Gonna try powder coating some parts tomorrow with my handy dandy Craftsman Powder Coater...

[8-Ball]

A couple of years ago, I blacked out a bunch of brackets, bolts, and washers behind my saddlebags using a rattle can. Looked damned good for about a year... now all the paint has begun to chip off and looks like crap.

I bought the Craftsman Powder Coater over a year ago after reading some good reviews and a nice pictorial some guy put up showing his tests and procedure.

Gordito and Doug are coming over tomorrow to work on our bikes. I'm going to give this thing a go... stuff can't look worse than it does now...

I'll take some pics of the process if anyone is interested...

http://www.jamesriser.com/Machinery/PowderCoating/System0557sm.jpg

Here is the guy's write up: (http://www.jamesriser.com/Machinery/PowderCoating/Testing.html)

Here are my final results... and review of the system... (http://www.doofclenas.com/8-Ball/Powder_Coating.html)

[My name is Doug]

This outta be eventful. Can't wait to see what we can screw up. Maybe we can cover all your scratched chrome.

[Red Rider]

This outta be eventful. Can't wait to see what we can screw up. Maybe we can cover all your scratched chrome.

Yep... Pics would be good. :coffee:

[Squish]

Yep... Pics would be good. :coffee:

nothing photochopped either:Poke: :Poke:

[hornrocker]

Very interested, please post up.

Thanks


(not a joke, no smilies used, serious, thanks) :D






Opps, I slipped up and used a smilie.

[Highmiles]

Wow. Impressive.

Going to get one of these for bigger jobs?

http://www.eastwoodco.com/jump.jsp?itemID=397&itemType=PRODUCT

[KTWillys]

Wow. Impressive.

Going to get one of these for bigger jobs?

http://www.eastwoodco.com/jump.jsp?itemID=397&itemType=PRODUCT
Now that is impressive.. I got to know.. how did they get that frame to levitate like that and does it auto rotate while curing.... way coollllllll:blink:

[TalonChief]

You gonna' bake these parts in the house?

[swmnkdinthervr]

Make sure you get pics of y'all chasin' each other around after screwin' stuff up...:roflback:

[DynaDav]

Gray, stand by your phone, in case of emergency.

[RKotter]

Make sure you get pics of y'all chasin' each other around after screwin' stuff up...:roflback:

Yep. Warren's idea of a shop cam is an excellent idea. I'd pay-per-view. :roflback:

[Xkvator]

Yep. Warren's idea of a shop cam is an excellent idea. I'd pay-per-view. :roflback:

edit out all the grabass'n & stuff...




jus' sayin'...:blink:

[TalonChief]

edit out all the grabass'n & stuff...

But save those clips, though--never now when you might have a use for them, especially if there are half-baked modifications involved.

[hornrocker]

edit out all the grabass'n & stuff...


jus' sayin'...:blink:

So, basically, you're sayin' "don't post any pics or video."



Right?:blink:

[Xkvator]

So, basically, you're sayin' "don't post any pics or video."



Right?:blink:
:roflback: what was i thinkin'...???...:roflback:

[duhast]

Fast forward to Thanksgiving 2008 at the 8-Ball estate…


8: “How’s that turkey coming along, sweetheart?”

Mary: “Should be done right about now, dear. Will you help me get it out of the oven?”

8: “Sure! Can I have a little taste of it?”

Mary: “If you can get it out of the oven without dropping it or burning yourself, I’ll cut you a little piece.”

8: ”Oh boy!”

(Mary cuts 8 a little slice and hands it to him and he eats it.)

8: “Say, do you remember those parts I powder coated back in February?”

[dynageno]

:roflback: I am interested in seeing the pix Mike. I may purchase one myself.

[My name is Doug]

Be sure to have the garage open if ya hear me comin. I always shoot past your casa. I'll call if I do.

[KTWillys]

Fast forward to Thanksgiving 2008 at the 8-Ball estate…


8: “How’s that turkey coming along, sweetheart?”

Mary: “Should be done right about now, dear. Will you help me get it out of the oven?”

8: “Sure! Can I have a little taste of it?”

