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Old 09-25-2020, 12:08 PM   #1
wcstory
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Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Cape Cod, Ma.
Posts: 236
Harbor Freight Powder Coating Gun Modification

I bought a HF powder coating setup to tinker with while working on my 1966 GMC. Yes, we all know the quality of a Harbor Freight products....but it was an open box clearance for $35. My current experience level would be wasted on anything of higher quality anyways.

One problem I noticed right away was a lack of spare cups. I've been doing small parts and experimenting with some different powders from Prismatic and fleaBay. The attachment was close in size to a small mouth canning jar and one fit over the gun pickup tube. i thought about making an adapter until I was emptying the dishwasher for the she boss. We have re-useable jar lids that look like the part on the gun.

After cleaning the gun I removed the screw under the cup adapter. The J tube pulls out then the white adapter comes off with a little patience. A light glue secures it in place an seals.

I used the old adapter as a template and drill guide. The tube holes were about the same as a 25/64" drill bit. The mounting screw hole was a 11/64" bit.

I borrowed the Boss's hot glue gun to seal the new adapter to the gun. The J tube slid back in and i replaced the mounting screw.

Now to test it out. I just got some Prismatic Gloss Black powder in and wanted to try it out. Fired up the powder coating oven in the garage (DON'T use the kitchen oven). Free kitchen ovens are common on Craigslist. I decided to hot coated a brake drum backing plate I needed to recoat. HF matte black didn't do it for me and I had a couple missed spots. (amature)

No problems with the mod amd when I'm done I use a small mason jar lid and ring to secure the unused powder.
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1966 GMC 1 Ton 305 V6 SM420 4 speed - retired Fire Dept Support Truck from Little Falls, NJ

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