Author Topic: Powder Coat Equipment (Read 3003 times)

bill440cars · « **on:** August 02, 2006, 03:59:29 PM »

Anybody used or know anything about the powdercoat equipment from Harbor Freight?
I've wondered about this before but, now it's on sale. I just wondered if it would be worth
the effort? Anybody??

$:-\$ Later on, Bill

Bob Wessner · « **Reply #1 on:** August 02, 2006, 04:15:57 PM »

Bill,

Can't comment on the Harbor Freight equipment, but if you are considering trying it at home, I came across this some time ago. Thought you might be interested.

http://www.homemetalshopclub.org/projects/powder.pdf

nuke · « **Reply #2 on:** August 02, 2006, 04:19:41 PM »

No ecperience but I was wondering the same thing. I was also looking at the Eastwood Hoat Coat powder coating system. I figured maybe someone could compare goods and bads. Harbor to Hoat coat.

nuke

bill440cars · « **Reply #3 on:** August 02, 2006, 05:52:38 PM »

Quote from: Bob Wessner on August 02, 2006, 04:15:57 PM

Bill,

Can't comment on the Harbor Freight equipment, but if you are considering trying it at home, I came across this some time ago. Thought you might be interested.

http://www.homemetalshopclub.org/projects/powder.pdf

Hey Thanks Bob, That was very interesting info that I got from that link. I appreciate that. Harbor Freight's Powdercoat unit is listed at $ 99.99 and a local store has it reduced to 40-something bucks. Thinking about checking it out but, I'd better be quick cause I don't know how many they have. Later on, Bill

einsteingarage · « **Reply #4 on:** August 02, 2006, 06:01:56 PM »

I ordered the harbor freight actually chicago electric, but from a different company. It will be here Friday. I don't have those stores in my area. I bought from this place because the powder and accessories are cheaper. I will post info as soon as I use it.

http://www.columbiacoatings.com./

bill440cars · « **Reply #5 on:** August 02, 2006, 07:39:55 PM »

Quote from: einsteingarage on August 02, 2006, 06:01:56 PM

I ordered the harbor freight actually chicago electric, but from a different company. It will be here Friday. I don't have those stores in my area. I bought from this place because the powder and accessories are cheaper. I will post info as soon as I use it.

http://www.columbiacoatings.com./

Thanks for the info. Waiting to see what you have to report on the powdercoat equipment
there. Later on, Bill

ProTeal55 · « **Reply #6 on:** August 03, 2006, 06:48:48 AM »

Everything I have EVER heard about home powdercoating systems has been negative.
The powder is not the same as the "shops" use, thus the finish will be different/ of a less quality.
Plus the big issue i guess is the baking part of it, as most home ovens can't generate and maintain the proper heat to properly "cure" the fresh powdercoat, plus you are limited to whatever you can stuff in you roven. Plus, once you put a part in their and bake it, YOU CANT use the oven again for food, as from what I was told , when the powdercoating bakes, it gives off some nasty chemicals. So an old/used oven is needed as well to make this "home system" work. And you would prob. want it not in your house, as I am sure it would smell just great while baking

Believe me, I am all about something like this, but for how many actual parts I need/want coated, I would rather drop them off at a place that does it for a living, andpick it up a few days later done correctly.

My 4cents...

prsman23@hotmail.c · « **Reply #7 on:** August 03, 2006, 07:51:44 AM »

Bill if you do end up getting it, let me know a part # so I can try and get one myself. I've looked on the harbor freight site for it with no avail. Is it a sotre only kind of item?

einsteingarage · « **Reply #8 on:** August 03, 2006, 10:21:47 AM »

PRSMAN23,

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=42802

I just noticed that last week it was on sale for $69.99 now it's $99.99

I bought my stuff here

http://www.columbiacoatings.com/1024t45676ty78yj789345erfrg5467.htm

prsman23@hotmail.c · « **Reply #9 on:** August 03, 2006, 10:45:42 AM »

cool thanks,
now if I only had an oven big enough for a frame...