Mary: “If you can get it out of the oven without dropping it or burning yourself, I’ll cut you a little piece.”

8: ”Oh boy!”

(Mary cuts 8 a little slice and hands it to him and he eats it.)

8: “Say, do you remember those parts I powder coated back in February?”

Mary: My didnt that glaze on the Turkey come out looking wonderful this time? And it is soooo Glossy too.

[Scabbydoo]

Two cautions:

- Dust

- Body hair

[Berserker]

What is that drill looking thing? A sprayer? Spray on then put in oven? Curious.

[Scabbydoo]

Yep, powder coating is applied electrostatically either by an electrostatic spray gun or an electrostatic fluidized bed. The powder coating is like fine talcum powder and requires and electrostatic charge to get it to cling to the part.

[KTWillys]

Two cautions:

- Dust

- Body hair

Not a problem as long as they stay out of the oven.....

darn probably shouldnt have told them,, it would have way funny to look at..:Poke:

[Stone Cold]

Due to parental responsibilities, I had to leave before the actual powdercoating began. The preps were well under way and Russ was video taping most of the operation.

What impressed me the most was that Mike was actually reading the manual.

The things to be coated were well prepped, hanging on the metal bar to be electrically charged and the oven was being heated.

A couple of things noted: no one was wearing gloves when handling the "Prep and Etch" solution. Finger prints may be a thing of the past. No painter's masks, nor goggles were worn and Mike was wearing his Crocs.

Mr. OSHA would be turning in his grave.

Although it wasn't shooting at propane bottles, we had a good time and I hope it turns out well.

[TalonChief]

Waitin' for the outcome pics. I have been thinkin' about doin' some of this myself.

[Highmiles]

Well ?

We're waiting. :sofa:

[My name is Doug]

The pics came out just fine.....just sayin'.

[darrell]

The pics came out just fine.....just sayin'.

I smell a story brewin.

[vafatboy]

:popcorn:


:eyeball8:

[thrasher]

Was there an oxygen/acetylene rig and a welding machine involved?

[mynameisden]

:coffee: hurry dammit, anticipation sucx

[8-Ball]

Rick, Doug, Russ, and Joe all showed up... I had to finish installing the rear tire, but I scratched the pulley so...
http://www.doofclenas.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=7306&stc=1&d=1202023507

... had to sand that sumbitch...
http://www.doofclenas.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=7307&stc=1&d=1202023507

Then Rick decided he wanted to get rid of that loop thing that connects the rear struts... used to be the license plate bracket.
http://www.doofclenas.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=7308&stc=1&d=1202023507

He's not real flexible...
http://www.doofclenas.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=7309&stc=1&d=1202023507

And it took him forever to get that bolt off... I'm starting to get impatient...
http://www.doofclenas.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=7310&stc=1&d=1202023507

Doug and I couldn't take it any longer...
http://www.doofclenas.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=7311&stc=1&d=1202023507

[8-Ball]

Now Joe sees something... of course, Russ is taking the pics...
http://www.doofclenas.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=7312&stc=1&d=1202024196

It takes a village...
http://www.doofclenas.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=7313&stc=1&d=1202024196

Sometimes, you just need to meditate a bit to see the solution...
http://www.doofclenas.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=7314&stc=1&d=1202024196

This is winter by the way...
http://www.doofclenas.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=7315&stc=1&d=1202024196

We like Doug... just sayin'...
http://www.doofclenas.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=7316&stc=1&d=1202024196

Okay... now the powder coating pics... well... actually... now I'm tired. I'll put them up tomorrow, but the process went well... Doug and I experimented a little bit and I think we've got a good procedure going... results are nothing short of impressive...

[Highmiles]

I always knew you were a tease.

[My name is Doug]

What you see in the pictures above is the most they did all day except for Mike operating the powder coat gun. I was invited over to do all the work. I suppose it's due to their inablility to do it right or without scratching anything....just sayin' again

By the way, Mary's a helluva cook. Thanks again Mary!

[duhast]

I think you might have stumbled onto something in this one, Mike.

