how many of you actually use a fluid bed? Im thinking about making one this weekend, just wanted your thoughts.

i tried the fluid bed a couple times, not sold on it yet... still prefer the fluff and stuff...

I use a fluid bed only. Don't like the fluff and stuff.

Gary, maybe i need pictures of your setup. I set it up added the powder , turned on the regulator to get the powder bubbling, but it coats the complete inside with powder, and the occasionaly puff of powder in the air. just seem like you waste alot after pouring back into your container, unless you use a spatula or something to clean it. I know some people store paint in the fluid bed cups, but i currently dont have room for that, and have to clean between each color...

maybe i am going about it wrong... how much powder do you put in the cup before painting?

I built one recently for about 15 bucks.... Saw a video on YouTube, and followed the guys instructions.... It seems like a smoother coat if you ask me...I used some PVC fittings and a 7 dollar aqarium pump from Walmart... Plus an air valve regulator for an aquarium. Seems to work well. You may lose a little powder when swapping paints, but I don't think it's enough to worry about. It says on the paint container that it has enough paint for 400 1/4 oz jigs... You aren't gonna lose too much... IMHO.

mine is the same design squeaky but with a dual output pump.... I am sure i will get use to it, but kinda hard to break a habit...

Just finished getting mine set up. It will definately keep the powder puffed up and easy to dip jigs. Petco had a kit with 5 valves and tees for about $6.00. I keep my favorite 4 colors in it and so far it has simplified my painting. 2" pvc caps with 2"x 1-1/2" bushings. I put a paper towel on the bottom of the bushing and pushed them down into the caps to hold the powder and distribute air. So far so good.

i had a few requests a couple year ago on how i make mine: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SrQzk2B22w

there are some more vids in my channel of it in action

Thats a sweet set up Rockhopper! I may have to do something like that in the future.
And thats the youtube video I was talking about......Thanks Brian...I put your knowledge to use!

I have followed Brian Gibson's instructions on how to make them and they have worked out better than the fluff and stuff. Aside from the pump and the regulater. The bed it's self cost under $7 bucks to make. If you make several of them then you will not have to chang eout colors. I currently have 10+ beds that have different colors and are ready for me to hook up the air line and start dippin'! I will take a pic and post it hopefully tonight.

cool! glad the instructions were a help.. best thing is to make multiples like bentley said

I'm about to purchase the parts for a fluid bed but I'm not sure about the pump. I see the Petco pump like rockhopper has but it comes in 4 "sizes" like for 4 different size aquarium's. Is air output important? Which size should I get?

I got today the middle one at petco for around 15.00 has 2 outputs. there are pics in my other post. works great.

I have use 2 different pumps, one being a large 20$ or so, and the other being a rinkydink one that came with a starter kit.. it was pretty small but gets the job done

Where the bed really shines is when you need a thin, quick coat for pony heads so the swivel doesnt get all gummed up.