I was wondering if instead of using an actual fan to ventilate an ‘paint booth’ if one could use a Shop Vac instead. For example, where the fan would normally be, could one install a little bit of PVC (or other tube material) and then, when the booth is in use simply attach the shop vac to the tube? The reason I am asking is I am about to build a booth, and already own a shop vac and I am looking to save a few dollars.
One last question, what sort of compressor do you guys/gals reccomend using? I know it has to have a tank, but what else?
Wellllll…I guess you could, but, I’m not so sure I would. Where you going to place the shop vac, outside? If so, what if it rains or snows? You are dealing with vapors that could be flammable, and I’m not sure if the motor in a shop vac is sealed (probly is being as they can suck water and all, but water isn’t flammable). Now, the real purpose of a spray booth is to remove harmful vapors from the work area, and to do that would require alot of air moving, and I don’t think a vac can move that much air. You are better off going to your local DIY store, and getting an exhaust fan and duct it out a window.
As far as the compressor goes, make sure it has a tank and regulator. Pretty much all you need ( maybe a water trap too ). I already have a 30 gallon compressor, so when I got my airbrush, it was not an issue, works like a champ.
I built one using a framed up plywood box with pegboard on the floor of the booth, raised up and sealed off, with a Dayton blower fan mounted so it pulls the air down through the pegboard, and ducts it outside. The fan was the most expensive part.
But it is larger than commercially available booths, and I put an overhead flourescent light in, and it works like a champ! So basically it is a downdraft booth.
Also I put my booth on wheels ( coaster type) so I can move it out of the way when done.
I used flexible duct tubing for an exhaust to the outside, and put a dryer vent in outside, so fumes go outside.
Hey it works, and it costs a lot less than a commercial unit, and it is also bigger, so I have room to spray larger pieces.
[#ditto] I have to go along with K4. I built my own out of melamine and a Dayton blower. My unit is a bit heavy, but it’s big, bright, and it pulls a lot of air. The cheapest type of fan you could use is an exhaust fan for a bathroom. I’ve seen a couple of articles posted on the net and/or in this forum about doing that.
You MOST DEFINITELY have to exhaust the fumes outside. Even the spray from water-based acrylic paints is not worth breathing in. The shorter your duct work the better, and the larger the outside diameter the better, although dryer ducts are typically 4".
Good luck with your plans. Unfortunately, materials on hand are not always the best ones. [sigh]
DO NOT USE A VACUME your parts will be SUCKED UP. A range hood works well for a booth and you can build a vapor trap with a 5 gallon pail, dryer duct and water. No it is not a biohazrd since your PPM of vapors will be so low, unless you are paint 50 models a day.
Take Care
George P.
I too built my own booth and after a lot of research I feel confidant in saying, spend the money for a blower that doesn’t take air out of it’s air stream for motor cooling. That would be a BIG NO regarding the use of the shop vac. Most every shop vac, as any other vac.that I know of, depends on some of the air it moves through it’s stream to also cool the motor…This could be a disaster regarding any solvent base (flammable) paint.
I have a Dayton blower, Mod. 4C445A, mounted outside of the booth. Yes, this motor still circulates air for cooling but it draws the air from outside the blower housing, not relying on the air the blower is moving.
Thank-you all so much for the comments and suggestions. I never thought about my shop vac exploding, I kind of figured that there was nothing a shop vac couldn’t vacuum. I will have to keep that in mind.
Those of you that have built your own booth do you have any pictures? I would love to see them if it wouldn’t be to hard. Thanks
be careful using bathroom or kitchen type exhaust fans, as most are not designed or built to handle volatile (explosive) vapors. The little extra expense of buying a motor (blower) intended for the purpose is well worth the safety
Well…I don’t have much regarding pictures in the process of the building of the CCRY Paintshop, but I will share what I have. If you would like a better “blow by blow” send me an email and I can respond with a more detailed report on how I put it all together.
For now, here is a picture of how the blower assembly was installed on a plenum above the filter. BTW, the exhaust is directly to the outside of the building.
A couple of pictures detailing the filter assembly (furnace filter) and some storage cabinets.
I have yet to build my paint booth but have been drawing up plans for one, and reading these posts made me realise an overlooked asset. I work for Boein and I realised that Boeing has several “surplus” stores scattered throughout the country where it sells its used tools and equipment. I recall seeing used blower motors for next to nothing (they were designed for paint booths). lots of tools and equipment there, if you live close to one might want to check it out they might have just the stuff your looking for. [:)]