You might want to pass this along to LadyG. She my be able to use this technique when she is snorting.

http://www.doofclenas.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=7312&stc=1&d=1202024196

[dynageno]

We want to see black powder mister!

[Q-Dog]

...yea...and a picture or two of Russ!

[YankeeBob]

I was wondering what the cup in the teeth was for. Perhaps Mike had a runny nose?

[8-Ball]

I'm trying to do a thorough write up on this thing with everything I've learned along the way... Thought it might be better on my site with a link...

I'm still working on it, but it is starting to shape up...

Click this link (http://www.doofclenas.com/8-Ball)... then the powder_coating tab...

[dynageno]

Thanks Mike, good link!

[Q-Dog]

I didn't see any pictures of Russ on your link, Mike.


...just sayin'....

[8-Ball]

I didn't see any pictures of Russ on your link, Mike.


...just sayin'....

He's camera shy...

[Q-Dog]

Looks to be a terminal obsession with him.....:blink:

[Highmiles]

I'm trying to do a thorough write up on this thing with everything I've learned along the way... Thought it might be better on my site with a link...

I'm still working on it, but it is starting to shape up...

Click this link (http://www.doofclenas.com/8-Ball)... then the powder_coating tab...

Really nice site.

.... But then, I expected that.

[Jams]

Great project :thumbsup:

Can you do cylinders with that tool?

I cooked Triumph cylinders before with wrinkle black paint but powder coating is far superior.

[8-Ball]

Updated...

http://www.doofclenas.com/8-Ball/Powder_Coating.html

[KTWillys]

I bought the powder coating system last fall but havent used it yet.. but now that I have seen you guys use it.. successfully at that... well I guess I can do it too....

looking good Mike

Forgot to add.. I looked online and found a double height 30 inch wide kitchen oven and then cut out the floor of the top oven and the top of the bottom oven this gave me enough room top to bottom that I can do a frame if needed.. it is a bit close but it does almost anything on the bikes and you can hang it from the top. the oven cost 75 dollars so it was cost effective to boot...

[Stone Cold]

What you see in the pictures above is the most they did all day except for Mike operating the powder coat gun. I was invited over to do all the work. I suppose it's due to their inablility to do it right or without scratching anything....just sayin' again

By the way, Mary's a helluva cook. Thanks again Mary!


There is minimal truth to the above statement.

Doug is very handy to have around. His and Mike's mechanical ability far surpasses mine. Mike has ALL the tools, and Doug's hands are so dainty (I mean small) they fit in all of the places I can't get my big meathooks into.

It didn't really take that long to disassemble. Mike told me to be very careful and to ensure both sides were separate so's not to mix hardware. Plus, there are two sides and I'm a Government employee. A coffee break was required.

I was not allowed to tighten any bolt that didn't have a torque value.

Man, ya twist one bolt off and the repercussions stick with ya forever...

Anyway, as always I had a great day. The projects were fun, the company was great and as Doug said, the food was awesome.

Thanks again Mary!!

[pairofnines]

the food was awesome.



No pictures?

Before not after please>:roflback:

[8-Ball]

Okay... got some final shots up...

I'm not happy with the final pics... doesn't show the great quality of this finish...


http://www.doofclenas.com/8-Ball/Powder_Coating.html

[pairofnines]

Okay... got some final shots up...

I'm not happy with the final pics... doesn't show the great quality of this finish...


http://www.doofclenas.com/8-Ball/Powder_Coating.html

Looks like you have done a grand job>

I have my parts boxed for mailing to you tomorrow morning>

What is the expected turn around time>:coffee:

















:roflback: :roflback:

[LittleBear]

Mike, those parts came out good, but it is a lot more work than a quick shot with Krylon every few years.

Rick, you should never tighten a bolt with out a TQ wrench. I have snapped off a few in my day, and a TQ wrench saves a lot of that pain.

[8-Ball]

Looks like you have done a grand job>

I have my parts boxed for mailing to you tomorrow morning>

What is the expected turn around time>:coffee:



Make sure you send powder, have the parts thoroughly prepped (according to my directions) I'll give them the final wipe down with lacquer thinner.

I'll give it a go...