einsteingarage · « **Reply #10 on:** August 03, 2006, 11:07:34 AM »

I hear ya. I am waiting to see how it works with a household oven. I have been trying to figure out how to build an oven big enough. I have thought of a modified home heating oil tank using two propane burners. Basically a bar-b-que grill just larger. Like the pig roasters. Just no direct flame.

bill440cars · « **Reply #11 on:** August 03, 2006, 11:20:53 AM »

What. I'm wondering is, if I do get setup and things go pretty well, I might be able to do
some on the side (after a while and eventually make enough money to pay for it. Who knows, it
could (or not) happen. Might be worth a shot in my opinion. Later on, Bill

JP · « **Reply #12 on:** August 03, 2006, 12:45:01 PM »

Bill, I've done exactly what you are thinking about. It is not as bad as PT has heard, however, if you only have one bike your planning on doing- it will not be worth your time.

If you owned a little business in which you sold small parts on ebay all the time, then it might be worth the investment.

I powder coated my 80 CB750, and two quad frames with the system. Countless little parts and did make a little bit of money for a few people. I saved quite a bit of money and since I like doing and learning new things-for me it was worth it. But it is VERY messy. All of my powders were the same quality as everyone elses. As far as I know, powders don't differ much like paint does. I have used a lot of different stuff from Tyger Drylac, Dupont, and Columbia Coatings. Columbia Coatings is what I used more than anything else because it had a nice user friendly website and a good variety of products at inexpensive prices.

The stove thing- The problem comes when it is not properly cleaned and then baked. My first experience with this was with a swingarm and all of the grease came out of the bearings while baking. I opened the door to my glorious looking swingarm and the fumes went up my nose and in my eyes and I swear I was blinded for about 2 full minutes and nearly blacked out. No joke, watch out for this, it's bad.

I say, if you like tinkering and learning, try it out- it's cool. But be prepared.

Also, I used 4 1500 watt halogen bulbs to bake the frames- this was a real pain in the ass. I would suggest sticking to smaller parts. Don't worry about cooking, I ate plenty of meals out of that oven and I'm just fine, except for the small twitch and cancer they will find in about 10-20.

JP

Sorry for the book, the main computer here at work crashed and I am just killing time.

einsteingarage · « **Reply #13 on:** August 03, 2006, 12:57:05 PM »

Thanks JP,

I did read that you should bake your parts before you coat for that particular reason. It's too bad that you had to confirm it that way. I just got a call from my wife and the stuff showed up today. I can't wait to get out of work. From your post it sounds like what I expect to do with the powder coating system. It doesn't sound like I will be disappointed at all. Can you elaborate on the bulbs? What? and Where? and Why a pain?

JP · « **Reply #14 on:** August 03, 2006, 01:10:09 PM »

The lights-
Get the VERY big flood light setup. It is about 12" from side to side, 10" from top to bottum, and about 8" deep. I got four of these and two of the smaller light stands that hold two of the smaller lights each( the stands are usually bright yellow). I jimmied the big lights onto the little light stands, removed the shields and glass from them to get maximum heat and I replaced the 1,000 watt bulbs with 1,500 watters. The bulbs are about 1/2" diameter and about 10" long. When I plugged it all up, it was daylight at 1 in the morning- we're talking bright man. The cord also got so hot that the excess powder on the floor that it was laying in baked to it!

It sucked because the lights had to be very close to the item being cooked and it only cooked about an 8" pattern at a time, so you were constantly moving them about and if you didn't watch out, you would scortch the powder and have a big burn. You will have the same problem with any mobile heater, so don't waste your money.

hope it helps,
JP

einsteingarage · « **Reply #15 on:** August 03, 2006, 04:39:53 PM »

I was looking into the infrared lamps but they are $200 and have the same problem. You have to move them all the time. I have thought about a professional heat gun.

bill440cars · « **Reply #16 on:** August 03, 2006, 06:56:00 PM »

