Pressure Washer + Foam Cannon

[jakerodz7]

Whats up guys and gals,

 

I am sure we were all very excited to hear that we could finally get a foam cannon courtesy of Adams and I am sure that many of us jumped on the opportunity to do so (I know I did  ).  Having said that I started looking at what I would need as far as attachments in order to be able to use it my AR pressure washer.  However after looking at what I would need and how much it would be I decided it was time to look for a better more powerful unit as this one was already on its last leg anyways.  

 

This might be the case for some of us or even others who have yet to get a pressure washer and want a good first choice. That is why I decided to create this thread.

 

The purpose of this thread is to share experiences of your pressure washer + foam cannon setup. (Both electric and gas models welcome)

 

-If you could mention the make and model of your unit, or psi/gpm ratings.

-Also if you could mention foam consistency (Shaving cream vs. very runny).

-Also if you could mention any modifications you had to make (e.g. changing the quick disconnect  fitting for the pressure washer gun).

 

In doing this I think you would help those of us who are in the market for a new pressure washer! 

 

Thanks guys! 

Edited July 21, 2016 by jakerodz7

[marquez93]

Good idea. I've got a Sun Joe SPX3000 which is currently $146.99 on Amazon and highly rated. It is 2030 PSI (pretty high for an electric) and 1.76 GPM.

 

I've only used it maybe 10 times but I've been happy with it. And I've only used my MTM foam cannon once with it. It was probably somewhere in the middle of shaving cream and runny, but I never took the time to dial it in perfectly.

 

And I don't think I had to make any modifications to work, but the Adam's foam cannon could be different. It uses standard fittings though, where I think the Karcher's usually have their own style fittings.

[GXPaycheck]

Some good info in here:

http://www.adamsforums.com/topic/28259-help-me-with-mtm-foam-cannonpwd-not-helpful/page-1?do=findComment&comment=443899

[DeDonDeRosa]

was in the market for a pressure washer that 1 had good power to do things around my house to keep the wife happy lol, i went to home depot looking to purchase a ryobi 2000psi electric washer that was $199.00 when i got there i noticed they had on sale a 2800psi gas HONDA powered pressure washer for $299.00 i figured for 100 bucks more why not get the more powerful one, esp cause im gonna use it for cleaning purposes as well. my neighbor had 2 electric ones over the past few years and dont get me wrong he said they were pretty good but when it came to cleaning it took extra long to get jobs done etc. but i convinced him to buy this one and he loves it. anyway when i use this with my foam cannon it comes out like thick shaving cream and really clings to the car to get that extra bite on breaking down the dirt so im very pleased with my purchse.

 

what i also love about this one, take a look at the want the had a rotating dial built into that allows you to decrease the pressure so when im rinsing the car down etc i turn the pressure down on it to keep things safe. cant beat that. thats for sure

 

 

[Ricky Bobby]

The Ryobi's from Depot are super underrated for the price. Quality pumps, fittings, hoses and motors. And great 3 year warranty. My electric 1700 psi 1.2 gpm is an absolute beast of a workhorse.

[buffalobob920]

Just got and used my foam cannon with my ryobi 1700ips. 1.2 gpm and it worked outstanding !!!

[buffalobob920]

Just got and used my foam cannon with my ryobi 1700ips. 1.2 gpm and it worked outstanding !!!

that was after about ten minutes had to get the I phone to take a pic

[jakerodz7]

Good idea. I've got a Sun Joe SPX3000 which is currently $146.99 on Amazon and highly rated. It is 2030 PSI (pretty high for an electric) and 1.76 GPM.

 

I've only used it maybe 10 times but I've been happy with it. And I've only used my MTM foam cannon once with it. It was probably somewhere in the middle of shaving cream and runny, but I never took the time to dial it in perfectly.

 

And I don't think I had to make any modifications to work, but the Adam's foam cannon could be different. It uses standard fittings though, where I think the Karcher's usually have their own style fittings.

 

I just figured it would help those of us who for one reason or another are in the market for a new PW. Thanks for your post brother!  I have seen good reviews about the Sun Joe SPX3000 on different websites.  This might be a great combo with the Adam's foam cannon.

 

was in the market for a pressure washer that 1 had good power to do things around my house to keep the wife happy lol, i went to home depot looking to purchase a ryobi 2000psi electric washer that was $199.00 when i got there i noticed they had on sale a 2800psi gas HONDA powered pressure washer for $299.00 i figured for 100 bucks more why not get the more powerful one, esp cause im gonna use it for cleaning purposes as well. my neighbor had 2 electric ones over the past few years and dont get me wrong he said they were pretty good but when it came to cleaning it took extra long to get jobs done etc. but i convinced him to buy this one and he loves it. anyway when i use this with my foam cannon it comes out like thick shaving cream and really clings to the car to get that extra bite on breaking down the dirt so im very pleased with my purchse.

