I have run out of patience with poor finishing and painting work perfomed by “professionals” on my custom built-in work (wainscoting, cabinets, widowseats, shelves, molding/casin etc.) and have decided to dive into the word of HVLP turbine systems. I have researched 4-stage units, some with remote cups and some without. I have tried to find good information and comparisons online and have been unnsuccessful. In particular, I am interested hearing anyones thoughts who have used an HVLP turbine system, not an HVLP conversion system. I have a large comprssor and conversion guns but, however, I need the mobility and low overspray benefit of an HVLP turbine to put on nice finishes in place. If anyone has used the Graco 4900 or 4900 procomp, I would love to hear your thoughts. I will also be interested in hearing any ones thoughts on gun performance.
Sincerely,
RS Grant
Replies
RS
If you don't find what you are looking for here, there is a ton of good info from Jeff Jewitt at his website, http://www.homesteadfinishing.com. You might want to check there as well.
Jeff
The Graco / Croix hvlp is an exceptional piece of equipment. You can adjust the fan to spray from 1/4" to about a nine inch fan. depending on what your shooting will decide which type of gun you'll use. If your shooting alot of angles and positions you'll need the gun seperate from the resivour. I mostly use this type of set up. Not only is it easier to work but you don't have to worry about tilting the too far. Which model you need will be determined by how much material you'll be shooting. If you shoot a piece a day you'll need the bigger rigs to handle the volume and not strain from long shoot times. You can spend as little as $ 800.00 to $ 5000.00 on a system. Personaly my system cost about $ 1,600.00 . As I don't use it everyday. Another thing to think about is hose line, you might want to get an extra lenght to extend your reach. Because the turbine will suck in what little over spray there might be if it's too close to your spray booth / area. Plus if your spraying you'll need to watch out for combustion fires and explosion factors. Make sure all pilot lights are out in the building your shooting in. Most products that you'll shoot with an hvlp atomize so fine that this is a very real probability. If you shoot in an booth type scenario, set your self up with an explosion proof exit fan with a low speed to pull out.
Hope this helps
The system that I have is the 3800. It's about three years old and it runs great.
One more thought, invest in several cups with lids so you can change around with out cleaning one cup constantly. Also, either Woodcraft or Rockler has hvlp cleaning kits with all the brushes on sale right now.
I have the predecessor to the 4900 (can't for the life of me remember the number and I'm not at the shop). It's been a great unit, very well built. The gun is likewise very well built but it's a bleeder which has pros and cons. I've been very pleased with the system, as well as the service from Graco which has been first rate. Hope this helps...
PaulB
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