Setting up to spray solvent-based laquer - need affordable explosion proof fan

[scott vroom]

I'm setting up a spray booth to handle solvent based laquers and need to locate a reasonably priced explosion proof exhaust fan. The fans I've looked at thus far are $500 and up. Could anyone point me to a retailer that sells a sub-$300 explosion proof exhaust fan, preferably minimum 3,000CFM?

[Alan Lightstone]

I bought a 20" Canarm explosion proof fan, but it's clearly more money. Feels like it could power an air boat.

[Jeff Duncan]

Your best bet if you have time is to look for used fans. The new stuff is pretty steep!

good luck,
JeffD

[johnny means]

Spray booths go really cheap at auctions

[Richard Hutchings]

This is why I spray outside. How can a fan possibly be so expensive?? Fortunately I have been able to get a pretty good laquer fininsh even in the winter butI sure would like to spray inside. Hope you find something.

[Michael W. Clark]

I think your best bet is to buy used. Look for a fan with an explosion proof motor or a way to mount a belt drive motor in a non-hazardous location. For example, locate the fan outside the spray booth, and use a belt drive motor mounded external to the axial fan.

Another note, fans are often marketed as "explosion proof", but a fan cannot be an explosion proof device. It has an opening at both ends. If you are buying used, you will find commercial/industrial fans with an explosion proof motor and an AMCA spark resistance rating of A, B, or C.

Mike

[Matt Meiser]

Tubeaxial fans are commonly used on real spray booths. They mount the motor outside the airstream. I see them for sale on Craigslist from time to time.

Or you could just switch to WB, like you will have to sooner or later anyway--especially given your location!

[Mike Henderson]

The water based lacquers are pretty good these days. You might consider them unless you're just dead set on solvent based lacquer.

Mike

[Jim Neeley]

Scott,

I picked my true explosionproof fan up on Craigs List last winter for $100 last winter. I've made the habit of checking the tools section of my local CL a couple of times a day for the last few years and have come across some *exceptional* buys.. I don't buy often (maybe 4 or 5 times in the last year) but I got four Jet AFS-1000B room air filters for a *total* of $300 ($75 each) although I had to buy all four. Two calls to two woodworking buddies and I ended up with two for $150 total in a matter of minutes (hey, I could easily have sold them at a mark-up and gotten mine at or near free, but that's not my style). Then again, there's the $100 DC-1100 Dust collector, but that's another story.

I never used to be the one who got the good deals but ever since I started tucking a couple hundred in tool "mad money" away in my wallet and forgetting about it until a deal came along, deals started coming along!!