 

what i also love about this one, take a look at the want the had a rotating dial built into that allows you to decrease the pressure so when im rinsing the car down etc i turn the pressure down on it to keep things safe. cant beat that. thats for sure

 

 

I was actually looking at this pressure washer because it was Honda powered just like the one Adam used in the Foam Cannon video (yes i know they are different makes and power outputs but it came up in my search and is almost 150 dollars cheaper than the one used in the video).  I too love the fact that it was adjustable power, which I didn't notice when I first looked at it, might have to do what you did and spend the extra 100 on a gas powered one. Thanks for the post brother

 

The Ryobi's from Depot are super underrated for the price. Quality pumps, fittings, hoses and motors. And great 3 year warranty. My electric 1700 psi 1.2 gpm is an absolute beast of a workhorse.

 

 

Just got and used my foam cannon with my ryobi 1700ips. 1.2 gpm and it worked outstanding !!!

That's 2 votes for the Ryobi 1700psi 102gpm.  I actually watched a video of someone foaming their cars with this exact pressure washer and the foam did look pretty legit.  That looks great for an after 10 min pic Bob! (Also good call on the hose slides, just got some and they are amazing, make it so much easier to move around the car without getting stuck).

 

Question for both of you, especially you Bob, is there a need to change the fitting at the end of the pressure washer gun in order to be able to connect it to the foam cannon?  Also would you call the consistency shaving cream like or a little more towards the runny side? 

 

Thanks for posting guys! 

[buffalobob920]

No need to change the fitting and I like the foam on the thick side but you can adjust the setting it really worked well better than I thought at the beginning of the week when they said you needed min of 2.6 gpm thumbs up Adam and dan for trying it out on your own machine

[jakerodz7]

No need to change the fitting and I like the foam on the thick side but you can adjust the setting it really worked well better than I thought at the beginning of the week when they said you needed min of 2.6 gpm thumbs up Adam and dan for trying it out on your own machine

Yeah I definitely like my foam on the thicker side as well, I have a foam blaster/gun (competitors) and I always use it on the thicker setting. If you say it came out pretty thick then I think I may just have to add one to my detailing arsenal.  If you don't mind me asking, how much soap did you use? and did you turn the foam cannon setting all the way up for maximum foam?

[Ricky Bobby]

Mine is turned about 7/8 of the Max and foams awesome similar to above. Excellent shaving cream. I have an MTM but you can expect similar

 

I use about 2-3 oz and EASILY can foam the complete car twice or three times with one bottle.

 

I bought a Ryobi specific fitting off amazon so I could thread it on my cannon and untwist the wand and then twist lock the cannon on my trigger assembly on my Ryobi. However you can use the wand as it has a standard QC fitting - you just may have to hold the bottle as its heavy when full.

[buffalobob920]

Yeah I definitely like my foam on the thicker side as well, I have a foam blaster/gun (competitors) and I always use it on the thicker setting. If you say it came out pretty thick then I think I may just have to add one to my detailing arsenal.  If you don't mind me asking, how much soap did you use? and did you turn the foam cannon setting all the way up for maximum foam?

this is the first time I'm using it , it wasn't all the way up I guess around 3/4 and I used about3to 5 oz and still have enough in the jar to do another car I'm still going to tweak it a little but well worth the money I'm still going to use my foam gun but this is great to have in your arsenal

[jakerodz7]

Mine is turned about 7/8 of the Max and foams awesome similar to above. Excellent shaving cream. I have an MTM but you can expect similar

 

I use about 2-3 oz and EASILY can foam the complete car twice or three times with one bottle.

 

I bought a Ryobi specific fitting off amazon so I could thread it on my cannon and untwist the wand and then twist lock the cannon on my trigger assembly on my Ryobi. However you can use the wand as it has a standard QC fitting - you just may have to hold the bottle as its heavy when full.

Well I am definitely looking to get a Ryobi now as it seems to be one of the best reviewed and liked by detailers not just here but else where. I will have to look for that fitting if I do end up deciding to shorten the wand length for the PW. Thanks again for all your input Jason!

 

this is the first time I'm using it , it wasn't all the way up I guess around 3/4 and I used about3to 5 oz and still have enough in the jar to do another car I'm still going to tweak it a little but well worth the money I'm still going to use my foam gun but this is great to have in your arsenal

That's really good foam especially if it isn't even all the way turned up. I kind of figure that I will be using about 3 oz or so in order to cover my car and another one if need be. I do remember watching a video a while back about a guy who was using 1 oz of soap to 10 oz of water and he said that was enough to foam the car, so I will definitely be playing with the setup once I get it in. 

 

Thanks to you, Jason and DedonDeRosa I will definitely be adding a Ryobi to my arsenal, depending on the difference in price I might go ahead and get the gas powered one but still deciding on that. I will be going to look at them today at home depot! Thanks for all your input and willingness to share Bob! 

 

p.s. I have my foam gun like I said above which I am sure I will use as well but this just seems like a bit more fun haha. 

Edited July 24, 2016 by jakerodz7

[stripesace]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GN53H7Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

If you want to shorten the wand on the Ryobi snag this kit. You'll want the Bosch fitting out of the kit. This will allow you to quickly twist off the longer part of the wand with the tip, and twist on your foam cannon. You may need an intermediate fitting that goes into both the twist fitting and the foam cannon. Not sure how Adams is doing their QD. 

