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Author Topic: Let's try economy powder coating at home  (Read 24055 times)

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Drnick

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Re: Let's try economy powder coating at home
« Reply #80 on: February 23, 2013, 02:59:39 pm »
Never powdercoat without a nice cold beer, its hot and thirsty work

Or overalls,  I once went to drop off a radiator for powdercoating, The owner of the shop came out and he had been powdercoating some wheels a nice hue of Green.  To say he looked like the hulk is an understatement. 

griffindodd

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Re: Re: Let's try economy powder coating at home
« Reply #81 on: February 24, 2013, 12:19:33 am »
Good luck...Jennifer has left the thread.

Excellent, I don't want any Pixie dust up in my powder coat >:D

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jennifer

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Re: Let's try economy powder coating at home
« Reply #82 on: February 24, 2013, 03:08:36 am »
      Perhaps jennifer was a a bit hasty, and loud, Therefore, since Im still a bit courious as to how this plays out. Ill quietly listen.... The pixie dust is quite funny however and made me laugh,and laugh. :)

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Re: Re: Let's try economy powder coating at home
« Reply #83 on: February 24, 2013, 10:39:59 am »
      Perhaps jennifer was a a bit hasty, and loud, Therefore, since Im still a bit courious as to how this plays out. Ill quietly listen.... The pixie dust is quite funny however and made me laugh,and laugh. :)

:))

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Re: Let's try economy powder coating at home
« Reply #84 on: February 24, 2013, 10:51:00 am »

I've built a few meat smokers and a lot of the concepts are the same here.  People regularly build smokers out of any large metal container they can find.  Refrigerators make a great choice if you pull out any plastic/fiberglass.  Old 250gal oil tanks too.  Put a decent thermostat on the door, set some propane heat either inside or in a sidebox, and you can learn to get a very consistent temperature in there with a 20lb propane tank and an inline needle valve.

An old 250gal heating oil tank would make a dead perfect DIY powdercoat oven and easily be large enough for pinball siderails.  And doing it with propane would be a ton easier than trying to use electricity from both a control and fuel perspective.

geomartin

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Re: Let's try economy powder coating at home
« Reply #85 on: February 24, 2013, 01:25:48 pm »
Just wanted to make sure you'vre priced powder before you get too far in.  I've had to purchase a lot of powder in the past for a sheetmetal fabricator i used to work for.  Some standard colors can be had in five pound increments, but don't be surprised to see 25lbs. Min buy requirements.  Custom colors can run 50lbs. or more for min. buys.  Also , powder has a shelf life and storage conditions are important. .
Please!  Give me the good news first!

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Re: Let's try economy powder coating at home
« Reply #86 on: February 25, 2013, 12:00:18 am »
In the words of Elvis

'A little less conversation a little more action please'

While its been fun chatting the tone in all of my build and experimentation threads has become rather negative and arrogant. With this in mind I'll avoid the discourse by just posting pictures of progress of this and future builds from here on out, not as a negative statement but more one that's celebrates creativity, problem solving and the love of the process. What we do is wonderful, a tribute to our childhood, a challenge of our abilities and a love of gameplay over production budgets .

What we do here is wonderful and has been a life changing discovery for me. Let's continue to be excellent, push ourselves further and celebrate an era sadly less understood by generations that never had to save their quarters and travel to the local arcade to experience their wonder and joy.

From here on out picture updates from me but no text, I'll let you all dictate your own script.

Peace and love for all bits 8 and below
« Last Edit: February 25, 2013, 12:04:38 am by griffindodd »
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jennifer

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Re: Let's try economy powder coating at home
« Reply #87 on: February 25, 2013, 12:52:45 am »
      .....EDIT.....
« Last Edit: February 25, 2013, 02:37:24 am by jennifer »

geomartin

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Re: Let's try economy powder coating at home
« Reply #88 on: February 25, 2013, 03:04:32 am »
Whoah Griff!

I was not trying to discourage you at all.  I only meant to share  what I thought was important information about the cost of powder with you.  I've been eagerly watching all of your projects, as they are among the elite of BYOAC.  You've given so much inspiration to so many here and I'd hate for you to stop because my comment was misconstrued.  I only mentioned it at all because I have had some jaw dropping reactions from customers over powder costs.  I had Tiger Drlac and Cardinal require 250 lbs. min on some custom colors.
Please!  Give me the good news first!

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Re: Let's try economy powder coating at home
« Reply #89 on: February 25, 2013, 03:50:14 am »
Joel, one of the things that I always enjoy about reading your threads is the lively banter.

It's a sign of how much we enjoy your company, even if we sometimes get a little rowdy.   >:D

Just remember that Elvis was requesting "A little less conversation a little more action", as opposed to a vow of silence.

As always, I look forward to your upcoming words and pics on this and other projects as you try to find a happy balance between them.   :cheers:


Scott

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Re: Let's try economy powder coating at home
« Reply #90 on: February 25, 2013, 09:21:57 am »
Wow. Just read that last post, lol sorry about that I was totally wasted last night after burying a whole Growler of rather strong Gran Cru :-\ . I think that rant must have been inspired by all the Oscar's speeches.

