Replies

1. 
   peter28 | Feb 19, 2008 04:37pm | #1

   Personally, I would suggest you look into an HVLP unit. You can forget about the compressor at least for spraying.

   There are a variety of small units that will fit your needs. All you need to do is plug it in and you're ready to spray.

   Check out the site spraygun world. I've heard it's very informative. You can also check out Homesteadfinishing.com as he sells units also.

   I bought an HVLP setup 20 years ago and I still use the same one.

   Good luck.

   Peter

1. 
   MisterShark | Feb 19, 2008 05:04pm | #2

   Peter,

    

   Thanks for the advice. 

   When you specify 'HVLP unit' you're referring to a turbine-driven 'all-inclusive', right?  Sounds good except for the fact that I intend to use the compressor with an upholstery stapler as well, so there's a duality of purpose involved with my preliminary decision to go the compressor route.

   In case I do decide to pull the trigger on a turbine HVLP (if I am indeed interpretting your recommendation accurately) purchase, one of the reasons I purchased my year's subscription to FineWoodWorking.com was because I was hoping to gain access to product review/ratings section on this site (I'm a big fan of Consumer Reports).  Is there a section of this site that features such ratings info so I might make an informed purchase on a specific unit? 

   Thanks again,

    

   James

1. 
   peter28 | Feb 21, 2008 04:10pm | #3

   James,

   I was referring to a turbine unit. The really great thing about them is you never have to worry about needing a moisture separator in your line as the air is clean and dry.

   I'm sure if you did a little searching you could find a comparison somewhere. At the moment I don't know of a specific one to point you to.

   You may go back a few issues into last year and check an article written by Mitch Kohanick. He did a good article on spraying finishes. Mitch is the real deal too.

   You can always get a smaller compressor for your staple gun. Just a thought.

   Good luck.

   Peter

1. 
   MisterShark | Feb 23, 2008 04:24am | #4

   Peter,

    

   Thanks again for your advice.  I decided to check out the turbine systems as you had suggested and came across an article by Chris A.Minick entitled "Turbine HVLP Sprayers" published back in the July/August 1999 Fine Woodworking. 

   Apparently the 'dropping prices' trend took an abrupt about-face somewhere between then and now.  After reading the article I was delighted to find one of the most praised units (Lemmer T55) to be the most affordable at reportedly $375.I was all set to make my online purchase and had a rude awakening when I found the lowest priced Lemmer unit (T55q) to be $550.

   I'm going to do some more searching for the author you mentioned, but the only article I've found by him so far is a general spray finishing overview; no specific manufacturer/model was mentioned/suggested.My ceiling on this expenditure is about $450, and it's starting to look be a daunting task finding the right unit.  Any brand and specific model recommendations on a solid but affordable turbine you can throw my way would be appreciated.

    

   James

1. 
   user-83153 | Feb 23, 2008 11:52pm | #5

   James,

   I'm going to go the opposite direction that Peter did. I think that you would be better off getting the compressor you want and buying an HVLP or RP(reduced pressure) conversion gun. I would suggest that you try a better gun than the Porter-Cable model you mentioned. Here is a link to spray gun worlds small compressor, woodworking section that lists their recommendations by price range.   http://www.spraygunworld.com/Information2/LOWAIRGUNSWood.htm

   If you are only going to be using this gun for spraying waterborne finish look for one that has all stainless steel fluid passages. You could get by with stainless steel air cap & needle like the Porter-Cable has but it won't last as long.

   The advantages of using a conversion gun over a turbine unit are that they are cheaper and more adjustable making them better suited to spraying a variety of finishes and atomizing thick waterborne finish. Some also say that the warm, dry air of a turbine will cause the overspray of quick drying finishes like waterbornes to cure in the air and contaminate the edges of the spray pattern.  If you are going to buy a turbine unit to spray waterborne you want at least a 3 stage which is going to demolish your budget. You may also want to make sure that you don't get a "bleeder" gun that continually sprays air out of the nozzle whether you are using the gun or not. This can be annoying and it can also stir up dust needlessly. The main advantage of a turbine system is its self-contained portability.

