What size compressor for spray gun

[joesquid]

Glen,
Great idea!!  I hadn't thought of that!  I'll ask around!

Josh,
Perhaps i'm too far in the weeds.  I guess my question is, What portable compressors are you guys using for paint?  The 60+ gallon units are not an option for me as I live in military housing and cannot add another 240VAC line to the garage or house.  Also, as I move around alot (gotta love the military life) portability is a must.

Thanks for all the help guys, it is appreciated more than you know!!!

[BryanH]

Eric - we're using 33 gallon Craftsmans that are portable 120V machines (see this thread on compressors).  Anything larger than these from sears is 240V and hardwired.  The manual says that you should/might be able to run it off of a 15A circuit.  I couldn't find any 15A in my house that didn't cause the breaker to throw so I did end up running a new 20A circuit into the garage.

Personally, I've used mine with a HVLP gun to paint hammerite and primer with pretty good results (given that I've never painted anything before).  I plan to try and paint the outside finish with it also...  but I think I'm going to get a gravity feed HVLP first (I think they use even less pressure and less paint than siphon feed).  

Have also used it for sander but it does run out air and need some catch-up spells for heavy sanding.

[Skeleton Man]

I see a few people here use air powered sanders..  is this simply coz you own a compressor, or because they work better than electric ?

[joesquid]

Honestly I think DA sanders are more efficient at sanding than regular electric sanders.  I love my DA sander......there are many like it but this one is mine and it's name is "Charlene."

[joesquid]

I finally got a chance to review one of the DIY websites listed by Bryan a few posts back and stumbled across some interesting information.  Has anyone ever used an electric HVLP paint system?  Check this out, I wonder if it can be used for automotive paint?
electric hvlp sprayer system