Replies

1. 
   Paul_Snyder | Apr 29, 2005 11:19pm | #1

   Bill,

   The CH spray gun is pretty bad. It sprays okay (read 'not great'), but doesn't last very long. Take a look at this link - http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/pages/w00051.asp - it's an article that reviews some HVLP turbines that cost under $500.

   Any chance you own a compressor? If so, how much air, in CFM, does it supply? If not, are you considering getting a compressor? The reason I ask is because there are a number of good HVLP conversion spray guns that work with a compressor. The conversion guns give you more flexibility than the turbine system for less money.

   Paul S
   Website

1. 
   nikkiwood | May 01, 2005 06:19pm | #3

   Where do you come down on HVLP conversion guns that can work with smaller (portable) compressors)?If you like this approach, do you have a gun recommendation?A friend of mine told me Jeff Jewitt is recommending this path -- as opposed to the HVLP stand-alone units.When I bought my HVLP set up some years ago, conversion guns required a big, stationary compressor, but apparently, that is no longer the case."I would never die for my beliefs because I might be wrong."
   -- Bertrand Russell

1. 
   Paul_Snyder | May 01, 2005 07:42pm | #4

   There are some spray guns that are best classified as LVLP - low volume, low pressure. While HVLP requires a high volume of air (lots of CFM), LVLP guns can operate on as little as 5 CFM.I have an Asturo ECO connected to a 1.5 HP, 4 gallon tank MiTM compressor and can spray all day with it. It's a very goog spray gun. The compressor does run constantly and fluid flow slows a bit on large surfaces, but atomization remains good. A larger compressor (e.g., one of the 20 gallon, 5 HP portables) would be better.There is a selection of spray guns in the LVLP category, but I only have experience with the Asturo and the Wagner Capspray Maxum II. The Capspray is a good value for the money; the only 'complaint' I have with it is that the fan width is adjusted by loosening/tightening the air-cap instead of a knob. The Wagner NBC conversion HVLP (http://www.gleempaint.com/hvcongunnew.html) is an alternate option to the Maxum.
   Paul S
   Website

1. 
   upstateBill | May 02, 2005 12:17am | #5

   Thanks Paul. That Wagner sounds like it's a pretty good set up.

1. 
   Paul_Snyder | May 03, 2005 01:14am | #11

   Bill,Glad to help.If you prefer a gravity-fed gun and have a larger compressor, the Porter Cable PSH-1 is another low cost option (under $100). It needs 8.5 CFM to operate properly. One feature that I like on this style gun is the fan width knob is on the side and you can adjust it with your thumb while holding the gun (even while spraying).Paul S
   Website

2. 
   nikkiwood | May 02, 2005 05:39am | #6

   Paul,Thanks for the info.I have a Wagner Capspray 9100 -- is that comparable to the Maxum II? Mine has a four stage turbine, and has been able to spray anything I have run through it -- including latex paint (only slighly thinned). As for the Asturo, I believe that is the gun Jewitt is pushing/selling. I am assuming you keep your compressor in a remote location, since I don't imagine it would be very pleasant to hear that thing running most all the time you're spraying. Do you consider this a portable unit, in the sense you would drag it off to job sites?Is there a function/performance difference between spraying with a conversion gun and a turbine set up?Thanks once more for your help on all this."I would never die for my beliefs because I might be wrong."
   -- Bertrand Russell

1. 
   Paul_Snyder | May 03, 2005 01:34am | #12

   I took a look at the 9100 and it uses the Maxum gun. All you would need to use it with a compressor is the air fitting/gauge that attaches to the bottom of the handle.The Asturo is one of the guns that Jeff Jewitt sells, but he matches the gun he recommends with a person's needs and budget more than push a certain model. It fit my needs well and I like it a lot.For on-site work I do use the portable compressor and run the hose through a door or window and leave the compressor outside since it makes such a racket. I like to connect the gun to a pressure pot; it adds more flexibility in finishes, speed, and ease of use. With the siphon cup, the finish has to be thinned to the right viscosity to spray well. With the pot I can set the pressure to push thicker finishes as well as increase the air to the gun for better atomization (which can cause more overspray). Unless you use a pressure pot or pressurized cup, the conversion gun isn't a lot more capable than the 4 stage turbine. The hose is smaller, and you have more flexibility in air pressure adjustment, but otherwise it's not too different. By adding the pressure pot, the gun becomes much easier to handle and can spray at any angle, in tight spaces, and you don't have to re-fill as often.HTH,
   Paul S
   Website

3. 
   Sancho | May 02, 2005 05:17pm | #7

   the accuspray conversion lvlp is the bomb. I run mine off a 1 1/2 4 gal emglo...

   http://www.compliantspraysystems.com  will run you about 400 bucks  

   Caution: This message may contain "For Official Use Only" (FOUO) or other "sensitive information" is not intended for non-official disclosure. Do not disseminate this message, except to persons who require it for official Breaktime purposes, without the approval of the individual originating this message or other authorized official of the Taunton University. If you received this message in error, please delete it.

