Newbie - HVLP and Air Compressor Compatibility

[netcode]

Hello,

Posting this in the motorcycle painting area as that is what I am painting. I am new to spraying with HVLP. I have a gun, I have to double check, but I am pretty sure that the gun says it requires 7-9CFM @ 40PSI. I am looking at Air Compressors, one is a 13 gallon that says it puts out 3.8 CFM @ 90 PSI ($199). Without going over about $600 I cannot find an air compressor that says a rating anywhere near 7-9 CFM. I am wondering, do I have the wrong type of gun in order to use an air compressor or are very expensive air compressors just required when using HVLP guns?

I was also looking at turbine systems, they seem to register more CFM. After reading a lot though it seems that most people still use air compressors.

Any feedback is great. Thanks.

 

[TAZ]

You might be able to find a good used larger air compressor.
This looks like a good medium sized air compressor from Home Depot.
I would think that would work for you?

 

[netcode]

That would absolutely work with my gun. says 13.4 cfm @ 40 psi.

It makes me wonder, do I simply have the wrong type of gun. I bought it for I think about $50 from Princess Auto. The brand is PowerFist.. Its cheap as you can tell. I do understand that there are HVLP guns that require high CFM to work and ones that require low CFM, is this cheap vs expensive or strictly because of design?

All I am doing is painting motorcycle fairings, that air compressor just makes me feel like I am going way overboard. Or maybe that is what is required for good quality painting?

I have been reading so much as of late to try and find exactly what product I need. I have looked into mini guns, maybe this is more appropriate. But I am concerned about using mini guns with primers, I think I read a few places that said you need a full size gun to lay primers - is this true? Does the size of the gun (a regular size vs mini) effect the quality of the paint job?

Sorry for so many questions. Reading so much information around the internet I am having a tough time putting together all the bits and pieces that I am finding.

 

[netcode]

The more and more I look at Turbine systems they seem appealing. Smaller, all in one system. Ever used?