Well not really!
As I was going about my lawful occasions, I espied a specialist automotive paint supplier so I went in chancing to get some advice on spray guns. The manager proved to be a fount of knowledge and wisdom on all things spraying.
The key question: As a relatively inexperienced user, with a $150 gun, what benefit would I get from a more expensive gun such as those made by SATA?
Having explained my applications, he suggested an IWATA primer gun with 1.3mm tip. He said it would lay down a much more even coat. He even said I could return it, if I didn’t like it. And, the price was similar to internet stores. So, $500 poorer I left the store clutching two products, more on the second one below.
Well, the difference is unbelievable, it’s hard to explain but the finish just goes on so much more evenly and smoothly. I have no idea as to the whys and wherefores that make the experience so different between the two guns. I don’t regret starting with cheaper gun, in fact I think I would recommend it to newbies while they build their skills and get experience.
The second product that I walked out with is the 3M Paint Preparation System (PPS). This is a set of disposable cups and filters that attach via a bayonet fitting to your gun. It makes clean-up a snap and makes changing materials very easy. I used four different coatings in one morning and it was just a pleasure, whereas before I would have dreaded all the hassle and clean up.
So no they haven’t changed my life, but these two products have made spraying a really satisfying and enjoyable experience and produce a very nice finish.
Just thought I would share this as well as best wishes to all for the Holidays.
Hastings
Replies
It is possible that your 3M product can change lives: the less exposure to clean up lacquer thinners etc the better.
I am interested in that 3M product- does it fit any gun? Can you send pictures?
It happens that I have an Iwata gun connected to a Broomwade cup, but my favourite gun is the Asturo (it is clean inside)- this gun has several sets of matching nozzles and needles so I have used it to spray all manner of fluids from very thin to thick stuff like glue and underbody sealers.I prefer gravity feed cups.
I recently bought an El Cheepo (about $35) which I use for small stuff like plane handles etc. It had a sticker on it with the venerable words "Spear and Jackson".... It does a nice job and I think with some care it will last long-so not a bad buy-not all El Cheepos are to be condemned outright.
I wander if Binks and similar are now being made in China.
I am not sure on the answer to your key question, but I think that in the long run if you do a lot of spraying it is better to have a good quality gun that can stand a lot of cleaning which often entails dissassembly: threads on air caps have a knack of getting knackered on cheaper guns, for example, not to mention packings etc.The serious stuff also has stainless steel caps, nozzles , needles etc.
Philip:Good to hear from you!I have attached a pdf file that illustrates the 3M system (their web site has an excellent video but the file was to big to upload. 3M supply a number of adaptors that fit most most guns. Although my Leonardo gun was not specifically mentioned, they had the right adaptor, so I'm pretty sure you will find ones that fit your guns.Go here for a step-by-step guide:http://tinyurl.com/2fb8mrRegards,Hastings
Thats pretty slick. I try to keep tabs on the guy I know who works at an auto paint supply place. Some little tidbits have a nice ability to cross over and make life good.
I know he was the major stimulus for me getting into playing with airbrushes. I started with a cheapie Paasche but upgraded to an Iwata CM and like you say, night and day in quality.
Real trucks dont have sparkplugs
RW
When you start talking about Iwata and Sata, you're talking about the top of the line stuff. I have a high end Sata and an expensive Devillbis gun. Both are great with the right tip. In general, I have not used my siphon guns after getting the hvlp gravity guns. It takes a bit of getting used to spraying with the weight on top if you use a big cup. Eventurally, its second nature. My biggest obstacle was the learning curve going from high pressure to low pressure. It takes practice. Don't rush in.
Like I have written in other threads, I went to a glass window and door shop and volunteered to take their single pane sliding doors off their hands to practice laying on a slick coat of paint. My spin on the deal was like the word I got from other painters who do it every day of the week. Beware of the recommended pressures and the mixing values. The EPA has set standards for the paint gun builders to meet. These are guidelines only for me. Like you read over and over in the finish section here on Knots: do a test piece. Before I paint a car or airplane with new paint, I do a test piece and adjust the flow, viscosity and most importantly use the best tip for the paint. 1.3/1.4/1.5 are available and they have different characteristics. You will be very glad you used the best one when the paint flows and you don't have one giant orange peal or blushing all over your project wth something like epoxy based paint. Its a bear.
later
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