Replies

1. 
   Paul_Snyder | Dec 06, 2003 06:08pm | #1

   Jerry - there's and endless variety of spray guns and set-ups you can choose from. From the finishes you plan to use and the amount of spraying you describe, a spray gun with an attached cup is a good choice. You then have the option of a gravity fed spray gun where the cup is above the spray gun or a siphon fed gun where the cup is below the spray gun. You also have the option of using a spray gun that works with a compressor or one that works with a turbine.

   Spray guns that work with a compressor offer the widest range of operation; you can increase or decrease the air pressure as much or as little as you need to atomize the finish you're spraying. Turbine guns are limited by the relatively low air pressure the turbine is capable of providing. For versatility, I recommend a spray gun that operates with a compressor.

   There are a variety of high volume, low pressure (HVLP) spray guns that work with a compressor; they're called "conversion HVLP." Some of these spray guns need as much as 21 CFM of air from the compressor to operate. It's important that your compressor supply enough air to operate the spray gun you choose. Some of the newer HVLP spray guns work well with very little air, in the 5 CFM range. These spray guns are better described as "low volume, low pressure - LVLP." These spray guns work well with smaller (less expensive) compressors. One of the portable 5 HP, 26 gallon tank compressors from your local home center would be a good choice for a LVLP spray gun.

   Wagner makes a siphon feed conversion HVLP spray gun that uses very little air and sprays very well. In the future, if you need the ability to do more spraying, you can add a pressure pot to replace the cup. As an entry level gun, it's a good choice.

   Paul

1. 
   Bonka | Dec 06, 2003 08:58pm | #2

   Thank you for the info.  I have read about using a pressure pot and I think I may go that way.  I can get one on the cheap as I know a person who has one and does not do any woodworking.  What sort of compressor would I need.  I hesitate to buy a very large one such as those offered a HD.  I know a man who works in a repair shop and he says there whole back room stays full of these kind.  They break down a lot and have a short service life.  The next step up is way out the realm of my use and my own life span.

1. 
   Paul_Snyder | Dec 06, 2003 09:16pm | #3

   Jerry,

   The size compressor you need is dictated by the spray gun. The compresor has to supply enough air for the spray gun to work well. If you get a spray gun that needs 15 CFM of air, you'll need a big compressor. The less air the spray gun uses (in cubic feet per minute - CFM), the smaller the compressor can be. For example, I have an Asturo spray gun connected to a pressure pot and it works great on a 1.5 HP compressor with a 4 gallon tank; though the compressor does run non-stop when I spray big stuff like a tabletop.

   The Wagner conversion HVLP works with a small compressor also. But getting one that has a larger storage tank reduces how often and long the compressor runs when you are spraying.

   Start with the spray gun you plan to use and match the compresor to it.

   Paul