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Who needs powdercoating done?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Escobarclan
  • Start date Start date
by the way, what part of AR? im in Tulsa, OK and trying to relocate to NW AR like Bentonville for my job.
 
Mena, Ar. Ozark Mountains, same town where the iran-contra affair took place.
 
ever think of thermal coatings?

here is our local shop: http://coolcoat.org/index_files/Page310.htm

if you offered polishing, powder and thermal coating i think i would just ride the bike there, find a local residence, find a local job, and just start handing you cash until everything was i wanted done was completed. :)
 
I am looking to take the exhaust system on my 83 1100E to black which was stock for that year instead of the chrome (1982) it is now. I thought I would probably go the ceramic route, but I would certainly consider powder coating. The problem would be shipping. Heavy, and exhaust systems are a bitch to pack.

How much time would it take to do start to finish? If you could do it while I wait it might give me a good excuse to take another trip to the Ozarks. :dancing:
 
Come on down Turbo !

I checked that link. The main problem with these sites is that you have to 'get a quote'. At least they should toss you a ballpark figure, like a model specific price list so we have an idea of what the expense may be.


Dpep, eventually (soon) I plan to start this up, I haven't thought of prices yet. It appears as though I can get a full powdercoating section with minimal cost up soon, I may very well order the pro-kit today and get an oven to at least capitalize on the small jobs right off. At the same time I have to get a plan going for building a full sized treatment oven (like described above.) I'm going to see if I can get dad started on lighting the new shop area and running another 100-200 amp source.

Today I've tasked my son to work on examining and getting quotes on various parts from every website he can find. This is what we did with polishing. Since we live in a low cost area, with a low average wage I'm absolutely certain we can under-cut everyone. Amazing how much they charge......

The pain (I'm sure most of you know) of anything new are the 'unknowns', there's always a hitch or two somewhere, unexpected expenses and surprise decisions.
 
jed.only said:
.. its powder, and an oven. even the labor isnt that hard or time consuming, a blind guy could do it, seriously.
Click to expand...

I think you're oversimplifying this. I considered getting in to this business and as Renobruce stated, doing it right and by the local codes can be expensive. The stuff that Caswell Plating sells is for hobbyists. If you want equipment that can work all day and not break down, you will be spending $$$. The same goes for ovens. A proper oven is not cheap. Also consider that this is somewhat akin to a plating process. You need to apply electricity for the powder to stick, so you have electricity costs as well. There also are OSHA compliance issues and on and on. It's not the most expensive business and the learning curve isn't like what it takes to be a rocket scientist, but don't discount what it takes to do it right. The key words here are doing it right. Because if you are sloppy in your work, you will get a reputation. If it was that cheap and easy, there'd be a lot more powder coaters and they'd all be really cheap. As in most things, the concept is simple, the application is a little harder.

It seems like the guys that stay busy are the ones that find a niche like getting involved in the local motorcycle/Hot Rod community. Once you get a reputation, people will advertise for you. Being that you already doing polishing, it probably wouldn't be a far cry to tell your customers that you do powdercoating as well.

PS RenoBruce, check you PM's
 
drhach said:
I think you're oversimplifying this. I considered getting in to this business and as Renobruce stated, doing it right and by the local codes can be expensive. The stuff that Caswell Plating sells is for hobbyists. If you want equipment that can work all day and not break down, you will be spending $$$. The same goes for ovens. A proper oven is not cheap. Also consider that this is somewhat akin to a plating process. You need to apply electricity for the powder to stick, so you have electricity costs as well. There also are OSHA compliance issues and on and on. It's not the most expensive business and the learning curve isn't like what it takes to be a rocket scientist, but don't discount what it takes to do it right. The key words here are doing it right. Because if you are sloppy in your work, you will get a reputation. If it was that cheap and easy, there'd be a lot more powder coaters and they'd all be really cheap. As in most things, the concept is simple, the application is a little harder.

It seems like the guys that stay busy are the ones that find a niche like getting involved in the local motorcycle/Hot Rod community. Once you get a reputation, people will advertise for you. Being that you already doing polishing, it probably wouldn't be a far cry to tell your customers that you do powdercoating as well.

PS RenoBruce, check you PM's
Click to expand...

Agreed - its not nearly as simple as powder+oven=fantastic powder coat. I've been doing it as a hobby for a year now. I've got a PID & contactor controlled oven and have got a pretty uniform process going, and still have random problems that cause my finish to be less than professional. I'm toying with the idea of doing this as a side business (just did a quad frame, A arms, springs, etc for $100), but without very good equipment, a standard process, and good experience, you are risking alot of rework. And powdercoat is tough to remove!

You've also got the cost of sandblasting. So either you get a high CFM air compressor, a sandblast booth, and all of the PPE that goes with it, or you find a sandblaster near you that can do good quality work and isn't too busy doing tractor trailers to blast your box of random motorcycle parts.

Gee, do I sound negative? Escobarclan, I say go for it! Just play around with it for a while before you start advertising. Otherwise you're going to have unhappy customers and alot of rework cost that you'll be eating.
 
i stated the basics. there arent many more steps to the basics than what i outlined. sure, there are other costs, regulations, etc, but like you said before, it isnt rocket science. a person like escobar having the business that he does, it woldnt be a far jump, that was my point. he runs a business, they deal in a cosmetic service for parts, so he is aware of what prep needs to be done.
 
