Shopping list for Powder Coat newbies

[OnceFired]

Hey all

Did we ever put together a single sticky post containing a shopping list of all the items you'll want to assemble to try Powder Coated boolits?

It would be a link list, but I think with the popularity of powder coating on this forum it would serve a lot of people really well to have the info condensed this way.

I'll start, and I can edit this post as we go.


BBDT method (ball bearing dry tumble)

Crosman airsoft BB's - Black (http://www.amazon.com/Crosman-plastic-airsoft-0-25g-black/dp/B001PO5QAO/) works best, probably want at least 2,000
Cool Whip container (http://www.walmart.com/ip/Kraft-Cool-Whip-Original-Whipped-Topping-8-oz/10801133) - the type of plastic matters the most although size seems to matter too, don't go too big!
Tweezers or hemastats
Non-stick aluminum foil


ESPC gun (electro static powder coat)




Self-contained gun

This one (http://www.harborfreight.com/10-30-psi-powder-coating-system-94244.html) from Harbor Freight seems popular here




Guns needing an air compressor

Couple good ones reflecting a price range



BOTH METHODS NEED THESE

Oven

Standard oven

If you've got a full size SPARE oven. Don't cook food in it after. :) Or whatever.


Convection oven

List of good ones


Toaster oven

List of good ones (I think we have a thread for this part)


Must be capable of consistent 400 degrees for roughly 20 minutes
Must have a decently thermometer - here is a popular one


Powder

El Cheapo: Harbor Freight (reg price ~$7, sale price usually ~$4. Don't forget to bring coupons!)

Black (http://www.harborfreight.com/16-oz-powder-coat-paint-matte-black-93306.html)
Red (http://www.harborfreight.com/16-oz-powder-coat-paint-red-93309.html)
White (http://www.harborfreight.com/16-oz-powder-coat-paint-white-93307.html)
Yellow (http://www.harborfreight.com/16-oz-powder-coat-paint-yellow-93308.html)


Mid-level:

list


More Spendy but really good results & amazing colors:

a
b
c



Supplies you'll want to consider

A jig or tray to cook them in the oven

Home made versions (thread links)
Caliber specific recommendations (i.e. 1/4" hardware cloth (http://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-1-4-in-x-2-ft-x-5-ft-Hardware-Cloth-308231HD/204331884) for 223, etc)
Bullet design recommendations (HP, etc)


ESPC powder coating safety equipment (particularly a mask & glasses)
Gas checks for boolits that require them (before or after PC process)
etc

[popper]

Add Smoke's powder to the mid $ range. Any oil-less compressor capable of 15 psi for 15 min. minimum. NSAL, parchment paper, silicon baking sheets, metal plate or basket for cooking. I use grooveless moulds for rifle but any mould works. Nose dia. and COAL can be a problem.

[OnceFired]

Point me to the threads about them, and I'll write it all up.

[Dragonheart]

If someone is totally new to powder coating I think you are doing them a disservice to recommend they start with Harbor Freight powder as the results varies too much, and especially with any HF color other than "Red". If they want to try powder coating then get a pound of quality solid color powder to start that will give good results, like Prismatic Powder "Bubba Blue" or "Tractor Green" or get one of Smokes Powders.

[bangerjim]

With BBDT - HF red will work - if - in lower humidity climate. Otherwise get Smoke's powder!

With ESPC - any powder will work. HF white and yellow give thin pigment coatings but total resin coating.

I started out experimenting with HF red 3 years ago and have excellent luck with it every single time since. It is my standard powder doe BBDT & ESPC...straight or mixed with other colors. Only problem is: 45LC RN's look like friggin' lipstick! :lol:

bangerjim

[Maven]

This thread on the CBA Forum may be useful, especially post #1: http://www.castbulletassoc.org/forum/view_topic.php?id=12424&forum_id=16

[bangerjim]

This thread on the CBA Forum may be useful, especially post #1: http://www.castbulletassoc.org/forum/view_topic.php?id=12424&forum_id=16

The poster over there used a lot of data many of us on here developed and proved over the past few years. I agree with some of his opinions, and not others. And he says he has not shot any yet. I have shot many thousands! PC does work very well, both BBDT (with the correct conditions) and ESPC (any conditions!)

My suggestion: just do it. BBDT is cheap and easy to start out with. Anybody can do it with very little $$ investment. Play around with what has been PROVEN to work by a majority of all of us once you get good coatings. I have posted my exact methods and equipment for BBDT in several threads several times. It does work for me 100% of the time and give 85% quality of my ESPC guns.

banger