Mike, those parts came out good, but it is a lot more work than a quick shot with Krylon every few years.


Absolutely disagree. This was much easier than the spray paint. The prep is mostly the same, but there is no two or three coats and then overnight cure time. Once these things are cool, they are done... and one coat does it. I'll never rattle can again...

[Jams]

Can you scratch powder coated parts? :unsure:

[8-Ball]

Can you scratch powder coated parts? :unsure:

I'm working on it...

[GrayRider]

After reading this thread, I got to thinking that I'd like to powder coat the engine guard on my Road King the same color as the paint.

I then imagined it would be out of balance unless I did the same to the rear fender rack..which would lead to doing the struts. Then the saddlebag brackets and lower guard.

Maybe I'll just stick with the chrome.

[LittleBear]

Absolutely disagree. This was much easier than the spray paint. The prep is mostly the same, but there is no two or three coats and then overnight cure time. Once these things are cool, they are done... and one coat does it. I'll never rattle can again...

See, you assume I prep the parts. A little masking tape and cover up parts on the bike, a quick shot of paint and off we go. Nobody sees the parts anyway. I only do it to prevent rust, not to make it PRRRREEETYY!!!

That powder does look cool for bolts and things and it is a do it once method. I do commend you and your attitude of keeping the bike looking nice, but WRAPPING your pipes, come on Mike get real.:Poke: That goes against everything on your web site you have done to the bike.

[16X9 Shooter]

Movie done. Run time 7 minutes.

[harleyjsb]

Cool pics,Mike.............The parts look great.................

[Jams]

Movie done. Run time 7 minutes.

:popcorn: Is it the one with Jennifer Lopez wearing a maid outfit? :eyepopping:

[vafatboy]

Good Job Mike!

[Berserker]

Was wondering what the house smelled like,but then see you chickened out and used a smal oven. What is that oven from? Looks to big to be a toaster oven.

I suppose you could find a give away. Could maybe build something using the heating elements. Have heard of sauna stoves being built like that.

Would you be afraid to use house oven? Mess? smell? Does it get stuckor drip on oven? Don't want to wait until wife is asleep?

[8-Ball]

Damn...!!!!

Russ, videographer to the Doofs, made a splendid video of the Doofs and their oven...

Great job, Russ!!!

Thanks!!!

http://www.doofclenas.com/Videos/DoofinPowderCoat.wmv

[Jams]

EnCoRe :tyty :yahoo: :clap: BraVo!

Would fishing tackle swivels work better than hooks?

[duhast]

Very cool, but the only problem I saw was when you took them out of the oven and hung them to cool, they were not equidistant from each other.

[TalonChief]

...yea...and a picture or two of Russ!

Speakin' of pics, your sig pic seems like she could use a waxin'--jus' sayin'.
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n248/woody79_01/TatTits.jpg

[pairofnines]

The parts looked great>

Am sure you will be pleased with their longevity>


Only you Mike would remove the rear tire to wax under his fender>:roflback: :roflback:

I do envy the apparent organization of your garage---my hat is off to you>

[TerryMiller]

Very cool vid. Ya may want to have your plumbing checked Mike. Sounds like air hammering when he's using the hose about 4 minutes in.

[TalonChief]

Very informative, Mike. Any chance you could link the reduced size pics to full-size shots?

[trmn8r]

noisiest water pump I ever heard! Parts look nice though! Probably the cleanest rear fender on any touring bike I've ever seen to.

Why did you go to the trouble to not powder coat the center of the fender bracket? wasn't it more trouble to do that then just end up with a coated part hidden by the fender? just curious if there was a reason I didn't pick up on.

[Jams]

That is a precisely fit rear fender and with the extra thickness of powder coating it would not accept the expanded tolerance would be my guess or it is out of sight and out of mind. :DD

[8-Ball]

Very informative, Mike. Any chance you could link the reduced size pics to full-size shots?

Tim... I was waiting for the battery to charge up in my other camera so I could get the lighting a little better... hard to take a picture of chrome and black... I updated the link with better/larger pics for detail...

