Compressor run time

Create a thread to track the progress of you MB/GPW restoration progress. Previously a General Discussion board.
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USAFpj
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Compressor run time

Post by USAFpj » Sun Apr 29, 2018 4:25 pm

Gents, I'll be painting a few parts shortly, and have access to a Speedaire 3hp, 240V, 20g compressor- 25ft hose length. This compressor advertises a cfm of 10.0 at 90psi.

When spraying cabs, tubs, fenders, and hoods, what length of spray time can I expect with this set up? One fender, or an entire tub? And once depleted, how much time does it normally take to get back up to a full 20g again?


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Re: Compressor run time

Post by D.R.H. » Sun Apr 29, 2018 6:34 pm

You will not be spraying at full 90 lbs. pressure and will need to adjust your regulator DOWN to the proper setting that your spray gun calls for. Usually somewhere between 35 and 60 Lbs. P.S.I. As the volume decreases in the tank, your compressor will start back up and fill the tank again. Because of the intermittent requirements of actively spraying paint, the compressor will fill the tank faster than you can empty it and the pressure in the tank will stay above what your paint gun is using.
BUT, don't just listen to I am saying here. Do some research, look up "how-to" videos on You Tube for more tips and suggestions on spraying paint and cleaning your gun afterward. Get some cheap paint, a sheet of plywood and practice spraying first. Go slow and breath, take your time and you will turn out a nice paint job. Most importantly, DON'T FORGET TO HAVE FUN :) .
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Re: Compressor run time

Post by Wolfman » Mon Apr 30, 2018 4:35 am

Need to take into account price and how much use your air compressor will get.
If all you plan to do is paint one jeep and air up a few tires, the compressor you listed will be more than enough.
I use a lot of air in my shop. Originally, I had a 220 volt, 5 hp portable compresser. With a small tank. It would keep up with what I was doing but, the small supply tank was the problem. The compressor was constantly cycling on and off. Especially during sand blasting.
Ended up burning the motor out from the constant start ups.
I replaced it with a 220 volt, 6.5 compressor with a 60 gal. tank. Operating pressure is 90 PSI to 120 PSI. Does not cycle on and off near as often but runs a longer when it is running. Much better for the motor.
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Re: Compressor run time

Post by Joe Gopan » Mon Apr 30, 2018 6:41 am

You will discover that you will be spraying in shorter bursts than you envision, and the necessary pressure to maintain a steady supply will be maintained without a problem. The CFM needed to power air tools is a different story.
2011 MVPA PIONEER AWARD - MVPA #1064
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Re: Compressor run time

Post by USAFpj » Mon Apr 30, 2018 12:28 pm

Thank you for the awareness. I think it will be perfect for my limited needs. And free as well... :wink:

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Re: Compressor run time

Post by Joe Gopan » Mon Apr 30, 2018 2:26 pm

I retired my Campbell Hausfield and gave it to my son. I picked up 3 HP 4 Gal 135 PSI PORTA CABLE w/2 horizontal Tanks, it does 7.7 SCFM @ 40PS! and 5.3 SCFM @ 90 PSI. I use 3/8" Hose.
It has sufficient air capacity and flow to paint MV's using a professional Spray Gun and sufficient capacity to air up the 7.50-20 NDT's to 55 PSI in no time flat (pardon the pun). :wink:

Regardless of the compressor you select, install a water trap.
2011 MVPA PIONEER AWARD - MVPA #1064
HONOR GRAD-WHEELED VEHICLE MECHANIC SCHOOL 1960 - US ARMY ORDNANCE SCHOOL(MACHINIST) ABERDEEN PG 1962 - O-1 BIRD DOG CREWCHIEF - 300,000+TROUBLE FREE M-38A1 MILES
LIFE MEMBER AM LEGION-40/8-DAV
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Re: Compressor run time

Post by USAFpj » Mon Apr 30, 2018 3:12 pm

Regardless of the compressor you select, install a water trap.
Joe- is one acceptable right at the air inlet at the gun, or is one mandatory somewhere else in the set up? I do plan on spraying in humid weather with that 25ft hose..