Hey, I've got several "Project Bikes" to build on (2 550Ks- 77' & 78', 1 500K- 73', 3 CB450K3 & 7s- 71' & 74's, 1 CL450K6-74', 1 400F-76', 1 CL72-62', 1 CB77-63', 1 Z50A-69, 1 RD350=73, 1 F9 350 Big Horn-74', 1 SR500-81', 2 XE650s- 73' & 75', DT250E-78', a DT175- 78' and most of a 79' & 80', DT400- 75', MX400-75', TS125-71', TS400- 76', Hodaka 100cc Road Toad- 74', 50cc Jawa- 56', CZ175-74', Jawa 250-63'-65' and part of a Jawa 350 Californian) not to mention my 80' CB750K w/ sidecar. If I just get to build a portion of these, I think the powder coating equipment would be worth while. What do you think? Keep in mind that the majority of these are in desperate need of lots of work & parts. Let's just say that I'm a sucker when it comes to a bike heading to the junkyard. Some of these were supposed to be parts for other bikes and my problem is that I'd like to build them all.

Later on, Bill

nuke · « **Reply #17 on:** August 04, 2006, 08:19:28 AM »

I was looking for ways to make/build your own curing oven from an old freezer for frames and bigger parts. Found this link/thread from Caswell plating and it sounds like it would be possible. Not much for tech specs on this link but just an idea. I like it!

http://forum.caswellplating.com/showthread.php?t=5188

nuke

bill440cars · « **Reply #18 on:** August 04, 2006, 11:37:38 AM »

Quote from: nuke on August 04, 2006, 08:19:28 AM

I was looking for ways to make/build your own curing oven from an old freezer for frames and bigger parts. Found this link/thread from Caswell plating and it sounds like it would be possible. Not much for tech specs on this link but just an idea. I like it!

http://forum.caswellplating.com/showthread.php?t=5188

nuke

Now that's interesting. The longer this runs, the more info comes in that makes me want to do this. Thanks guys. And nuke, that really was in interesting link you provided. Later on, Bill

74cb750 · « **Reply #19 on:** August 04, 2006, 06:06:41 PM »

Bill
seems like you have enough projects going to make it worthwhile.
Good luck and let us know how it works out.
peace,
michel

bill440cars · « **Reply #20 on:** August 04, 2006, 07:36:44 PM »

Quote from: 74cb750 on August 04, 2006, 06:06:41 PM

Bill
seems like you have enough projects going to make it worthwhile.
Good luck and let us know how it works out.
peace,
michel

Michel, I've got 3 very big obstacles to beware of. #1 Money #2 Time & #3 Keeping my wife from shooting me. Now if I can get past those three things, I might get some of them (the projects) done. I'll let you guys know as I get to where I can. I've only got 2 cameras, a Ricoh and Wal Mart Disposables. As you can see, my photography equipment leaves alot to be desired. Bear with me. Later on, Bill

cb350twin · « **Reply #21 on:** December 11, 2006, 09:27:14 PM »

How high of temp dose the coating have to be to cure? Also anyone know how long for? How do you tell when its cured. Thinking of using a heat gun if I get one.

(Ya i know it will take a decade)

mb3000gt · « **Reply #22 on:** December 12, 2006, 07:20:51 AM »

Quote from: cb350twin on December 11, 2006, 09:27:14 PM

How high of temp dose the coating have to be to cure? Also anyone know how long for? How do you tell when its cured. Thinking of using a heat gun if I get one.

(Ya i know it will take a decade)

take a look at this discussion
http://forum.caswellplating.com/showthread.php?t=5702

JP · « **Reply #23 on:** December 12, 2006, 09:59:50 AM »

Heat gun won't work. It blows off the powder.

JP

Bob Wessner · « **Reply #24 on:** December 12, 2006, 10:21:45 AM »

Is powder coating anymore durable against something like brake fluid than traditional paint?

News:

Author Topic: Powder Coat Equipment (Read 3003 times)

nuke

einsteingarage

prsman23@hotmail.c

einsteingarage

prsman23@hotmail.c

einsteingarage

JP

einsteingarage

JP

einsteingarage

nuke