Any hoooooo drunk calls, drunk texts and drunk posts always make for interesting conversations the following day.

Party on Garth

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Re: Let's try economy powder coating at home
« Reply #91 on: February 25, 2013, 09:44:33 am »
Wow. Just read that last post, lol sorry about that I was totally wasted last night after burying a whole Growler of rather strong Gran Cru :-\ . I think that rant must have been inspired by all the Oscar's speeches.


Any adult who claims they have never done this is a liar.  We've all been there.   :cheers:

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Re: Let's try economy powder coating at home
« Reply #92 on: February 25, 2013, 01:48:31 pm »
Any adult who claims they have never done this is a liar.  We've all been there.   :cheers:

Heh.  I've had to stop myself a few times at 3am after drunk bullhead fishing with the boys up here in the Adirondacks.  Nothing good could have come from that  :lol  :cheers:

But seriously, keep posting, good ideas and even not so good.  We're just trying to help hash it out for your benefit, as well as others who might be following along.

jennifer

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Re: Let's try economy powder coating at home
« Reply #93 on: February 25, 2013, 01:50:03 pm »
       Things could have been kinda ugly, But Jennifer is kinda glad this happened, It means your human, Now to put this behind us? :-[...Btw I am so sorry for my "Edit" post.
« Last Edit: February 25, 2013, 02:00:59 pm by jennifer »

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Re: Let's try economy powder coating at home
« Reply #94 on: February 25, 2013, 01:53:35 pm »
But seriously, keep posting, good ideas and even not so good.  We're just trying to help hash it out for your benefit, as well as others who might be following along.

THIS.
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griffindodd

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Re: Let's try economy powder coating at home
« Reply #95 on: February 25, 2013, 01:54:33 pm »
       Things could have been kinda ugly, But Jennifer is kinda glad this happened, It means your human, one of us... Now to put this behind us? :-[

Absolutely. I'm still waiting for the dang smaller ovens to arrive, I'm going to still use one as a small PC oven and throw the other one in the kitchen for crazy things like cooking food  :o

At this point I'm going to just get used to the process of doing some coating and see what kind of results come out. I'm going to experiment with the coin doors and return flaps on my paperboy. I'm having the coin door frame and coin inserts and coin return frames chromed and keeping the doors and flaps black.
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jennifer

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Re: Let's try economy powder coating at home
« Reply #96 on: February 25, 2013, 02:24:40 pm »
     This may be a dumb idea... But couldnt a waterheater be retrofited with a hinged top?...Or a removable top?
« Last Edit: February 25, 2013, 02:28:29 pm by jennifer »

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Re: Let's try economy powder coating at home
« Reply #97 on: February 25, 2013, 02:29:09 pm »
     This may be a dumb idea... But couldnt a waterheater be retrofited with a hinged top?...Or a removable top?

Anything metal that will take the heat will do
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Re: Let's try economy powder coating at home
« Reply #98 on: February 25, 2013, 02:34:42 pm »

Depends how a water heater is lined.  It's not designed to be dry or operated all that hot.  Structurally it could be done but I'm not optimistic that the lining of a water heater would stand up to dry heat of over 300 degrees.

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Re: Let's try economy powder coating at home
« Reply #99 on: February 25, 2013, 02:39:23 pm »
   Thats a good point...Without lining it with steel, Probabbly more of a fire hazzard...Nevermind :-\

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Re: Let's try economy powder coating at home
« Reply #100 on: February 25, 2013, 02:57:41 pm »
Party on Garth

Party on Wayne.



hinged top?...Or a removable top?

The downside to that is that after you coat it, you have to hang the work piece to heat it.

With a top-loader, it seems like it would be harder to avoid bumping into the sides of the oven or the ceiling while hanging a long piece like a side rail.


Scott
« Last Edit: February 25, 2013, 03:13:14 pm by PL1 »

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Re: Let's try economy powder coating at home
« Reply #101 on: February 25, 2013, 02:59:51 pm »


Anyway....drunk posting aside, I have a Harbor Freight about a block from my house and want a review of their powdercoater.  I see it every time I walk in the door.

AJ

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Re: Let's try economy powder coating at home
« Reply #102 on: February 25, 2013, 03:18:47 pm »
Umm . . . you're mixing up Wayne's World and Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, AJ


Scott

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Re: Let's try economy powder coating at home
« Reply #103 on: February 25, 2013, 03:21:12 pm »
Let's continue to be excellent, push ourselves further and celebrate an era sadly less understood by generations that never had to save their quarters and travel to the local arcade to experience their wonder and joy.


Referencing the O(drunk)P. 

