Starting from nothing with big projects ahead

[original_ky]

Okay so the title pretty much says it all. I have a few projects that are starting from scratch and have no equipment so I've decided to kindly ask everyone for their input. I will be redoing at least two full size trucks interior and exterior. That being said I need advice on what works best at decent prices. Need to know about everything from compressors to guns to media blasting equipment and everything in between. I'm going to school for auto body in the fall so I'm sure I'll learn a lot of things there but I just like the idea of having a head start. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[tomsteve]

welocme! welp, 1st thing to look at is a compressor. yer gonna want at least a 60 gallon capable of putting out the CFM's that the airtools of the trade will use.then yer gonna want to look at decent air filtration/ moisture removal. the devilbiss QC3 is a good one for a decent price. there are others, and i am sure others wil chime in to give their opinion on this, but moisture removal is very important. you can also build a moisture trap and save a few $$$ but it is still a good idea to have a filter after that.
gun selection: welp, this topic has started arguements often. but since you mention decent price, i will suggest lookin at either devilbiss or iwata and plan on spending at least $250 on a good bc/cc, then yer gonna want a primer gun. you may want to look at the devilbiss finishline3 or finishline4. there are places that sell them with various tips. yer gonna want a regulator that goes at the gun,too.

http://www.autobody101.com/content/

http://www.autobodystore.com/home.shtml

http://www.autobodytoolmart.com/tutorials-t.aspx

these 3 sites have a lot of great information on different areas of the body work/painting and will guide ya some.

http://www.tptools.com/lp2/Tech_Notes.html

theres 2 good write ups on air consumption and will give you an idea of what is required in a compressor for media blasting.
air sanders are a good thing. a set of sanding blocks. a very good quality respirator. actually, there area gajillion tools i could tell ya to get, but i'm gonna leave it at this for now.

 

[original_ky]

I've been browsing around on here before I added and it seems devilbliss is a pipular choice for the quality/price debate. I do appreciate the help though and am open to any.more suggestions. I'll check out those links

 

[TAZ]

As far as air tools for bodywork and prep, you'll need a good DA. This is one tool I would not skimp on as you will use this on pretty much every job. I would suggest the Dynabrade. These run a about $220 for a good one. They have different pitches. So if you can afford it, get one for bodywork and one for final sanding before buffing or painting.

Of course when you spray, you'll need a place to spray. See if there is one in town you can rent, or look into purchasing a spray booth. Then of course, you'll have all the permits, and fees that go along with the spray booth itself.

Good luck!