Most people looking to get started with powder coating are bombarded by the numerous systems and configurations of equipment they will need. Surely this might be painful to some, if not all, a general knowledge of the differences between the way the system gets the job done and it's useable features can make this decision far easier.

The key to this is the powder coating gun. Without this, you have no way to adhere the powder coat at all. In this area, we have various systems, starting from entry level beginner systems, to slightly more advanced systems for increased productivity. We'll start with the low cost and entry level systems most beginners would get started with.

To start, our first option, and also the first one I ever bought, is the Chicago Electric powder coating gun. A low pressure working range starts us off, and uses a top mount cup system. This unit has no variable voltage control, but the starter system does include some extra cups, and more can be bought to at least speed up color changes. The unit's charging system for the powder coat paint is activated by foot. The control box is rather large for a unit with no adjustment, but it works off of standard 110v home power. This is about the same as the hot coat in start up costs, at only $69.99.

Our second option, and also, the second system I have ever bought is the Eastwood company's hot-coat system. I have had this system in user for 3 years now with no problems, and the price has dropped to $62.99. As with the Chicago gun, Eastwood does offer replacement cups, and also a few different tips to help with powder adhesion and give a more flexible coating to your part. The control box is fairly small, about 1/4 of the size of the Chicago system, and this unit works off a hand held controller to activate it. This can become quite cumbersome, but easy to get used to, as both hands will be tied up in operation this system. I found this unit very enjoyable with the additional tips, and also the Eastwood unit will accept most 1/2lb containers as the actual cup, which makes color changes fast and easy on this unit.

Almost the same as the Chicago gun, is Caswell's HV powder coating spray gun. This is basically the Chicago system re-branded under the Caswell name, but with a variable output like the much larger professional systems. Variable voltage is very important, as with each layer you apply, the powder must be charged more for it to adhere. While this system costs more at $230.00, the advantages over a cheaper system are numerous and the price isn't too steep for most to pay.

Finally, this last gun may be a hobby gun still, but, is actually listed as a Pro Series. Eastwood's Hot Coat Pro 1100 series retails in at $599.99 and is a one handed activation and spray setup. Adjustable voltage from 10kv-25kv, leaves you a bit shy of the Caswell's numbers, but will allow a user to get 2nd and 3rd coats easily and smoothly.. As with their cheaper system, extra cups are available to make color changes faster and easier.

The above options, while varying wildly in price (from $62.99-$599.99) are all a very good and valid choice to get yourself started. As to which one is best, that will vary depending on who's buying the setup. Any one of these setups can produce professional looking and clean powder coating jobs with the right preparation.