CT 22 to drive an HVLP spray gun?

[Samurai Dave]

Has anyone tried to run an HVLP gun with their CT?

Most HVLP systems have the same internals as a vacuum cleaner.  The CT 22 (and 33) produce 134 CFM.  The Fuji Q4 (4 stage turbine) produces 138 CFM @ 8 psi. 

Just wondering what the possibility is of using the CT 22 to provide air for an HVLP gun.  I know this isn't what the CT 22 is designed to do, but I am always looking for a way save money (so it can be spent on more Festool toys tools  ).

Probably the best possibility is to use a "bleeder" type HVLP gun so there is always air moving through the gun, instead of the non-bleeder that arrests the air movement completely.  Not sure how long the CT 22 would be able to deal with the exhaust being completely closed-off.   

 

[Eli]

While we're at it, let's figure out a venturi pump for the vac-sys so I can run an air nailer off it. ;D ;D ;D

 

[Jim Becker]

Even it if could provide the correct SCFM for the gun, I wouldn't do it due to the great likelihood of contamination. You'll never be able to get the CT perfectly clean after using it once. If you choose an HVLP conversion gun carefully, you can generally get one that will work fine with a smaller compressor, such as a 20 gallon portable. Some folks even run them on the "better" pancakes, although that's not a sure thing. The Wagner HVLP Conversion Guns I use was used on a smaller compressor with great results before I put the big IR into my shop.

 

[Samurai Dave]

Even it if could provide the correct SCFM for the gun, I wouldn't do it due to the great likelihood of contamination. You'll never be able to get the CT perfectly clean after using it once. If you choose an HVLP conversion gun carefully, you can generally get one that will work fine with a smaller compressor, such as a 20 gallon portable. Some folks even run them on the "better" pancakes, although that's not a sure thing. The Wagner HVLP Conversion Guns I use was used on a smaller compressor with great results before I put the big IR into my shop.

Jim, you have highlighted an issue that I had not considered.  In fact, it is the same issue pointed out by a Fuji rep.  I'll need to filter the air coming from the CT, so I'll run it through a foam filter like the one on the HVLP units.  The good news is that the Fuji rep confirmed the CT does produce enough CFM to run the HVLP gun.  Looks like I'll be trying a little experiment in the near future. 

 

[bigbadpig]

Wait a sec here ... can you explain contamination?  Doesn't the CT22 have a dual HEPA filters at the outlet?  How much cleaner can the air be?  I must be missing something

 

[Samurai Dave]

Wait a sec here ... can you explain contamination?  Doesn't the CT22 have a dual HEPA filters at the outlet?  How much cleaner can the air be?  I must be missing something

Greetings David!

After the CT is used once for dust extraction, the internal ducts and filters get a film of dust.  Even if the filters were replaced with new ones, there will still be some dust present.  The CT gets out the vast majority of the dust, but there is still some in the exhaust.  Not enough dust to worry about if you are breathing it, but enough to make a thin glossy film of finish look like it has a few lumps in it.  Plus the HVLP gun may get clogged with bits of dust. 

I plan to make a pre-filter from a foam filter (just like the one used on HVLP units) inside a Systainer.  In one side I will bore a 2.5" hole for the inlet fitting, likewise on the other side will be the outlet, with the air passing through the filter in-between.  Theoretically it will work, but there is only one way to find out. 

The Fuji HVLP Q4 is their most powerful and quiet model.  Just the HVLP unit runs around $500, no gun or accessories.  After the gun, extra tips & needles, hoses, etc, it will be around $1000.  If I can use the CT as the source of clean air, then I will have found yet another use for the CT, have one less tool to consume my limited storage space, saved some cash, and one less new tool to justify to the wife  . 

 

[Jimhart]

Dave,

Before i would cut holes in a systainer for this experiment, I think I'd make a more airtight box out of scrap ply. Even if the concept works, I suspect that you will lose a lot of air pressure trying to move the air through a systainer.

Jim

 

[Samurai Dave]

Dave,

Before i would cut holes in a systainer for this experiment, I think I'd make a more airtight box out of scrap ply. Even if the concept works, I suspect that you will lose a lot of air pressure trying to move the air through a systainer.

Jim

Jim, my "R&D" version will most likely be am MDF box or a 5 gallon bucket with a lid.  A lot less expensive than experimenting on a Systainer.   

I'm hoping there won't be a dramatic air pressure drop.  I predict it will act like an air tank on an air compressor, which provides more volume/storage; but I could be wrong and the gun will draw-down too much air.  Theoretically it will work, but I want to give it a try in the "real world" to see what happens.