Is my compressor big enough? 30gal/6hp

[Josh69]

I have a Craftsman 30 gal compressor with a 6hp motor, 120v, 15amp. It says it's rated at 8.6scfm at 40psi, 6.4 at 90psi or something like that. It's a red one, and it says it'll run an HVLP on the sticker but I know that's pretty vague. I was looking at some HVLP guns, like Sata, Devilbiss, etc, and most say they require like 10scfm at the tip for a base/clear gun with a 1.3 tip.

I know it likes to run alot when I'm using a grinder or my mini-polisher/sander.

I have a few scratches and minor repairs I'd like to fix by doing some panels like a fender, bumper, etc. I'd like to maintain the same bc/cc paints used in the original job. I'm really only looking to do some panel painting.

Advice?

I've painted before using other peoples equipment, so this will be my first try with this compressor. I'm not real happy with the quality of the paint job I paid for, so a few panels may turn into more panels as I go. Since it's a black car, that should be pretty easy to deal with, and I'm a pro with a buffer and some sandpaper and a bucket of water.

[Fluid Power]

Josh,

In order to answer the question, at what PSI do you need to have 10scfm? If it is 40, you are fine, if 90, obviously not enough. My guess is that you will be fine, I mean HVLP means high volume LOW PRESSURE. Find that pressure and you have your answer. The other key to paint quality is air quality. I would recommend a nice filter regulator dryer unit to make sure you have clean dry air.

Darren

[Josh69]

I looked around and I have found some guns like the DeVilbiss Finish line that say they will work on a 3hp compressor and has 10psi at the tip with 23psi input. From what I gather on my compressor, if it's 6.4 at 90, then 8.6 at 40, it must be close to 10scfm at 25 or so. My limitation is mostly likely the 30 gallon tank, but I'm not planning on painting more than a fender at a time.

I have used a dessicant in my line for my tools, but I will definitly upgrade to a quality filter set-up.

[Fluid Power]

If you use a desiccant, you must use an after filter to remove any desiccant particles. (for painting) So the set up would be regulator-filter-desiccant-after filter. I would agree that the limit is the tank to maintain the correct pressure/scfm. You are probably also correct at 10scfm at 25 psi. I just re-read your original post and I mis-read it the first time. I thought you would have 10 scfm at 40 psi not 8.6. I need to drag my paint gun out and read the specs for you.

Darren