[Chris@Adams]

Guys remember if you are washing in your garage a electric power washer would be the best option, because of the fumes generated by a gasoline power washer.

[Ricky Bobby]

FYI the Ryobi's just took a price reduction as well at Depot (I love when they do this)

 

All 1.2 gpm

 

1600psi with 20ft hose - $110 (GREAT VALUE)

1700 psi with 25ft hose (mine) - $149 (used to be $169)

2000psi with 25ft hose - $179 (used to be $199)

[TheWolf]

Pressure washer is an AR Blue Clean Professional AR630TSS-HOT rated at 2.1 gpm and 1900 psi.

 

Converted the Adam's Foam Cannon to an M22 fitting to fit this wand.

 

 

 

Impressive amount of thick foam.

 

[Ricky Bobby]

AR makes great washers. Nice pics Dan.

 

For sake of science - I assume you are using warm deionized water in the cannon, and approx 2-3 oz of soap?

 

I will say the purer and warmer (not cold) water used in the cannon also plays a big part of the lather you get in my experience.

Edited July 25, 2016 by Ricky Bobby

[TheWolf]

AR makes great washers. Nice pics Dan.

 

For sake of science - I assume you are using warm deionized water in the cannon, and approx 2-3 oz of soap?

 

I will say the purer and warmer (not cold) water used in the cannon also plays a big part of the lather you get in my experience.

 

I was using cold, deionized water for this first use of the new Adam's Foam Cannon.

 

I had previously run both warm water, and non-filtered water with the MTM, and did not notice much foaming difference.  My water is not overly hard, so somebody with really hard water would likely see different performance with DI vs. non-DI water.

[DeDonDeRosa]

     

Edited August 8, 2016 by DeDonDeRosa

[TheWolf]

Just remember a couple factors. If you use warm or hot water in the bottle it will make the foam less thick. Also if your car still has paint sealant or h20 guard and gloss on it and isnt very dirty you will notice also the foam isnt very thick wjen it hits cause the sealant is dong its job and making it run off faster. For anyone who is having a hard time getting thick foam. Using cold water is best. Using cold water on an unprotected car thats dirty.... extra thick shaving cream

 

Oh my!  How dare you imply that my truck was unprotected and dirty! 

 

It was actually only slightly dusty, and a coat of HGG was applied over the PS about 3 weeks ago, so it is good and sealed.

 

In my experience, the condition of the paint (unprotected and/or dirty) affects the hang-time of the foam, since like you said the sealants will make the foam slide off faster, and the dirt will give the foam some traction.

 

However, the initial thickness of the foam is more a function of how much air is in the foam, whether the foam is drier or more wet, with wet foams being thinner and sliding off faster.

 

With unprotected and dirty cars, you can build up a layer of wetter foam so that the overall thickness is more, before the foam slides off, but I found that the foam out of the new Adam's Foam Cannon was thicker on initial application because it had more air content.

[chops1sc]

I mentioned this in a Facebook group earlier today; PSI is determined by the size of the tip you are using. For example, my 1600psi Greenworks ($99 @ Lowe's) will only produce 1600psi with the 0 degree tip installed. So if I have a foam cannon on the end of the trigger, I am not getting all 1600psi coming out.

 

I guess what I'm saying is don't buy the highest psi unit you can buy expecting to get all that pressure using the foam cannon. I'm not saying you won't see more foam with a 3000psi washer than my 1600psi unit, but I guarantee it won't be 3000psi. IMHO anything over 2000psi is pointless and you might even damage the paint if you don't know what you are doing.

[Ricky Bobby]

I was using cold, deionized water for this first use of the new Adam's Foam Cannon.

 

I had previously run both warm water, and non-filtered water with the MTM, and did not notice much foaming difference.  My water is not overly hard, so somebody with really hard water would likely see different performance with DI vs. non-DI water.

 

^^Thanks for letting me know - yes I was referring to hard water, the people who get hard water spots really easily - it would be beneficial to use cleaner water in the foam cannon IMO - a gallon of distilled for $1 would fill the cannon up 4 times in case someone has really hard water.

 

I personally also do not have really hard water, so just regular cold water from my hose spigot works just fine for me as well

[TheWolf]

^^Thanks for letting me know - yes I was referring to hard water, the people who get hard water spots really easily - it would be beneficial to use cleaner water in the foam cannon IMO - a gallon of distilled for $1 would fill the cannon up 4 times in case someone has really hard water.

 

I personally also do not have really hard water, so just regular cold water from my hose spigot works just fine for me as well

Ooops...I did not completely understand the question. I do use only distilled water in the actual solution bottle with the CWS. I thought you were asking about the water running through the pressure washer.

[Ricky Bobby]

Now we're on the same page - DI water through the pressure washer would have you eating up resin pretty fast LOL

[chops1sc]

Now we're on the same page - DI water through the pressure washer would have you eating up resin pretty fast LOL

How so? CR Spotless recommends using a pressure washer since they have low GPM vs a garden hose.