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Re: Let's try economy powder coating at home
« Reply #104 on: February 25, 2013, 04:12:24 pm »
Hey Griff,

I spoke to our powder coater today and he has the following tips for someone just learning:

Remember to chemically clean all parts, acetone wipe at the minimum, and pre-heat parts prior to coating.  Also, follow the MFG. recommended temps and bake times closely, and note temp and time can vary from one powder to another even from the same MFG.  Incorrect oven temp or soak time can lead to poor adhesion and cloudy finishes.  Also he stressed that your oven and work area need to be well ventilated due to the outgassing of the powder during bake and cure times.  I hope this helps.

Geo
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Re: Let's try economy powder coating at home
« Reply #105 on: February 25, 2013, 05:05:19 pm »
Thanks for that Geo.......as this thread has made me look at doing some powder on the Virtual Pin I'm working on.   ;D

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Re: Let's try economy powder coating at home
« Reply #106 on: February 25, 2013, 05:47:09 pm »
Hey Griff,

I spoke to our powder coater today and he has the following tips for someone just learning:

Remember to chemically clean all parts, acetone wipe at the minimum, and pre-heat parts prior to coating.  Also, follow the MFG. recommended temps and bake times closely, and note temp and time can vary from one powder to another even from the same MFG.  Incorrect oven temp or soak time can lead to poor adhesion and cloudy finishes.  Also he stressed that your oven and work area need to be well ventilated due to the outgassing of the powder during bake and cure times.  I hope this helps.

Geo

Thanks for all this. Preheating brings up some questions that both myself and Neph had in the past. What temp should we be pre-heating to?
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Re: Let's try economy powder coating at home
« Reply #107 on: March 02, 2013, 12:31:41 pm »
The super high tech spray booth and oven are nearly ready for trials. Using the old beat up oven and gave the wife the new one.



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Re: Let's try economy powder coating at home
« Reply #108 on: March 02, 2013, 05:51:54 pm »
Set up a little rail in the toaster oven to hang things from, I think I'm ready to give this a try



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Re: Let's try economy powder coating at home
« Reply #109 on: March 02, 2013, 06:43:05 pm »
Well it sure is messy alright . First piece is in and cooking as a type this. Very exciting.


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Re: Let's try economy powder coating at home
« Reply #110 on: March 02, 2013, 06:45:04 pm »
Well here we are...



A bit of orange peel but overall I think the result is pretty great, a nice even coat and if feels tough.

I'm going to call this a win

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Re: Let's try economy powder coating at home
« Reply #111 on: March 02, 2013, 06:51:33 pm »
 :cheers:
***Build what you dig, bro. Build what you dig.***

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Re: Let's try economy powder coating at home
« Reply #112 on: March 03, 2013, 01:48:34 am »
Excellent results for at home in a toaster oven! :applaud:

Was looking forward to the outcome of two oven fused together though...

Can't wait to see your custom oven! :cheers:

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Re: Let's try economy powder coating at home
« Reply #113 on: March 03, 2013, 03:40:22 am »
    Omg, he did it right out of the barn.... And even Jennifer gets impressed. :applaud:

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Re: Let's try economy powder coating at home
« Reply #114 on: March 03, 2013, 08:57:26 am »
Lol, not bad for the first try, but lets find out if it was beginners luck. I think the eggshell was from putting a little too much powder on and the fact that the oven shut itself off a few minutes early on this attempt.

I cleaned off the piece with alcohol, and placed it in the oven while I pre-heated it up to about 300 degrees, I figured pre-heating the piece would help with the flow out of the powder, I'm sure I heard that somewhere and I know Geomartin mentioned it too. Also while it pre-heated I cleaned the inside of my throat with alcohol too which allows for smoothing spaying technique.

Next time I will reduce the powder gun pressure a little and go lighter on the powder, also make sure the oven doesn't turn off before the full 20 mins of curing.
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Re: Let's try economy powder coating at home
« Reply #115 on: March 03, 2013, 09:00:38 am »
Are you sure you're using the right scotch for this application? Perhaps it requires gin.

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Re: Re: Let's try economy powder coating at home
« Reply #116 on: March 03, 2013, 09:21:43 am »
Are you sure you're using the right scotch for this application? Perhaps it requires gin.

I'm going to make sure I try every possible combination to refine my technique, I do it in the name of science!

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Re: Let's try economy powder coating at home
« Reply #117 on: March 03, 2013, 06:01:41 pm »
Commence Project FrankenToaster!



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« Last Edit: March 03, 2013, 06:05:40 pm by griffindodd »
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Re: Let's try economy powder coating at home
« Reply #118 on: March 03, 2013, 07:20:54 pm »
Winging it but this looks like its got potential



Going to extend the wires on those elements so they run into the first oven shell. Couldn't do the side by side with these ovens but combined they will give me about a cubic foot which should be pretty useful. Same technique for a long thin oven I guess

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Re: Let's try economy powder coating at home
« Reply #119 on: March 03, 2013, 10:48:29 pm »
Ahhhh ---fudgesicle--- it. I've had a few glasses of wine, let's do this the way we started out...



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