Replies

1. 
   Eric | Jun 12, 2006 01:38am | #1

   Muck,

   I'm in the exact same position as you.  I'm looking at the Wagner conversion gun.  This link says you can get by with a 1.5hp compressor: http://www.gleempaint.com/hvcongunnew.html

   There are product reviews on the internet that indicate you can run this on a pancake type compressor, but frankly I'm a bit sceptical by nature and others at Knots have written that you really want a larger tank than most nailing type compressors.  They indicate that you want to be sure you have enough air to spray a full side of a project before you have to stop and let the compressor catch up.   

   I've come to the conclusion that there are two options:

   1) Get a ~20 gal external tank.  You can buy these for about $40 (Home Depot has one).  This will give you a buffer of air to get you through one side of a project.

   2) If you buy a compressor, it looks to me like you want a ~1.5-3hp, 20-30 gal compressor.  Craftsman has a 1.6HP for about $400. http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?cat=Compressors+%26+Air+Tools&pid=00916778000&vertical=TOOL&subcat=Air+Compressors+%26+Inflators&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes

   What I like about this one is that it has a 30 gal tank and 175 psi, so you've got a good buffer of air to spray with even if the compressor can't keep up fully with the gun.  It also runs on a 120V/15A circuit, so you can use it most places in the house and still spray until the quart can is empty before you "need" air (by my calcs, with a tank this size, you should be able to spray for at least 3 min before the tank drops below the input requirement for the gun).

   Would love to hear your and other opinions as to if I've got this thought through correctly).

   Cheers,

   Eric

2. 
   QCInspector | Jun 12, 2006 04:16am | #2

   I think you should go to some paint suppliers and talk to them about what kind of spraying you are potentially going to do. Get their recommendations for the guns that will work and the air requirements that they need (and what type of dryers and filters are also needed). With that info you can then go hunting for a compressor and accessories to suit. At the same time you should consider what other air tools you also may want to use in the "someday". Air powered random orbit sanders are very nice to use but need a good supply of air.

3. 
   jazzdogg | Jun 12, 2006 06:04pm | #3

   You may want to check out the following websites:

   http://www.compliantspraysystems.com

   http://www.homesteadfinishing.com

    

   Good luck,

   -Jazzdogg-

   "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie

4. 
   AntzyClancy | Jun 12, 2006 06:59pm | #4

   I purchased the Wagner conversion gun from Gleam (mentioned above) along with a Craftsman compressor shown here:

   http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?cat=Compressors+%26+Air+Tools&pid=00916732000&vertical=TOOL&subcat=Air+Compressors+%26+Inflators&BV_SessionID=@@@@0320073585.1150127199@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccgkaddhmijlklicegecegjdghldfom.0

   The compressor was on sale for $280, and I have been impressed with its performance.  They just recently came out with a another model that looks to have the same motor as above but a smaller tank.  I think I would opt for the smaller version, as 26 gal should be ample:

   http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?cat=Compressors+%26+Air+Tools&pid=00916728000&vertical=TOOL&subcat=Air+Compressors+%26+Inflators&BV_SessionID=@@@@0320073585.1150127199@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccgkaddhmijlklicegecegjdghldfom.0

   I used the gun to spray latex primer and paint last weekend and am less impressed.  Now, this is the first time I have sprayed finish, so I have no basis to compare it with others, nor do I know if I was using it properly, but my experience was mostly frustrating.

   My main reason for buying the HVLP was to use in the shop to spray shellac, lacquer, water base poly, etc., not latex.  However, I had I backyard fence to paint so I gave it a try.  I am hoping that the other finished will be easier.

   If your main reason for using a sprayer is for heavy latex, I would consider an airless sprayer instead of a HVLP.

   Good luck,

   Todd

1. 
   Eric | Jun 12, 2006 08:27pm | #5

   Hey AntzyClancy,

   Did you do anything to the latex or change the orifice?  I've read you 've got to go up a few MM for latex and thinning it a bit helps.

   How does the gun perform for your clear finishes?

   Cheers,

   Eric

1. 
   AntzyClancy | Jun 12, 2006 09:01pm | #6

   I used the #4 Projector Set and thinned with 8 oz water per 1 Gallon paint (as recommended by the paint manufacturer).I haven't sprayed anything else as yet.Todd

1. 
   user-87215 | Jun 15, 2006 04:54am | #7

   Muck, $700 will buy you a lot of compressor.  As I am sure you have read by now, HVLP ( and LVLP) are not really designed for latex paint.  I  have used the small airless wagners  ( under $100 ) and the the bigger more expensive wagner paint sprayers ( that take a gallon or more at a time ) and they both do a pretty good job with latex. The main reason to buy a HVLP gun is to spray finishes, sealers and stain - very thin bodied compared to latex paint.  The general advise I have seen is to get s big a compressor as will fit your budget and space, and wiring,  because you can run a lot of other tools off a compressor (nailers, sanders, etc) and you won't limit you gun choice.    If I was starting with $700 I would try to get a compressor that put out about 10 cfm @ 90 psi or more - that gives you more options in guns than a compressor putting out 5 or 6 cfm.  I like the oil as opposed to the oil free. Then look into guns that can run on that output- some like the finishline guns, I have used and like the astro ( under $100)  and the asturo ( about $400 ) .  Another thing to consider is whether you will want to get more than one needle set.  While the Asturo ECO is a great gun, I think a different needle set runs another $115.  The needle sets for the Astro are about $35, and some guns can be bought in a kit with a number of needles and the gun for around $300.  Good luck whatever you do, I think your budget is very reasonable - don't forget the extras.  Pick up a cartridge respirator ( and keep it in a freezer bag when you are not using it)  Other things to get would include a good regulator to mount at the gun so you can vary the pressure, shop lighting so you can see what you are doing, a viscosity cup, and a method to exhaust the overspray.  If you are just starting, I recommend water based finishes - it really reduces the fire hazards.  Barry

1. 
   polarsea1 | Jun 15, 2006 08:28am | #8

   I've got an oil free compresson that puts out 8.8 CFM @ 40 PSI. I use a Devilbiss Finishline 3 conversion gun and the compressor runs pretty much continually if I am spraying a fair sized project. A quieter compressor with a decent capacity is way up on my list of things to buy.

2. 
   user-87215 | Jun 16, 2006 04:55am | #9

   Polarsea1 -  how do you like the finishline ?  Do you use it to spray water based finishes - if so what tips do you use? 

3. 
   polarsea1 | Jun 16, 2006 07:46am | #10

   The gun works real well but uses a lot of air - up to 13cfm @ 40psi if I remember correctly, but I haven't spent much time waiting for my compressor to catch up even though it's rated much lower than that.

   I've been using it to apply Fuhr #355 Waterborne Acrylic Varnish which has been characterized as idiot proof. So far so good.  I believe I have the 1.8 tip in it but decide what finish you will be using (to begin with) and the viscosity then buy the gun with the correct tip. Devilbiss customer service will tell you which tip if you have the viscosity. The liners are great! Best of luck.