4. 
   cbsn | May 02, 2005 05:29pm | #8

   Paul,
   Thanks for the great info. I've been trying to decide between a turbine system( Fuji 3-stage) or the conversion gun route. The Wagner conversion gun looks great for the money and seems to get good reviews. I've also seen a lot of recommendations for the Asturo/ Eco guns (for a lot more money). What are your thoughts about differences between the two?

1. 
   dkyle | May 02, 2005 05:51pm | #9

   ALL,

   Thanks for the great info!  The wagner gun actually brings this down into a price range I can use relatively soon.  On question though.  I looked at the accuspray link and it said it was only for oilless compressors.  I have a hitachi 2HP 4gal compressor that uses oil.  Will this be inappropriate for any spray gun?  Sorry if this is a dumb question, but I am pretty ignorant on sparying finishes

   Thanks,

   Don

2. 
   WadeH | May 02, 2005 07:26pm | #10

   I am trying to purchase a complete spray system. I have sprayed lac. mostly in the past. My main purpose would be on furniture or other small projects like that. If I use the 1.5 gal porter gable compressor, the small portable one, and I go slow will I be able to use a good siphon type spray gun for most projects. Or do I need a more expensive set up. If so which ones does everyone thing is the best.

   Wade

3. 
   Paul_Snyder | May 03, 2005 01:56am | #15

   Wade,The first consideration is to match the air output (in CFM) with the spray gun you plan to use. For example, the Porter Cable PSH-1 gravity-fed gun is a nice entry level model but it needs 8.5 CFM. It takes a pretty good size compressor to provide that much air. Find out how much air the spray gun you're considering needs.Did you check out the article on HVLP turbine systems by Chris A. Minick (http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/pages/w00051.asp)? One of these systems could be a good option based on your needs.Paul S
   Website

4. 
   polarsea1 | May 03, 2005 10:05am | #16

   Before this thread disappears I wanted to ask if anyone had used the Devilbiss Finishline conversion gun? It's about the same price as the Wagner gun but it's gravity feed.

   Edited 5/3/2005 3:47 am ET by POLARSEA1

5. 
   WadeH | May 03, 2005 03:08pm | #17

   Thanks Paul. I will check out the article. I do not do much spraying so I am trying to get a compressor that is portable and can be used for other things like nail guns. My wife will not let me build a good shop untill I have the house and her things done first. Thanks allot for all the help.

   Wade

6. 
   Sancho | May 03, 2005 05:29pm | #19

   Here a direct link. It is for guns w/o compressors (Kit) it has the options ....

   http://www.compliantspraysystems.com/accusprayfinishingequipment/compressors/most_requested_compressors_versamax_pg6.htm  

   Caution: This message may contain "For Official Use Only" (FOUO) or other "sensitive information" is not intended for non-official disclosure. Do not disseminate this message, except to persons who require it for official Breaktime purposes, without the approval of the individual originating this message or other authorized official of the Taunton University. If you received this message in error, please delete it.

7. 
   Paul_Snyder | May 04, 2005 02:21am | #20

   You're welcome Wade. Good luck!Paul S
   Website

8. 
   Paul_Snyder | May 03, 2005 01:50am | #14

   Don,You can get a little, disposable filter that attaches at the gun handle to catch any water or oil that might come through the air line. For example, Sharpe has this type filter at this link - http://www.sharpe1.com/filters.htm#7. Other than that, I can't think of any reason the oil-filled compressor might be a concern.
   Paul S
   Website

9. 
   Sancho | May 03, 2005 05:26pm | #18

   Nah maybe you misread it. My emglo os a oil lubed compressor. I think they sell a 2 hp oiless compressor with it as a kit but its not necessary.

   this is the model I got...

    

   601-32607 , I very seldom use the 2 qt cup. I use and small 1/2 qt cup I bought for about 30 bucks and it does all I need and is lighter. I just spray a front entery door in place using this gun with very little over spray. Using a w/b finish with a amber tint. Came out nice.. Customer is very happy.

      Caution: This message may contain "For Official Use Only" (FOUO) or other "sensitive information" is not intended for non-official disclosure. Do not disseminate this message, except to persons who require it for official Breaktime purposes, without the approval of the individual originating this message or other authorized official of the Taunton University. If you received this message in error, please delete it.

   Edited 5/3/2005 10:32 am ET by Sancho Ron

10. 
    Paul_Snyder | May 03, 2005 01:45am | #13

    I'd say unless you do a lot of spraying, the Wagner is the better option based on the cost savings. I mentioned earlier that I don't care too much for the fan width adjustment that Wagner uses - you have to adjust the air cap. I like to pull the trigger and adjust the fan by sight. It's a minor inconvenience if you don't spray a ton. The Wagner does atomize nicely which makes for a smooth finish off the gun.If you plan to do a lot of spraying now or later, then I think it's worth it to get a really well made gun like the Asturo. But there are a lot of good guns on the market and Asturo is just one of them so I don't mean to say it's your only or best choice. It's just a gun I own and like.Paul S
    Website

2. 
   JeffHeath | May 01, 2005 08:04am | #2

   Bill

   Go to Jeff Jewitt's website, Homestead Finishing.  He's got all the stuff for you in that price range, and great advice, too.

   Jeff

   P.S.  And listen to Paul, he's helped me with my upgrade decision in the last week.

   
   

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   Edited 5/1/2005 1:05 am ET by JHeath