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Need info on powder coat equipment and books

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Well, I'm gonna break down and finally powder coat my wheels. I know ~NOTHING~ about powder coating other than you spray on powder and then bake it to 400* or so.

I don't need an oven, as I have two large computer controlled kilns that'll go to 2450*. What I need is a good how-to book, a decent inexpensive gun and powder.

HF's gun lloks cheap, Eastwoods gun for $69 (an old catalog) looks o.k but I wouldn't know even if I sprayed myself in the face with it.

What have you used and who do you recommend?

Thanks in advance.
 
Both the HF and Eastwood guns work well - I have both. Eastwood also has a getting started book. I've heard it's very elementary, but that's what you need. You might also look into Eastwood's forums. I assume you have an air compressor and grit blaster? Blasting the parts is by far the best and easiest method of surface preparation. Don't worry about your lack of knowledge. Powder coating is a very easy process. You have the oven and that's what most people don't have. Applying the powder and getting excellent results is VERY easy. You might also have a look at Caswell as they have equipment and powders too. Powder coating can get tricky when you are doing multiple layers such as transfarents with another color underneath or when applying a clear topcoat, which is sometimes needed for special effects. However, single color stuff is easier than using a rattle can.
 
I have an HF and it works well. I get my powders from Eastwood. You will need to media blast all your parts to clean metal. I then clean with metal prep and pre cook. Clean again and coat, bake for 10 min done.... Lots of info on the Eastwood site and Caswell site. If you have a HF nearby you could be ready to go using their powder (their black is good) by the am. Some TR3a parts .....
4242136200_c2a3b5369a_b.jpg


B/E parts (not all PC but you get the idea)
2352287919_050399278d_b.jpg
 
Stu, my wife is an award winning proffesional potter. :thumbsup:

I've done a few pieces and even won 3rd in a show. (beat my wife) I gotta be in the mood, it aint somethin' I do on a regular basis.

I have a blaster and compressor. I plan on doing my rostyles in black, then doing the "spokes" in some sort of silver/metalic. I have one blasted down already. Gotta do one at a time so I can keep the car on the road.

HF is about a 90 mile round trip....but it's all country roads down to the MS gulf coast and of course, I'll be driving the Midget.

About how much of each color would I need per wheel?


HF's site only shows a matte black, is that the one you speak of? How matte is their matte?
 
A word on powdercoaters.
I had an Eastwood system for over 10 years and it was fine.
I bought the new and improved version and gave away my old system.
My "new and cheapened Eastwood system failed in 8 months.
This year for Christmas my wife bought me the "new and improved" chinese made Eastwood powder coater with 2 settings.
It was dead out of the box, pure garbage and I let them know it.
So I am letting all of you know it too.
But the 12 year old system I gave away still works fine
Caswell Plating, not Eastwood.
 
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