[quote name='rick 918-S' date='Feb 12 2011, 10:04 AM' post='1430475']
First anyone bought a powder coating gun from Harbor Freight?
Hey Rick 918-S,
I am LOVIN' Powder coating car parts using the Harbor Freight kit!
-How well did it work?
==> It took a little practice, but I found that the powder must be "floated" to the target piece using the high voltage power supply to DRAW it to the surface. I have my airflow set at 30 PSI, static, and pulse the trigger to puff in short bursts.
-Did you use your kitchen oven?
==> ABSOLUTELY! ....for everything that will fit.
-Did it stink up the house?
==> NO....while it can be smelled, it's not unpleasant and it dissipates quickly.
If you see smoke, you are cooking too long!
-Did your wife catch you?
==> NO Wife, BUT, I learned to be CAREFUL walking from the garage to the oven
as the smallest shock will shake off some powder. I learned to hold a box or platter under the parts during transport. Also, I now have a partially powder coated oven door.
==> Not only do I get a great tough finish, it is SO QUICK! I hang the parts in a cold electric oven, turn setting to 375 deg. and in 8-10 Minutes, it's Done! No more priming, waiting, painting, waiting and then trying to NOT scratch the finished part!!!!
-Did you get the look? You married guys know what I'm talking about.
==> FANTASTIC!! I did all the shroud metal for the 411 engine in a flat black along with the valve covers! For my V8 914, I did a piece in my breather system in a beautiful gloss black.
-I have some wheels I need to get powder coated in order to get the Ravenna car off jack stands.
==> I used to worry about powder coating Alu wheels, but since the temps are so low and for a short time, there should be no problem I can see. I'll powder coat my 411 powered 914 with a great looking silver. Eastwood has every color you could want and from what I've seen have the best pricing, without buying 50 lbs.
HOWEVER, IF ANYONE KNOWS OF A LOW-PRICED POWDER VENDOR, PLEASE LET ME KNOW!!!!
Best,
Terry