slacker

iTrader: (1)

we now do powdercoating ..

small parts @ the moment , but we are working on a bigger ovan



3.4L Valve covers in gloss black

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kawazx636

iTrader: (3)

I was bored at work today and stumbled across this thread. Are you using commercial powdercoating equipment? If so, what brand and how do you like the results?

I'm sure you know that I bought the Eastwood kit a while back to do small parts on my truck build, but I have recently discovered that there is a pretty good demand for powdercoating services in my area, well actually my region. So I'm thinking about getting some more durable equipment that is closer to commercial grade and opening up shop. Just curious to see what you guys are using up there and what the results are like.

As a side note, I made a rack/holder thing-a-ma-jig for powdercoating valve covers and other parts that don't require coating on the inside. I cut a 1/2" plate of steel into a 24"x12" rectangle and drilled 1/4" holes every 2" - looked like a peg board when I was done. I then tapped all the holes so that 1/4" bolts could be threaded into each one. When I coat parts like valve covers, I simply thread the appropriate length bolts into the appropriate holes in the steel "peg board" so that the valve cover is suspended from underneath by the bolts. I have learned that you get less "orange peel" because the part is heated more evenly from the inside out as opposed to heating from the outside in like it would be if it were to be resting on a solid surface. The edges at the base of the valve covers are also smooth since they aren't resting on any surface. It beats the hell out of trying to use steel wire and hanging it from the oven somehow and I lessen the risk of my clumsy ass knocking off powder when placing it in the oven. Just some thoughts to help further your success up there - feel free to share your tricks with me ;o)

slacker

iTrader: (1)

We're at about the same point you are .. we're just doing the small things right now checking for demand . not much demand here other then the work in our shop , just something we dont have to "farm " out I guess .
a customer of ours has grasiously offered to build us a bigger ovan , 8' X 4 X 4 , so maybe diffs and such ..

we have 2 large industrial companies here in our little town already spraying the powder whom get ALL the business , so i dont know how much we'll do , other then the "little" things . I'm comfortable with this


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kawazx636

iTrader: (3)

It's really nice to have even if it's just do parts in-house for customers. The durability beats the hell out of painting and with a business like your's, you simply can't sit around and wait for paint to dry sometimes.

slacker

iTrader: (1)

exactly .. we try to do all in house , as I really hate relying on others , seems i'm always dissapointed when I do have to "rely on others"

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