Spray booth question

[Dave Schneider]

Hello all,

I just acquired a new 15"x30" Micro-Lux spray booth off Craigslist (for a great price and no shipping) and have a couple of questions. (http://www.micromark.com/15-x30-LARGE-SPRAY-PAINT-BOOTH,8037.html)

1) This unit has two downdraft fans. I want to vent these to the outside in case I want to spray solvent-thinned paints. I really don't want to put two holes in my wall, and was wondering whether it is possible to combine the two vent hoses into one vent hole. A found a t-shaped sheet metal unit at the hardware store that should do the trick, but I wonder what the reduction in air flow will be. Thoughts???

2) This unit has a three stage filter system, but is missing the first stage filter layer. Micro Mark sells these, but I was wondering if there are any other commonly available materials that could be used.

Thanks, Dave

[wm3798]

It depends on if you want to be OSHA and EPA compliant, or if you just want to shoot the crap outside so it doesn't bother YOU...  I would think that a simple piece of PVC junction would combine the two vents into one, which can then be directed outside the house via a flexible dryer vent.

I'm not sure what the stages of filtration are, but being a Rube Goldberg disciple, you could probably figure out some sort of rig with Heppa vacuum filter or an auto air filter at the exhaust of the system to catch particulates and keep a paint haze from forming on your siding.

Lee

[DKS]

I would think that a simple piece of PVC junction would combine the two vents into one, which can then be directed outside the house via a flexible dryer vent.

The PVC junction should survive, but don't use plastic dryer vent hose--solvents will eat it. Use the flexible aluminum variety.