For now our lead photo will be our QA inspector Tanya, we will choose a different photo when a suitable one becomes available.
It quickly became clear that with the number of clecos to be placed in this kit that the result could range from sore hands to Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) so after pricing commercially available units we decided to have a go at building our own.
The gun is constructed from a spring return Bimba air cylinder mounted in a pistol grip made from plastic pipe. The squeezing portion is made from odds & ends of hex nuts, washers & a piece of pipe. The control valve is a Clippard miniature spool valve. The expense of building the guns was modest, the result is shown below.
The fresh air blower must be located outside the area where the paint is sprayed.
Detail photo showing mounting of the blower motor and the air bypass. The air bypass
relieves back pressure on the blower and provides cooling air to the motor. The cooling
air is exhausted through the holes in the enclosure.
Another photo showing internal construction. This view shows a second bypass which reduces air flow to
the mask if necessary or allows a second mask to be attached.
View of bottom of the unit showing the intake air filter.
View of bottom of the unit without the intake air filter.
View showing the blower cooling air exhaust holes.
Completed Air Blower. Not fancy but it serves the purpose!