Bit late to ask, but...

[Petetheprinta]

I know it's a bit late to ask now but I bought myself a compressor today (spur of the moment thing) because I thought I would have a go at painting the Disco.
It's an Australian built Forbes pro air model 12521. 68L tank, 3hp motor FAD 6.25 L/sec. It's a bit late now but I am hoping someone will say it's not a bad compressor and will have enough oomph to spray the Disco. I got it at what I believe was a very good price having looked at others.

[Gary S11]

Hi, I always thought that you needed around 14 lpm, I don't think yours would keep up .Gary

[Jojo]

I am by no means an expert on this issue, but... from what I have learned the important thing is the size of the tank, the bigger the better. Yours with 68l may well do. The rationale behind is that the compressor motor will have to start less often with a bigger tank, minimising the spray irregularities that can be disturbing on the final product.
Are you sure your 3hp motor only works up to 6,25l/min??? A wee bit smallish, I'd suggest. Depending on the area to be painted and the spray pistol's nozzle you may get around with it, but don't expect optimum results. Having said that, it should suffice for the job anyway.
I made an attempt on my Disco as well, with the result subject to debate, so to speak. With better equipment (AND experience) you will get better results. Good luck!
Cheers

[Petetheprinta]

Hi, I always thought that you needed around 14 lpm, I don't think yours would keep up .Gary

Oops sorry about that, I have corrected my initial post, it should read 6.25L per second, not minute. Thanks

[Andrew D]

Oops sorry about that, I have corrected my initial post, it should read 6.25L per second, not minute. Thanks

That sounds over the top now. 360 litres per minute?

Regards
Andrew

[Petetheprinta]

That sounds over the top now. 360 litres per minute?

Regards
Andrew

Unless I am reading it wrong, specs are here. Model no 12521, bottom of list

Single Phase Air Compressor Units | Forbes | Proair | Swan (http://www.forbesaust.com.au/compressor_single_ph.html)

[Homestar]

Sounds about right - the 360 litres per minute is the free air delivery - that is what will get sucked into the compressor at normal operating conditions and is the best way to spec a compressor. Delivery on the outlet for that free air will be between 14 and 18 CFM depending on the compressor. Either way, it is the correct size (just) to run a spray gun properly.

[loanrangie]

I was always told that 10CFM was the absolute minimum for spray painting but 12CFM and up was ideal especially if you want to run air tools as well.
I have used 10CFM to paint a vehicle before so yours will be fine.

[Homestar]

Correct, but it also depends on what paint you're using, and what size orifice you have in the gun. 10 to 12 CFM will work fine for small orifice with acrylics, etc. if you go up to high pressure, high volume orifice for 2 pack, primer surfaces, etc then a 12 CFM would struggle. My 17 CFM works hard doing that sort of work, but if you are aware of the compressors limitations when going to that style spraying, then you can work around it.

Always nice to have more air than you need though.:)

[jerryd]

According to that link your model pumps out 13.24 cfm which should be fine for spraying a vehicle :)