Thread: Powder Paint First Attempt

Here's my step by step for making a fluid bed, as I messed up my photo bucket account I redid it so you'll have to go to post #18 to see the pics http://www.crappie.com/crappie/pouri...uid-bed-build/

One change I did make was a different nozzle which should make the air flow better - Stumphunter told me about it, I twisted one of my cups in too tight and when I went to get it off pulled the bottom off so I popped out the old one and used the new one - here's a pic of the new one Watts 1/4 in. x 1/4 in. Lead-free Brass Barb x MIP Adapter-LF A192 at The Home Depot

Like Cray said they're easy to put together - I don't have TJ's filters only because I had a member send me some filter material he got from McMaster Carr but I've been unable to match it to get more - if I run out I'll get some from TJ

It all takes time but it sounds like you are well on your way. I have beds but don't use them, I can paint just as good in the cups the paint comes in but this comes from painting many many many many jigs I use a lamp to heat the heats but also tried all of the different heat sources. Just have to find what works best for you. I still have days where I want to pull my hair out because of painting!!

Here is a short video of the fluid beds I make and whether you build one or get one from someone else they are worth the time and investment imho.Hope this helps.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IQTJjdML4U

I'm like stump hunter, I have built several and I do like them, but I've done enough of them to wher I just use the cups the powder comes in.

I use a wagner heat gun myself (bought from Lowe's) and it was also in the paint section. I also use an alcohol lamp and it runs on denatured alcohol (bought at Wal Mart in the paint section). You can get an alcohol lamp at most any rod tying shop. (Get bit outdoors, or Mudhole... both online and both have them).

One thing I do that is a little different than you is that I hold the hook at the barb (not the eye) and dip into the paint. I then use a small piece of wire (or a sewing needle depending on the jig) to clean out the eye.

Lastly, you mentioned a toaster oven set at 350. A lot of these are not very accurate. Lots of guys (from this site as well) recommend putting in a thermometer to ensure accurate temp readings. This way you can dial it in exactly. Personally, I use my home oven and 350 was a little too hot for some of my paint so I dropped down to 320. This stuff takes practice and we still mess up a few here and there.

Remember, a good jig catches fish, a good looking jig catches fishermen!

X2 on the toaster oven. Good example I have 2 that are about 40 degrees hotter than setting on oven thermometer. This past Saturday my wife decided I need one that was a convection oven for my camper. Brought it home and hooked it up. Put 2 oven thermometers in it. At 475 it would only go to 300. I have dropped my temp like Wick to 320 and 20 minutes. They come out much glossier than before.

I use a heat gun, $9 from HF. It's clamped in a vice and I hold the jig by the barb with forceps. No fluid bed here either, just put the lid on and shake it occasionally. Make sure the lid is on GOOD, it's amazing how so little will go so far. 325 on the toaster oven.

I'm about the same way. I have fluid beds but very seldom use them. I use a Butane Torch head attached to a 20 lb gas tank. I have it mounted in small vice to keep the angle/flame the same. It gives a pencil flame and heats the hook fast with no soot. I try to paint around 350 (That what rack holds) then put in regular oven in shop for baking. Been working good for many years......