Replies

1. 
   jericho | Jul 30, 2005 10:10pm | #1

   hello Paul,

   each system is a little different. what do you have and what are you running into.

   j

1. 
   PaulBinCT | Jul 30, 2005 11:34pm | #2

   Hi Jericho,

   I'm using a large Graco (Series 1200, I think it's at least a 3 stage turbine) with a seperate built in compressor for the pressure pot.  I have used a wide range of finishes from very thin to latex with varying results (actually have gotten very good results with latex, but inconsistent).  I have three different fluid sets.  Basically I'm trying to learn how much pot pressure to use for different materials, as well as whether I should run the turbine wide open or reduce it.  Just trying to learn how to balance all the variables so my results are more consistent.  I have gotten outstanding results, but the next time I use it I may get mediocre results... Any help (or book, video, website suggestions are appreciated.

   PaulB

1. 
   jericho | Jul 31, 2005 12:37am | #3

   Paul,

   i have a liitle experience with turbines, so i'll only give a little information. with any thick body material like latex, use all of the turbines' power/cfm. use one of the larger ( maybe in the range of 2.5mm)needle and tip sets. thin the latex with floetrol (about 5%). 

   for your thinner materials, go down in needle and tip size. keep the needles and tips in matched pairs. on the thinner materials gradually turn up the air volume and look at the size of the droplets. you're looking for good atomization, a consistency in the size of the drops. now you're kinda cooking to taste.

   there is no magic setting. each paint,stain,lacquer, wood, temp/hum,etc. will be a little different.

   you might try some jeff jewitt literature, and i think he frequents a forum on homestead finishing.

   i've got a friend in kansas city on speed dial if you get into some big trouble.

   jericho

1. 
   PaulBinCT | Jul 31, 2005 02:08pm | #4

   Thanks Jericho,

   That all matches my experience, I'm just trying to take some of the hit or miss out of the equation.  Appreciate the suggestions on Jeff Jewitt, I'll look him up.

   PaulB

1. 
   Sancho | Aug 01, 2005 05:01am | #5

   jeff jewitt has some good videos there is also a book called spray finishing.

   they dont specifically deal with hvlp but their is good info on the subj.   Savaging the entire liberal media

2. 
   DougF | Aug 01, 2005 05:53pm | #7

   Paul,

   I've have a really old 1 stage and a new 4 stage HVLP and the main thing that they have in common is that it is "hit or miss" every time you turn it on.  Each application requires fine-tuning according to the material, the thinning agent(s)- if any, the ambient temperature, the turbine air temperature, where you are spraying (inside or outside), what you are spraying (vertical surfaces or horizontal surfaces and are the boards/cabs wide or narrow. 

   There are basics as others have mentioned regarding matching tips to the material and adjusting for fan patterns, material feed and air pressure.  It really is developing a general comfort level with the material you are using and then adjusting to fit the work.  I always start by running thinner through the gun to make sure everything is open and functioning, add my material and adjust the settings on a have a test board before I start spraying.  During the spraying I am checking to see if everything is still flowing the way it was when I started and making adjustments as I go.

3. 
   PaulBinCT | Aug 01, 2005 08:05pm | #8

   Thanks Doug (et al)

   Sounds a lot like I'm doing.  I guess the German in me is just always looking for precision ;)

   PaulB

4. 
   DougF | Aug 02, 2005 12:22am | #9

   Yeah, my wife is of German parents but she married me anyway :-)

5. 
   PaulBinCT | Aug 02, 2005 01:07am | #10

   Ahhhh, a German woman, you lucky guy.  She have any single sisters? ;)

   PaulB

6. 
   DougF | Aug 02, 2005 01:39am | #11

   Nope, her sister was an only child ---------------

    

7. 
   PaulBinCT | Aug 02, 2005 02:43am | #12

   LOLLLLLLLLLLL...very good.

2. 
   Kevin | Aug 01, 2005 06:17am | #6

   Ditto the suggestion of picking Jeff Jewitt's brain. I haven't been to his forum for quite a while. But, he used to frequent it very regularly. I presume he still does.

   The turbine HVLP set ups are a breed unto themselves. Jeff seems to know them as well as anyone. I personally have never used one, preferring the so-called "conversion" hvlp systems which don't use a turbine.

   Preemptive Karma  

   "Rather fail with honor than succeed by fraud" - Sophocles.

3. 
   jazzdogg | Aug 05, 2005 07:37pm | #13

   You might want to check out Jeff Jewitt's website: http://www.homesteadfinishing.com

   There's some good information in "Spray Finishing" by Andy Charron (Taunton).

   -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

1. 
   PaulBinCT | Aug 05, 2005 09:19pm | #14

   Thanks guy,

   I already have been poking around Homestead... think I have that tape from Taunton. A little sparse on specifics.

1. 
   jazzdogg | Aug 06, 2005 12:24am | #15

   "think I have that tape from Taunton"

   Hi Paul,

   Hmmm. I was referring to Charron's book: ISBN 1-56158-114-3.

   Just flipped through Jewitt's book "The Complete Illustrated Guide to Finishing" and it looks a little sparse when it comes to spraying - several references in the index, though, so may be more helpful than appears at first glance with content spread throughout the book.

   It'll be interesting to see what kinds of recommendations are made for a comprehensive book on spray finishing,

    

    -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

1. 
   PaulBinCT | Aug 06, 2005 04:12am | #16

   Oooops, my bad...I'll look it up. Thanks for the correction!

   PaulB