HI FRIENDS:
I'm considering getting away from "rattle cans" and moving to an Air Compressor/Spray Gun set-up. Harbor Freight currently has two compressors on sale for $39.99. Item one (95275) is a "Pancake" design. Item two (97080) seems to be a "Standard" configuration. Both are oilless and seem to have the same specifications. I intend to use the compressor to power a HF Spray Gun (00086) to apply paint/stain/lacquer on small cabinets, no big spraying applications. Am looking for comments/suggestions/advice as to which compressor would be the best choice, if either. How does one determine if a compressor output will work adequately with a spray gun pressure requirement? Any other comments/suggestions would also be appreciated.
Additionally, If I go with the compressor/spray gun set-up, where do I get the paint/stain/lacquer to use in the system.
TIA, and I promise this will be the last time I ask about this topic.
BOB

Bob, the gun you want/need to use, will dictate which compressor you will need. You need to supply adequate pressure and volume, for the tack at hand. The guns will have mixing instructions for the various finishes you may use.

My porter-cable pancake outputs 2.4 cu.ft. at 40 p.s.i. Not enough for a large gun, but, maybe a touch up gun, or air brush. HTH, David

Bob: The small pancake compressors are really made to operate air tools such as nail guns, staplers, and the like that require a short burst of air rather than an extended stream supply.
Since their tank is very small there can be problems with moisture buildup in the tank which is a real no-no with lacquer based finishing. Spend 100 bucks and get a compressor that has a larger tank, oiless or not, and you will be much happier.
Your decision to move away from rattle cans is a good one in that this will give you control over your finish mix and allow you to even heat up your materials so that blush is eliminated.
I am an old time finisher and use only lacquer based finishing materials and would hate to reverse and use aerosols. Your choice of guns is up to you but you will need a 1.0 mm tip to properly atomize most lacquer based topcoats and sealers. Good luck.