See if this works for ya....

http://www.doofclenas.com/8-Ball/Powder_Coating.html

noisiest water pump I ever heard! Parts look nice though! Probably the cleanest rear fender on any touring bike I've ever seen to.

Why did you go to the trouble to not powder coat the center of the fender bracket? wasn't it more trouble to do that then just end up with a coated part hidden by the fender? just curious if there was a reason I didn't pick up on.

That was Gordito's "air pump"... just sayin'...

I didn't want to sand all that extra chrome... plus there were some tight sports around the center bolt tab... the chrome was doing its job.

This was also a test piece for the more important side fender brackets where I wanted to determine how well the masking worked where the transition between chrome and black would be visible... its going to work.

That is a precisely fit rear fender and with the extra thickness of powder coating it would not accept the expanded tolerance would be my guess or it is out of sight and out of mind. :DD

... yeah... that's it....

[16X9 Shooter]

Just about one of the most fun days had in a loooong time.

Thank you gentlemen.

[8-Ball]

Just about one of the most fun days had in a loooong time.

Thank you gentlemen.

It was a blast... You do good work, Russ... I had no idea you caught all that... and the important stuff too... like the only working is Doug...

[Stone Cold]

It was a blast... You do good work, Russ... I had no idea you caught all that... and the important stuff too... like the only working is Doug...

Except when I was removing the hardware on my bike, he kinda was...

:roflback: :roflback: :roflback:

[route66paul]

I didn't see any pictures of Russ on your link, Mike.


...just sayin'....

He's camera shy...

It is that witless protection thing.

[Jams]

It is that witless protection thing.

:spit: :hysterical: witless :roflback: :roflback:

[CDouthitt]

Good job on this...

[8-Ball]

31 parts powder coated so far.... got 20 to go before I can put it back together... I shoulda counted before I started...

[dynageno]

All dinky parts too huh?!:Poke:

[8-Ball]

All dinky parts too huh?!:Poke:

toaster oven... just sayin'...

[GrayRider]

Will you do mine next?

[8-Ball]

Come on out... we'll do it together... you prep, I'll spray can cook...

[darrell]

Mike, serious question here,

Did the powdercoating affect the head sizes of the bolts?

For example, if they were a 1/2" hex head bolt, after you powder coated them, did the 1/2" wrench now seem too tight to fit the head of the bolt?

I ask because it looks like the coat is thick and could throw a 1/2" head to a 14mm

Just wonderin'

Oh, looks great by the way

[8-Ball]

Mike, serious question here,

Did the powdercoating affect the head sizes of the bolts?

For example, if they were a 1/2" hex head bolt, after you powder coated them, did the 1/2" wrench now seem too tight to fit the head of the bolt?

I ask because it looks like the coat is thick and could throw a 1/2" head to a 14mm

Just wonderin'

Oh, looks great by the way

Thanks...

Well... no and I'm not sure....

I did all four shock bolts, lock washers and washers and the same socket fit fine... plenty of room left. In fact, I made a little discovery. I was a little leery of messing up the finish like I did with the painted bolts, so I took one of those plastic grocery store recycle bags, tore off a small square and placed it over the bolt before applying the socket... no problem with fit and the socket didn't tear the bag material... I'm thinking it might be a good practice with powder coated bolts and nuts.

I also did the nuts and washers on the fenders at the struts. I used a crescent to get it off and after powder coating, none of the SAE sockets seemed to fit. It may be metric... I didn't check... just put them back on with the crescent.

I didn't have any problem with the sockets fitting the bolts I used to assemble the three brackets between the muffler and the exhaust either (same size before and after).

So now I'm thinking of coating the two bolts above and below the swingarm pivot cap. Can I take those out one at a time, coat them, and put them back without screwing up the alignment?

A larger oven would sure simplify the process... can only do a few parts at a time in the toaster oven.

I'm very impressed with the quick release brackets I did this afternoon...

Tomorrow the saddlebag brackets and those spring things that the bags clip to... some washers and that will be it for this go around.

[dynageno]

Just use your kitchen oven, Mary will never know!:roflback:

[Sidecar Doug]

The parts look good Mike. I wouldn't mind getting one of them powder coating guns.