New compressor - need air hose recommendations

[PerryGunn]

I've just purchased a Hyundai Super Silent (we'll see about that ) compressor - it's my first compressor so I'm on a bit of a learning curve...

I'd like to get a 10m or 15m hose so I can do some paint spraying in the garden while leaving the compressor in the workshop - can anyone recommend a decent but reasonably priced hose with euro connectors? Is a retractable line/reel worth the extra?

I've seen mention of a 'whip' hose tail. If I understand it correctly, I think this is a short, more flexible hose that connects between the main hose and the spray gun - are these necessary?

Thanks

 

[Sideways]

Not exactly but I will offer this thought :
For paint spraying with a small gun, a highly flexible hose does make a difference to ease of use.
I use a very small touch up type spray gun and because it doesn't use much air, I get away with a skinny and very flexible hose.
It was an offcut, and in searching for something like it to buy a longer length I found this:
http://www.ralcohose.co.uk/hose-mat...d-ultra-flexible-air-hose-hc1135-product.html
Probably not up to being stomped on in a rough environment but the flexibility is just awesome.

 

[PerryGunn]

Not exactly but I will offer this thought :
For paint spraying with a small gun, a highly flexible hose does make a difference to ease of use.
I use a very small touch up type spray gun and because it doesn't use much air, I get away with a skinny and very flexible hose.
It was an offcut, and in searching for something like it to buy a longer length I found this:
http://www.ralcohose.co.uk/hose-mat...d-ultra-flexible-air-hose-hc1135-product.html
Probably not up to being stomped on in a rough environment but the flexibility is just awesome.

Thanks for that - bare pipe might work for me if the air fittings are easy to attach (not something I've ever had to do before)

I've only got to spray a few small-ish bits and pieces that SWMBO likes but, due to colour scheme changes, now need to be satin white - and, to put it politely, they will need a wife-acceptable smoothness to the finish...

I was looking at touch-up spray guns as the full size ones require too much air. Spraying will only be an occasional requirement but I got the largest 'silent' compressor I could fit in the available space, the Hyundai HY27550 (and anything more expensive would have been overkill).

If you don't mind me asking which touch-up spray gun do you use?

 

[Ollie78]

I would suggest getting a moisture trap first of all. Secondly get quick connects on everything pcl xf "euro" style ones are better for airflow these are shorter fatter versions of the connectors.
Put the moisture trap on first then attach the female connector to that. Everything can then be quickly attached or detatched as needed.
Machine mart are actually pretty good for air fittings and pipes etc.
Use ptfe tape on the threaded connections.
I have a reel on mine but it is a bit of a pain as it is so inflexible so difficult to roll in and out so not nice for spraying .
I don't like the coiled type either as they are a law unto themselves and get caught on everything.
You want a softer more compliant hose more of a rubber than a plastic.

Ollie

 

[PerryGunn]

I would suggest getting a moisture trap first of all. Secondly get quick connects on everything pcl xf "euro" style ones are better for airflow these are shorter fatter versions of the connectors.

This is the hose I was looking at - it's XF fittings - but the one @Sideways suggested looks more flexible although I'd have to add my own connectors
https://www.powertoolsalesuk.com/pr...ith-xf-euro-coupling-adaptor-various-lengths/
Is the moisture trap still necessary when using water-based paints? All the trim woodwork has been finished in Zinsser Perma White (Satin) which is water based and SWMBO would like the other bits to match.

EDIT: I've just checked an on-line review and it appears that the Hyundai model that I've ordered has a moisture trap situated just before the air outlet connectors - I presume that means I don't need to buy another one?

 

[Sideways]

I have a superb Iwata LPH80 mini gun. Bought as it has the lowest airflow needs of all the professional guns. Just over 2 cfm at 13 psi.
Not at all cheap but one of my best tools.
I use a 1.2mm tip to spray Tractol enamel.

 

[PerryGunn]

I have a superb Iwata LPH80 mini gun. Bought as it has the lowest airflow needs of all the professional guns. Just over 2 cfm at 13 psi.
Not at all cheap but one of my best tools.
I use a 1.2mm tip to spray Tractol enamel.

Yeah - that's a bit rich for this stage of the game

Perhaps if I get to the point where I'm spraying regularly, I can look at something like that but all I need for now is something that will give a decent finish but doesn't cost the earth - I know that there's going to be a compromise somewhere so...

I might go for an airbrush as they seem to be cheaper and seem give a good finish - I know they don't cover large areas quickly but as I only have a few items to spray I don't mind if it takes longer

 

[Ollie78]

Yes a moisture trap is still required with water based paint. The moisture that is coming into the lines can contain oil as well this will not be fun if it gets in the paint. Sounds like you have one built in, which is good.

For the hose that will probably fine, the quick connects allow swivel so you shouldn't tie yourself up in knots too much.
I would recommend going to machine mart or pirtek and feeling the different types of hose yourself if you can.

I would just get a fairly cheap gravity feed gun initially, not a touch up gun as they have a narrow fan normally. And certainly not an airbrush, though they are fun for artwork.
You will need to experiment a bit with the settings to get it good. ( write it down once it's right) .

Ollie

 

[PerryGunn]

As a newbie to spraying, it all gets a bit confusing but, as always seems to happen when I start researching things, I think I'm going to spend more than I intended and try to get the important bits from a specialist supplier and go for...

Redashe Tundra 15m Flexible hose

ANI R160-Q midi spray gun with 1.2mm tip (about twice as much as I wanted to spend but it gets very good reviews and is still cheaper than @Sideways Iwata so there's a bit of man-maths at work there )

ANI Inline pressure regulator for the spraygun

The connectors are all BSP and I'll want to convert the gun regulator and hose ends to male/female euro connectors, so I'll need to pick up some adapters but they seem to be available locally from places like Screwfix - which is handy for returns when I, inevitably, buy the wrong ones and have to return them.


Does that all sound about right - or am I missing something?

 

[JobandKnock]

I've seen mention of a 'whip' hose tail. If I understand it correctly, I think this is a short, more flexible hose that connects between the main hose and the spray gun - are these necessary?

Yes. They serve to reduce strain on the tool body when the toool is coupled or in coupled on the air line. Strain at this point on the body of air tools can cause cracks to form leading to sir leaks and failure of the tool and is why the HSE can insist on them in commercial environments. This is why pneumatics suppliers offer pre-made whip hoses in a variety of fittings

 

[Mooose]

I purchased one of these on ebay:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/233450509816
Nicely made and very flexible rubber hose. The retractable mechanism makes it a pleasure to use and 20m is long enough to go down my drive and over the road...