I have a sears compresser and want to start painting cars,wifes being the first and then the kids,and only then will I paint the 71 Chevelle,lol.What I need to know is if a 8.6 scfm at 40 psi or 6.4 at 90 psi will work ok to paint.If it will work what is a good paint gun to use,I here the sharpe cobalts work great but really need to know if it will work.What do you all think I can do with what I have,compresser that is.
Thanks Again
Rick
71 Chevelle
350 H.O
Hey all,the compresser is a sears 6hp 30 gal,vertical if that matters any,
Thanks Again.
RICK

[This message has been edited by fatlip (edited 06-07-2002).]

Rick -
Do a search in this forum (Body Shop) using the words "air compressor cfm" and you'll find several threads that discuss this very topic. In one of them, it sounded like you could use your compressor, but you would have to get a fairly expensive, special Sharpe HVLP gun. Other than that, you'll need at least 10 cfm.

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Bob McCormick
69 Malibu project

I recently bought a Sears compressor like your's. I was terribly disappointed in it's performance compared to the older, oil-lubed 5 Hp models that put out 12 CFM @ 40 PSI. I repaired my old 5 Hp model and traded the new 6 Hp model for another 5 Hp model.

I'm not familiar with the Sharpe Cobalt CFM requirements, but I can tell you that if it's HVLP, the compressor you have is VERY marginal and will not supply enough air for more than about 15-20 minutes of spraying. I used my SATA 2000NR with it to prime most of the front clip of my current project. By the time I had finished one coat, the air pressure was down to 75 #s and the gun was barely getting the paint out. Additionally, I could only run a DA for about 15 minutes before the pressure got too low. That's why I got rid of that compressor.

The Colbolt requires 13.9 CFM, so forget about it. The closest you will come close is a Sharpe Platinum which only needs 7.5.
But just because it only needs 7.5 and the compressor can provide 8.5 you also need 50 PSI at the gun, so you are out of luck.

This CFM requirement is VERY important with an HVLP gun, VERY important. As Vettefella said, you will be disapointed if you try this set up, your little compressor wouldn't be able to paint a motorcycle gas tank!

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1965 Buick Gran Sport Convertible
1965 Buick Skylark H/T
"Fan of most anything that moves human beings"

If you have the 33 gallon compressor you will be able too flow 50 PSI with the sharpe platinum and paint without incident! I painted a motorcycle tank, ears, and fenders with this same setup (sorry martinsr) http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif I have the 6hp 33 gal sears compressor with similar ratings (can't remember offhand) The sharpe platinum is the gun, new it is 384 bucks, or you can buy it with through the remanufactured program for 150 bucks! go too www.sharpe1.com (http://www.sharpe1.com) and hit the Dr. Gun messageboards ask your specific questions there, he won't steer you wrong! Good Luck with your painting! if you want too see the results of the motorcycle go here www.normieschevelle.com/bike (http://www.normieschevelle.com/bike) I also primed my car with the same gun and tip, you can see the results (of course I did it in a professional spray booth) go here www.normieschevelle.com/pictures.html (http://www.normieschevelle.com/pictures.html) check pages 4 and 5...

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X-Ray View of my Chevelle :D (http://www.normieschevelle.com/sideview.jpg)
Getting Closer (http://www.normieschevelle.com/passfull.jpg)
my baby in primer (http://www.normieschevelle.com/prime/primerdrv.jpg)

http://www.sharpe1.com/ubb/Forum7/HTML/000045.html

Here is Dr guns recommendation.. Good Luck!

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X-Ray View of my Chevelle :D (http://www.normieschevelle.com/sideview.jpg)
Getting Closer (http://www.normieschevelle.com/passfull.jpg)
my baby in primer (http://www.normieschevelle.com/prime/primerdrv.jpg)

In my opinion, when it comes to compressors bigger IS Better. I believe your compressor is a bit on the small side for a HVLP gun, and definately will not run most air sanders. I have a 24cfm compressor at my shop and I still would like a bigger unit sometimes! I guess I'm just impatient when it comes to air-supply. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/wink.gif

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'68 SS-396 (still not workin' on it)
"Reality is the illusion of life without drugs and alcohol"
-2 Below Custom Automotive
Fbks, AK.