Replies

1. 
   DonStephan | Jul 11, 2006 04:28am | #1

   Certainly you'll get some good responses here. You might also contact http://www.homesteadfinishing.com as the owner, Jeff Jewitt, has supplied a number of the participants on this forum with spray equipment.

2. 
   jpohja | Jul 11, 2006 04:31am | #2

   I'm no expert on finishing and maybe thats why this advice could be pertinent.  Purchased the Wagner conversion gun several years ago from gleem(sp) to spray shellac and, with no experience in spraying finishes, have been getting nice results, IMHO.  John

3. 
   Michael | Jul 11, 2006 11:39pm | #3

   So many angles for this to be answered.  You'll find a number of discussions if you can figure out the search function (never quite works for me).

   Is your air-compressor really 5hp or marketed at 5hp with the same motor size as a contractors tablesaw?  a 1.5hp compressor can run some smaller conversion HVLP guns, but the good ones are more air demanding and will push one of the 1.5hp AC's very hard.

   I own a Fuji Q4 as my "5hp" devilbiss wasn't up to the task of running a gun that could shoot all of the viscosities I wanted.  I was looking at latex caliber hvlp though.  There are many excellent companies out there in the HVLP world now given the tighter VOC and spray regulations.  This is a good thing for us consumers :)

   I suggest you touch base with Jeff J. over at homestead and get his advice for your current setup.  He may have a gun suggestion that would work w/ your compressor.  If not, the decent turbine units run anywhere from 350-1400.  Get a tip / nozzle assortment when you get your gun regardless of type, get a ford or other standard viscosity cup, get some good filter cones for your finish straining, and most importantly... practice before you shoot a production piece (DAMHIKT)

   It's an amazingly efficient way to lay down professional quality finishes, but it takes some time and practice to get the hang of it.

   G'luck, wouldn't choose another way to work on big pieces myself anymore as shellac off a gun is so nice :)

   michael

   ~Michael
4. 
   Anderson | Jul 12, 2006 07:30am | #4

   I love my Fuji Q3 ...