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Re: Compressor run time

Post by Joe Gopan » Mon Apr 30, 2018 5:18 pm

Normally the trap is at the compressor end of the air hose.
2011 MVPA PIONEER AWARD - MVPA #1064
HONOR GRAD-WHEELED VEHICLE MECHANIC SCHOOL 1960 - US ARMY ORDNANCE SCHOOL(MACHINIST) ABERDEEN PG 1962 - O-1 BIRD DOG CREWCHIEF - 300,000+TROUBLE FREE M-38A1 MILES
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Re: Compressor run time

Post by rondo » Tue May 01, 2018 4:30 am

I suppose every compressor is different quality. I have a 60 gal 220 home depot compressor and the manual says if you run it for 30 min, It has to be off for 30 min. But using it to paint a vehicle is too easy. Spraying in a humid environment is a real problem so I think you should invest in a dryer as you want cool dry filtered air.
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Re: Compressor run time

Post by USAFpj » Tue May 01, 2018 9:09 am

Rondo, you Officers may be able to afford a dryer, but us poor ol' NCO's just have to adjust spray times to the 'cooler' parts of the day.. :lol:

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Re: Compressor run time

Post by rondo » Wed May 02, 2018 4:48 am

USAFpj wrote:
Tue May 01, 2018 9:09 am
Rondo, you Officers may be able to afford a dryer, but us poor ol' NCO's just have to adjust spray times to the 'cooler' parts of the day.. :lol:

I know huh. that reminds me of a good story; was jeeping in Moab with a club. One guy was an Air Force SSG and the other was a 1LT. The LT was complaining about cost of jeep parts. The NCO said what are you complaining about you got LT pay coming in. His reply was yeah but I got LT pay going out too.

that probably doesn't make you feel better :lol:

When I painted my first GPW I wanted a good quality paint job so I invested in a filter which was not too pricey. But yeah things add up and in a humid environment I think a guy has to protect all he has invested.
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Re: Compressor run time

Post by Joe Gopan » Wed May 02, 2018 5:00 am

It's practice that makes the paint job, all the add on extras in the world will not ensure a good finish.
2011 MVPA PIONEER AWARD - MVPA #1064
HONOR GRAD-WHEELED VEHICLE MECHANIC SCHOOL 1960 - US ARMY ORDNANCE SCHOOL(MACHINIST) ABERDEEN PG 1962 - O-1 BIRD DOG CREWCHIEF - 300,000+TROUBLE FREE M-38A1 MILES
LIFE MEMBER AM LEGION-40/8-DAV
7 MIL SPEC MAINTAINED MV'S
COL. BRUNO BROOKS (ARMY MOTORS) IS MY HERO

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Re: Compressor run time

Post by Wolfman » Thu May 03, 2018 7:30 am

Nothing makes the blood pressure climb quicker than to be painting across a panel and have a good looking finish, to look down and see what looks like Jr. shot the fresh paint with a squirt gun. :evil:
Mike Wolford
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Re: Compressor run time

Post by Joe Gopan » Thu May 03, 2018 2:05 pm

I have no experience using the newer type HVLP spray guns but they are easier to manage and leave a much better finish while using less paint and creating very little overspray.
My restoration painting MV days are for the most part behind me now, but I may be tempted. I have been using a Devilbiss JGA 502 Syphon type gun that is just the same as found in 40's-60's Army motor pools.
2011 MVPA PIONEER AWARD - MVPA #1064
HONOR GRAD-WHEELED VEHICLE MECHANIC SCHOOL 1960 - US ARMY ORDNANCE SCHOOL(MACHINIST) ABERDEEN PG 1962 - O-1 BIRD DOG CREWCHIEF - 300,000+TROUBLE FREE M-38A1 MILES
LIFE MEMBER AM LEGION-40/8-DAV
7 MIL SPEC MAINTAINED MV'S
COL. BRUNO BROOKS (ARMY MOTORS) IS MY HERO


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