice job. Good lookin plane.

Thanks, It's actually the first plane i ever finished

Ya done good, Steve!  Are you flying with Champione, Neal, Jose, Mike, and "da boys"?

Bill <><

kind of i used to go flying with my cousin Pete but he got sick and is no longer in the hobby.Then my mom started driving my but she ended up in a accident a totaled the car so i pretty much have know way of gettin to the field for now but the guys and i at flushing do keep in touch all the time.I still continue to build with 4 planes goin at once right now! lol I'm not to worried about gettin to the field for now since we're covered in snow here in Brooklyn! lol

 I have a small compressor I use in my shop for nail guns etc.. is this acceptable?
Thanks  Dan..

I assume there is a pressure regulator on the compressor. If not you will need one. They make very small pressure regulators that attach directly to the paint gun. They have a gauge on them so you have the advantage of knowing exactly what the pressure is at the gun. You should also consider a filter in the air line. They range from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars. Even the cheapest is better than none. Be sure and drain the air tank on the compressor before you start. Low humidity is better than high humidity.

I did check Sears yesterday;

$239 for 15-gallon and $299 for 33 gallon.  Both 125 psi. CFM comes intot he deal, too, but I didn't note the numbers.

The BIG difference is that I can move the 15 up & down the basement stairs.  The 33 would be offloaded to the garage by me and the first two big guys I can find.

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I just went through his on a compound mitre saw.  The Harbor units were falling apart while on display.  Spent $219 at Sears and expect it to last a lifetime (hopefully longer).

I've had pretty good luck using a Harbor Freight gun as a primer gun. Works pretty well for me.

Hi Dan,
While all the guys advice is right on, depending on preference, the one thing that is almost as important as the gun
is making sure the air is dry.  Suggest you check with Bill Little, or Randy Powell as they are the ones I always check in with before I spend my puny stash of cash.  I have a Harbor freight #4617 HVLP and use the 3m system of paint cups and it has worked well for me.  I spray most of my materials at around 20-26 psi and am able to put down a fairly nice
wet coat using a 2 gallon compressor, which I also use for my airbrush.  You might also direct a query to Robert our formum founder as I am confident he is now an avid air brush user.  Oh when looking at a dryer, do not purchase one that lubricates as well, that is a big no no as the paint needs to stay oiless.

Marv