LeeGS550E said:
Agreed - its not nearly as simple as powder+oven=fantastic powder coat. I've been doing it as a hobby for a year now. I've got a PID & contactor controlled oven and have got a pretty uniform process going, and still have random problems that cause my finish to be less than professional. I'm toying with the idea of doing this as a side business (just did a quad frame, A arms, springs, etc for $100), but without very good equipment, a standard process, and good experience, you are risking alot of rework. And powdercoat is tough to remove!

You've also got the cost of sandblasting. So either you get a high CFM air compressor, a sandblast booth, and all of the PPE that goes with it, or you find a sandblaster near you that can do good quality work and isn't too busy doing tractor trailers to blast your box of random motorcycle parts.

Gee, do I sound negative? Escobarclan, I say go for it! Just play around with it for a while before you start advertising. Otherwise you're going to have unhappy customers and alot of rework cost that you'll be eating.
Click to expand...

I agree, I have had several dozen pieces powder coated over the last few months. The place where I had mine done is a commercial lighting company that fabbs exterior light fixtures. I happen to be good friends with the guy who powder coats. All my parts were sqeezed in on a large conveyor as the color I chose came available. For the most part everything turned out very well, however some parts had to be re-done do to human error. It is a very delicate process, in some cases the way in which the part hung on the hook effected that particular spot. Initial prep work, sanding, taping off etc, are vital to the finished product. I have attached some pics of a my wheel that I just got back today. The wheel seals were removed but the bearings were left in and taped off. It has a few small bumps on it, but overall it turned out very well.

frontwheel.jpg
 
dpep said:
I am looking to take the exhaust system on my 83 1100E to black which was stock for that year instead of the chrome (1982) it is now. I thought I would probably go the ceramic route, but I would certainly consider powder coating. The problem would be shipping. Heavy, and exhaust systems are a bitch to pack.

How much time would it take to do start to finish? If you could do it while I wait it might give me a good excuse to take another trip to the Ozarks. :dancing:
Click to expand...


Here is mine for reference in high temp black for my 82 1100E

exhaust1.jpg


exhaust2.jpg
 
dpep said:
I am looking to take the exhaust system on my 83 1100E to black which was stock for that year instead of the chrome (1982) it is now. I thought I would probably go the ceramic route, but I would certainly consider powder coating. The problem would be shipping. Heavy, and exhaust systems are a bitch to pack.

How much time would it take to do start to finish? If you could do it while I wait it might give me a good excuse to take another trip to the Ozarks. :dancing:
Click to expand...

It will have to be ceramic coated. Powder coating the mufflers might work but the headers have too much heat.
 
steve murdoch said:
It will have to be ceramic coated. Powder coating the mufflers might work but the headers have too much heat.
Click to expand...

I have had some experience with this and yes Powder Coating will break down over time. It will dis-color and fade. No matter what you do, chrome, stainless, ceramic, it will dis-color in time, nothing will maintain its looks with exhaust temps on a ride to ride basis. Powder Coating is your cheapest professional alternative. Of coarse a rattle can is always the most affordable option.
 
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Thanks for the feedback guys, everything helps. I'm sure there's alot of steps to take when tackling a new craft in my shop. Equipment familiarity, training, different paint brand qualities, cleanup and error do-overs, pricing, supplier cost, turn-around, etc, etc.

Just like the trial and error of what we already do, we'll just go through it again with powdercoating. Luckily, I have alot of family support, time, and a good crew.

Joe is right about the exhaust heat and finishes, it's a pain. It's one of those things were I feel there is no real magic bullet, you just have to compromise to an extent. Personally, I prefer chrome pipes, the discoloration just gives them character, as long as you keep the rust elves away, those bastards.
 
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I sell powdercoat ovens and all sorts of spray booths and related equipment, and I have a good friend that sells media blasting equipment. If I can ever help you out with some info, let me know. :)
 
renobruce said:
That looks real nice. Is that considered high gloss black? Who did it? And what bike is that pipe for (originally)?
Click to expand...

Bruce

yes it is high temp gloss black for my 82 GS 1100, this pic is a few months old, I have since had the wheels and swingarm done.

sidecovermesmaller.jpg
 
jwhelan65 said:
Bruce

yes it is high temp gloss black for my 82 GS 1100, this pic is a few months old, I have since had the wheels and swingarm done.

sidecovermesmaller.jpg
Click to expand...

Looks great, but that's not a V&H megaphone. Which V&H exhaust is it?
 
Bruce,
The exhaust is from the late 80's not sure what model it is...here is a pic of thet day I picked it up if that helps..Sorry for the hijack Charlie! :rolleyes:

82Suzuki.jpg
 
steve murdoch said:
It will have to be ceramic coated. Powder coating the mufflers might work but the headers have too much heat.
Click to expand...
Agreed, i am not a powedercoater or what have you, but ive been told by some that they only subject the items that are coated to about 500 degrees. The upper part of the header reaches temps well above that, and may have some adverse reactions. again, this is just what ive heard. Perhaps those more experienced can weigh in. Although ceramic coating can be found for not a god awfull price, powdercoating is MUCH cheaper from what i understand.
 
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