                                Rob

2. 
   MisterShark | Feb 24, 2008 08:38am | #6

   Rob,

   Thanks much for your recommendation.  The price disparity between the FineWoodworking article that rated the various brands' turbine systems automatically ruled out that option for me as you guessed.  I've also got an upholstery stapler purchase planned, and Peter's suggestion (though much appreciated) to purchase a turbine HVLP system + small compressor + stapler gun would equal closer to 1K than it would to my $600 combined budget for these items.I had read about the drying effect from some turbines due to the heated air also, and that seemed less than appealing to me as well.

   Running with my Porter-Cable CPF4515 compressor choice, it seems as though the recommendation for the compressors like mine that can handle 7-8 CFM @ 40 on that page you specified is either the 'Sharpe Titanium CG' or the 'Astro HVLP DX3'.  That page/site is a bit strange to navigate though; the shopping layout is really convoluted and not intuitive at all when it comes down to buying what it is they are recommending. I was expecting to find their 2 recomended guns to be linked directly from the page they recommended and described them on to a page which would enable me to add it to my virtual cart.  I clicked through a few links which eventually took me to ToolParadise.com's (parent company?) online inquiry page which will forward my inquiry to their resident spray gun expert.

   So now I'm awaiting their guru's response with a straight answer on prices and confirmation of the choice as a well-suited investment.Thanks again for this helpful lead.  I've frequently felt like I've been chasing rabbits since deciding to take the plunge into pneumatic tools.  I'm hoping the assistance you've given me will conclude my quest for an effective & affordable HVLP/compressor combo purchase.

3. 
   user-83153 | Feb 25, 2008 03:37am | #7

   MisterShark,

   That website is very hard to navigate. It is a shame too because their is a lot of useful info. to be had there. I have heard both good and bad stories about their customer service, so if you don't get a good answer from them, or even if you do, you may want to get in touch with Jeff Jewitt at http://www.homesteadfinishing.com/  and ask for his recommendation . Jeff is very helpful and knowledgeable when it comes to spray finishing. By all accounts he is also a nice guy which may or may not factor into your decision.

   I hope that you end up with a good system and are satisfied.

                        Rob

    

   P.S. to Peter G: Looks like the opinionated jerk won out over the expert this round! :^)  <evil laughter follows>

4. 
   peter28 | Feb 25, 2008 03:51pm | #9

   Rob,

   I stand awash in the glow of your brilliance.

   Thanks for the help.

   PG

5. 
   MisterShark | Feb 25, 2008 08:21pm | #10

   No reply from the folks at SprayGunWorld.com yet, but I know I've gotta give them more time (I work in I.T. and we all tend to be very impetuous when it comes to communication speed in this field).Hopefully I'll hear back from them later today or tomorrow.

   I noticed that the CPO Porter-Cable site actually has a decent sale on one of thier 60 gallon compressors which would enable me to pick any HVLP gun without a shadow of a doubt where performance/compatibility is concerned. At $479 it's still priced better than the turbine systems, and would of course be a great multi-tasking tool to run the upholstery stapler (and whatever other future pneumatic tool purchases) with.  With it's SCFM Air Delivery @ 40 PSI at 14.2 along with it's generous 60 gallon tank, it should accomodate anything I'll look to do with it.

   That along with the fact that my budget for these tools has just increased to $650-$700 might just cause me to go for the sure bet with this big compressor.Past experience and commonly dispensed advice points to spending the extra and being happy later rather than skimping and hoping for the best.

    

6. 
   peter28 | Feb 25, 2008 03:50pm | #8

   I'm glad you were able to get some more advice here.

   I wasn't aware that the prices had become so steep.

   Concerning the drying effect a turbines causes; I can't say I've ever experienced that. I've been using a turbine for twenty years and I know I've shot hundreds of gallons of lacquer during that span and I never had it happen.

   Maybe I've been lucky.

   Hope things turn out well for you.

   Peter