Page 1 of 1

Will This Campbell Hausfeld Compressor work?

PostPosted: Sat Apr 11, 2020 5:36 pm
by Mikster
Hello I'm new here and have a noob question. I want to learn how to paint like a pro (one day). My friend has a compressor he can lend me Campbell Hausfeld Compressor HV3500 65 CFM (https://www.amazon.com/Campbell-Hausfel ... op?ie=UTF8) was wondering if I can use that to paint my old beat up car given that i buy a 1.4mm spray gun? All the body shops I've seen have a compressor with a huge tank and this one is just a dinky looking unit so i'm just kinda wondering.

Thanks in advance!

Re: Will This Campbell Hausfeld Compressor work?

PostPosted: Sun Apr 12, 2020 12:30 am
by DarrelK
Well, my friend, if you think that is a compressor set-up you need to keep reading... That is a hobbyist level turbine spray "system" which has nothing to do with those big tank compressed air systems at pro shops. The principles behind the systems are not just quite different they are completely the opposite. Compressed air depends on higher pressure/lower cfm production of a cold air source while turbine systems produce high cfm/low pressure warm air. Again, read, read, read before doing anything.....

Re: Will This Campbell Hausfeld Compressor work?

PostPosted: Sun Apr 12, 2020 8:36 pm
by Mikster
DarrelK wrote:Well, my friend, if you think that is a compressor set-up you need to keep reading... That is a hobbyist level turbine spray "system" which has nothing to do with those big tank compressed air systems at pro shops. The principles behind the systems are not just quite different they are completely the opposite. Compressed air depends on higher pressure/lower cfm production of a cold air source while turbine systems produce high cfm/low pressure warm air. Again, read, read, read before doing anything.....





Gotcha! Thanks for explaining this to me. My uncle has a "CAMPBELL HAUSFELD Air Compressor" which produces 5.4 cfm at 40 PSI can I get away with that compressor with a cheap Harbor Freight (6.2 cfm) entry level spray gun to start off? Obviously i know I can't paint a whole car with that but just to practice on panels and smaller diy stuff.

Re: Will This Campbell Hausfeld Compressor work?

PostPosted: Sun Apr 12, 2020 10:20 pm
by DarrelK
Yes, you can get by with a "marginal" set up like that as long as it is panel painting only. You are just kind of working against the laws of physics and what the manufacturers state for the performance of their equipment. Usually small compressors like this are overstated on their output/performance while the cheaper guns are actually using more cfm than indicated. You will notice that from the first trigger pull this compressor will run almost continuously and probably start throwing a lot of moisture into the airlines as it heats up. As long as you understand this though....sure hit some panels to learn...... Just don't delude yourself into thinking you are going to do an overall continuous shoot.....

Re: Will This Campbell Hausfeld Compressor work?

PostPosted: Mon Apr 13, 2020 9:29 am
by '68 Coronet R/T
Check craigslist for used air compressors. Often you can get one that puts out at least 15 cfm at 40 psi.
Then put the harbor freight junk out of our mind and look for a decent spray gun. This will lessen your frustration level greatly.
You can always resell the spray gun if it's a good one, HF will end up in the trash usually sooner than later.

Re: Will This Campbell Hausfeld Compressor work?

PostPosted: Mon Apr 13, 2020 10:36 am
by Quincy
I thought 1 of the few advantages of a turbo system was that you did not need filters, water and dust, between the compressor and gun? Confused about this and seem to get different information. The one I was looking at states the hose dissipates the heat, might need to use their hose.

Re: Will This Campbell Hausfeld Compressor work?

PostPosted: Mon Apr 13, 2020 12:55 pm
by Mikster
I don't have the budget or space for a bigger tank 10+ cfm atm. However I will consider your advice and go with a nicer spray gun. Someone in my area selling a SATA 3000 for a decent price. I'm just checking the specs requirement for that gun and it states 10 cfm so I'm not sure if my 6.5 cfm will work spraying panels.

Re: Will This Campbell Hausfeld Compressor work?

PostPosted: Mon Apr 13, 2020 2:42 pm
by JCCLARK
Quincy wrote:I thought 1 of the few advantages of a turbo system was that you did not need filters, water and dust, between the compressor and gun?


Any time you use air to paint with, the air needs filtering.
Outside normal air is dirty and will pass dust to the paint.

Those turbine spray systems are made mainly for woodworkers that
don't normally use automotive finishes which are much different in viscosity.

Compressors for HVLP guns need a lot of air, conventional guns use less, you
may want to look at those.

A CFM rating at 40 PSI means nothing, the compressor pumps against the tank pressure
(once filled) which is usually above 100 PSI, So the CFM rating at 90 PSI is more
realistic, but even that is lower then what you'll actual be able to replenish the
make-up air with being the tank pressure is usually higher.
You don't want the compressor running all the time, which makes heat,
which makes water.
The compressor CFM at the 90 PSI rating needs to be higher than what the gun needs.
The bigger the better.