Replies

1. 
   RW | Dec 04, 2002 05:27pm | #1

   Tough call. I've used guns from $30 to $600. My old CH works fine, but that has always been a surprise to me. If you want to spend money, Binks & DeVilbiss are two that come to mind quickly that make good stuff. Graco makes a lot of airless, they might also do suction guns. I've got some Binks stuff lying around and it all works fine if I keep it clean. The CH is not so picky. Kind of the difference between the early M16 and our opponents AK47- the 16 was sleek but get sand in it and you're done. The CH on one job was too good. I went and got a $20 gun from a closeout place cause I needed to create a splatter pattern and the darn thing wouldnt do it. I think I'd turn you on to Andy Charrons Spray Finishing book before you invest the dollars. There's a lot more info there than you'll ever be able to get out of posters.

2. 
   Elcoholic | Dec 04, 2002 11:44pm | #2

   Sorry to say but your old gun must be a real POS.  Spraying laquer is as easy as it gets.  You can thin it 3 or 4 to 1 and build light coats without effecting the finish quality.  I have a Binks 95 conventional gun and it works great for everything but latex.  I mostly shoot Enduropoly these days so I could shoot indoors without blowing myself up except for the overspray.  My next set up will be a turbine and an Accuspray S10 HVLP gun.  I may make my own turbine or if I get lazy and want to squander $100 I'll buy their S23 package.

   John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking

   Life is tough.  It's tougher if you're stupid - John Wayne

1. 
   TooManyTools | Dec 05, 2002 02:50am | #3

   Think this is a good thread to ask this question on.  I'm considering getting an HVLP setup.

   Is there any advantage to turbine HVLP setups over compressors of adequate size?  My impressions (haven't used either but have done a fair amount of airless and conventional)

   1.  The turbine hose is awkward

   2.  The air from the turbine is hot and so is the gun when using it

   3.  The compressor gun requires at least 7-10 cfm hence isn't practical with a HW compressor.

   Last question how is the Crafstman HVLP gun.  I have access to one if I want.  Never used!

1. 
   alias | Dec 05, 2002 04:35am | #4

   j- i have the apollo 900 hvlp , and i love it granted i'm a carpenter, that does alot of architectual woodworking i do a lot of high-end restoration, sprayed alot of oil based primer - paint ,and lacquer( that still has to ask more advice on this subject than i care to admit). the hose and the heat are not an issue for me, but what i can see is at least my system may be undersized for "huge" projects( estate sized grand rooms).but for what i spray, corbels,pediments,mantels,doors,complete wall units(14 foot cielings,35foot length) etc., i've got alot of control of the medium being sprayed the turbine is a little noisey, but have an enclosed box i made with easy access , and shelf that i put outside the window or door . low, low maintenance just filters, and the gun needs a cleaning i got that down a through cleaning with a compressed air blow out 5 minutes.this system has turned painting into a welcomed task, bottom line a vote for H.V.L.P.........my 2 cents....... bear

   Edited 12/4/2002 8:36:56 PM ET by the bear

   Edited 12/4/2002 8:39:19 PM ET by the bear

   Edited 12/4/2002 8:42:59 PM ET by the bear

2. 
   Elcoholic | Dec 05, 2002 07:37pm | #5

   The better hoses have a more flexible 'whip' section and improved crush resistance on the main hose.  The better turbines have bypass cooling for improved turbine life.  Up to a point warm air is better - it eliminates blushing.  I've heard conversion guns are even bigger air hogs than conventionals - can't say for sure.  The biggest advantage with a turbine is absolutely constant air pressure so the spray pattern is also constant.  Turbines are much quieter than my POS airless.  The AccuSpray gun I mentioned has pattern height adjustment which I understand is relatively rare.  It also doesn't bleed nuisance air which helps keep the tip from clogging up.  A hot tip for using waterborne finish is to put a plastic hitch ball cover with damp paper towels in it over the tip between coats.John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking

   Life is tough.  It's tougher if you're stupid - John Wayne

1. 
   TooManyTools | Dec 06, 2002 02:48am | #6

   Thanks.  Neat tip about the hitch ball cover.  Will that work with airless?

3. 
   Sancho | Dec 06, 2002 07:07am | #7

   I had a CH HVLP it was good but I up graded to a accuspray LVLP. it can be used with my 4 gal 1 1/2 hp compressor no prob. I got the cup but it has a pressure feed system also and if you want a 2 1/2 gal pot for it. all can be ran off my small compressor.At Darkworks we measure twice cut the cheese once