Fluid beds

[Bsudd]

Should I use a fluid bed to powder paint, or not fool with it and just dip them in jar?

[Mike J]

I like using a fluid bed if I'm doing a bunch of one color.  If your just gonna do a few of thus color and a few of that it's probably easier to just dip in the jar.  If you get a cup for each color then ya use it all the time

[Muskygary]

I like to dip in the jar. I have a fly tying bodkin (large needle) that I use to stir the powder before each dip. I like using the "tap" method with a brush for the top color and the belly. I open those jars and have a brush for each color. Also helps to set the jars on a paper plate. If you have a spill, very carefully bend the plate and pour back in the jar!

[Fishermanbt]

One could say it it's matter of personal opinion. If you're doing a few every so often then dipping is probably the easiest, fastest method.  I found after baking that I was getting way to many cone heads on the thicker cs powders like black because of error on my part. So, I decided to tinker with a fluid bed build.

It's not perfect but it works for me. I think the total cost was under $30. Two or three plastic spoons of color gives me enough powder to work with. After I use a color I just pour the rest back into the jar, unscrew the union, wipe it out, and I'm good on the next color I use. I did add in the brass flow valve later on to get better control with a few of the candy colors. In all, it just takes some experimentation to see how each color will behave.

[Lines]

That looks nice Fishermanbt. Glad you posted on this Bsudd, I'm pondering this subject also.

[ctom]

That's a nice, clean little painting station.

[2XL]

I prefer to dip my jigs in the jar too. I have a TJs fluid bed with extra cups that I've not used in over 5 years. The fluid bed does a really nice job and all but it's too much messing around for the numbers of jigs I paint.

[Apdriver]

That's a very nice setup, Fshmanbt.

[Fishermanbt]

Thanks guys. Youtube is a fantastic place (2nd to this forum) for getting ideas to add to your creations for a personal and unique contraption.

I hope I didn't come off sounding like a fluid bed was the best option. I was going for either option will work. Just depends on how much time you have or want to dedicate to the delivery method. Both are very rewarding in my opinion.

[Muskygary]

Yes, that's what great about this forum. There are several ways to do things and we all discuss those and decide how were going to do it. New guys can get a lot of information quick and us old farts pick up a lot of ideas also!

[Fatman]

If I'm doing a lot of the same base coats I'll use my 2" fluid bed, then lightly reheat and tap the second coat on.  My problem colors with heavy coats are black, white and brown so I always make sure and cut them with clear. 

[Bsudd]

Well I'm going to be painting a lot for my business I've started. So today I made a 2" fluid bed to try. My question now is do I need a bed for every color I'm going to use? Or how do I change it out? Thanks for the replies!

[Fishermanbt]

I just pour my left over powder back into the jar and give it a few taps.  Use a paper towel and wipe out the cup, and dust off the barrier. Should get you back up and running quickly. This keeps me from having to keep track of all the cups. 


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[Lamar]

Well I'm going to be painting a lot for my business I've started. So today I made a 2" fluid bed to try. My question now is do I need a bed for every color I'm going to use? Or how do I change it out? Thanks for the replies!

  I would say yes you need a different cup for each color if your doing a lot. Look up TJ's they are much cheaper there then most places.

[Agronomist_at_ia]

One could say it it's matter of personal opinion. If you're doing a few every so often then dipping is probably the easiest, fastest method.  I found after baking that I was getting way to many cone heads on the thicker cs powders like black because of error on my part. So, I decided to tinker with a fluid bed build.

It's not perfect but it works for me. I think the total cost was under $30. Two or three plastic spoons of color gives me enough powder to work with. After I use a color I just pour the rest back into the jar, unscrew the union, wipe it out, and I'm good on the next color I use. I did add in the brass flow valve later on to get better control with a few of the candy colors. In all, it just takes some experimentation to see how each color will behave.

thats crazy I made two fluid beds for powder just like those. put a coffee filter across the tube where it screws together and used a cheap mr bubbler from my minnow buckt to run air for it.....Great mids must think alike.