I’m looking for a cheap 2nd HVLP to spray my sealer shellac without having to do the surgically clean routine when I switch to my WB lacquer top coat.
I have a Devilbiss Finishline III that I’m happy with just trying to speed things up a bit.
Are any of the HF guns any good? They have several and thought I might take a chance since its just for sealer.
Thanks,
Replies
i don't have any experience w/ this tool, although ive found that you get what you pay for, especially at harbor freight, just something to keep in mind,
peace, Nick
While I haven't had the gun , I have had HF tools and they stink. My experience: Bench press out of round after a short time, cordless drills(2) whose bearings go very quickly (and employees tell you definitely get the extended warrantee),roller stands whose rollers separate, even disposable brushes that "dispose" as your painting , and c clamps that the heads come off. HF 's prices are so tempting they are tough to resist but I have called it quits on them (and I have a store in my town).
That said if you are tempted, try it and if it lasts 30 days, take it back. I would never buy anything that requires accuracy or reliability from HF. I thought about a hammer because what can go wrong with a hammer but I figured HF would show me what could go wrong.
Maybe I should have added a disclaimer to my question?"I've shopped at Harbor Freight and I'm okay with it." HF by and large sells garbage. Their tools won't be as good as any upper end name-brand version on the same thing. And if it has a motor on it LOOK OUT.But not everything there is a waste. I just bought a 20" rolling tool bag for $14. Its decent and will do the job. If I was a trim carpenter loading and unloading 5 days a week probably not. But I only install maybe five times a year. And there is also the 6" digital caliper for $15. Wouldn't build a jumbo jet with it but for woodworking I think its great.I did a search on the 43430 gun and many auto painters and potters seem to like it OK. None claim its better than higher priced guns but it gives acceptable results especially if its not for final coats. I picked one up for $40 and will be shooting some sealer later this week. That is the only thing I have in mind for it. It it works it is worth it to not have to do a big cleaning production switching from shellac to waterlac during my finishing. Especially when some items are ready for top coat and some still are being sealed.If anyone is interested in the performance of the HF gun vs. the Devilbiss e-mail me and I'll let you know how it handles.
I've purchased a number of items from HF and have had generally good service from them. I use my two HF trim routers more than my PC. At the monthly meeting of our local woodworking club, a couple of guys mentioned having an HF detail spray gun that cost about $15 -- they're satisfied with them.
Bill Arnold - Custom Woodcrafting
Mensa Member
Click Here if you're interested in a good, inexpensive website host.
Food for Thought: The Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.
yea I have their gun and it worke great with lacquer, varnish and shelac. I was surprised how well it works given the price difference between it and the better brands.
Some of the guys are knocking Harbor Freight, I think they, Harbor Freight, are great. I have had their 6" jointer, drill press that have wored perfectly since 1980. If you don't have a large budget for name brand tools their products work great.
I also have their hoist, biscut cutter, polisher, 4 of their air guns, a bunch of their power saws and assortment of other stuff.
If you have a problem, they respond quickly and have always satisfied me.
Jim
Are any of the HF guns any good? They have several and thought I might take a chance since its just for sealer.
Most stores that sell guns sell cheaper models that will work for you and last a while. Remember that the cheap ones are heavier and clunkier than the lighter sleek pro guns. For occaissional use they are fine. For all day use they suck mostly for the amount of weight you have to carry around. They can all be made to spray well. My advice? Look for an Astro...... Aloha, Mike
Don't know about its quality, but Rockler has a single-stage HVLP turbine & gun for about $100.00.
-Jazzdogg-
Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right.
If the gun you're referring to is the gravity fed conversion HVLP job that goes for $49 on sale, I sprayed my kitchen cabinets last year with one and it worked very well. I used Minwax satin poly and thinned it out. It flattened out really nicely and didn't take very much practice to get the right pattern and volume. I would recommend cleaning it out after every use, though. It seems to be fairly precise, although not to the point of a really high end model.
I think a $100 turbine may be asking too much. I was told that the really cheap ones are that price for a reason, although with really thin finishes, it may not matter as much.
There is a local HF store here. I have bought several items that worked OK and at least one that was junk. Bought 4 inch C-clamps that are great for the price - at least for woodworking. Bought 18" bar clamps which don't work. The moveable end slips. I drilled holes through the bar and moveable end and put in a snap pen where I need it now. I have a HF detail spray gun it is OK for lacquer so far, but clogs easily. I have had bad luck here in Lousiana with spraying lacquer due to blushing. I may be about to try it again. I haven't found anything else I like as well for Padauk.
If your air filter/water remover is a basic one, try the kind that has dessicant in it(silica gel, like in the little packets with electronics). With the humidity down there, I can see why you have blushing. Look for a place that sells supplies to auto body shops for these, or HF has one.
"I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
Thanks for the advice. The current issue of FWW (I just got mine today) has an article about wipe on poly. They like the Minwax. I bought a can (for only $1.50 more than the price in the article) at Lowe's and am trying it. I don't want to darken the wood anymore than I can help. The wood is Paduk and anything with oil seems to make it too dark. Maybe I will try brushing lacquer also.
i paid a grand for an acuspray. worked good with a lot of tlc. Paid what, 20 or 40 bucks for a harbor freight hvlp to use with my shop compressor -works fantastic.
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled