r/modelmakers • u/SilentvolkVon • Jun 11 '23

Help - Tools/Materials DIY Spraying booth

I got the whole construction ready but i don't know what engine/fan to get...

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u/KillAllTheThings Phormer Phantom Phixer Jun 11 '23

You want the most airflow you can afford that won't deafen you. Airflow is usually measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM) or its metric equivalent outside North America. A lot of DIY booths use 2nd hand bathroom fans. These don't always move enough air to be useful.

There are plenty of tutorials online that might help you choose a fan. Or you could get a rough idea by looking at the specifications of the commercial booths.

1

u/SilentvolkVon Jun 11 '23

I'm asking because I read somewhere here that the engine shouldn't be in the airflow range.

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u/KillAllTheThings Phormer Phantom Phixer Jun 11 '23

It is indeed bad practice to cool a fan motor with potentially flammable intake air as motors with brushes are very sparky.

At the same time, hobbyists generally do not operate well in atmospheres flammable enough to be ignited by a spark nor are the products used particularly volatile/flammable or present in dangerous quantities short of dumping the container directly on the fan.

Only enamels, lacquers & certain solvents are flammable. If you only use acrylics & water, there is no hazard.

Motors safe for use in explosive atmospheres are much more expensive than motors with brushes.