Replies

1. 
   Armin110 | Apr 12, 2003 03:34am | #1

   I am not familiar with the Wagner 2600. I have used a Binks Mach 1 HVLP for over 10 years, work very good for both conversion varnish finishes and water born. This is a compressor operated unit as opposed to a turbine unit. I would avoid the turbine type. A friend of mine, who has a commercial shop finally trashed his and went out and bought a Binks. Granted it depends on what you want to do, the binks gun is around $600 and other brands are not much cheaper. Some of the turbine are less money but I have never been able to get the same finish quality from a turbine setup, not to mention the obnoxious noise generated by the turban fan.

   http://www.northernsunwoodworks.com
1. 
   BarryVaBeach | Apr 12, 2003 04:25am | #2

   Woodguy-  FWW did a review of HVLP turbine systems a few years ago- No. 137  Aug 1999.  They said the Wagner 2600 had the least amount of overspray and very fine atomization - the con was that the filters were small.  They reviewed 5 turbine systems that sold for under $500.  There are a number of people that believe turbines are not the way to go and instead suggest that you use a conversion hvlp gun with a compressor at least in part  on the theory that for most turbine systems the amount of air going through the gun can't be finely adjusted- only the amount of fliud and the width of spray. In contrast with a  conversion gun with compressor you can more directly adjust air flow, fluid flow and width of spray.  In addition some people claim that the warm clean air from a turbine is a benefit and others claim that the warm air causes the finish to dry too fast.  I've tried both and prefer the conversion route -  - if you are willing to spend about $600.00 ( for compressor and gun) you can put together a decent system.  If you will be spraying very often, you may have to spend a bit more to get a system ( either conversion or turbine) that can handle the extra workload.  If you do go with turbine - get at least a three stage unit if you think you will spray waterbased finishes.  Good luck

2. 
   TomT226 | Apr 12, 2003 02:26pm | #3

   Woodguy,

   Go to http://www.homesteadfinishing.com and look at the guns there, and ask some questions on their forum. Jeff Jewitt can answer any question you've got. You can also download the catalouge.

   As far as personal experience goes, I've got an Asturo conversion gun with a 2-qt pressure pot. I was very impressed with the fit and finish of this unit, and it's wide variety of tip sizes for spraying different materials. I've been spraying anything from light water base lacquer, to heavy acrylic enamel. The gun also has an adjustment for the size and width of the spray footprint, which I havn't seen on other conversion guns. The pressure pot makes it easier to spray heavy bodied material at much lower pressures with less overspray and bounceback.Clean up is no more of a pain than with a siphon gun.

   I got the gun, pot and hoses, and two tips for around $500.

3. 
   DJK | Apr 12, 2003 09:17pm | #4

   Check out this other discussion" home built HVLP" http://forums.taunton.com/n/mb/message.asp?webtag=tp-knots&msg=11007.1. I posted plans for a dual motor HVLP that delivers 10psi at the gun. Been building HVLP units for awhile.

   Dave Koury

4. 
   Clay | Apr 12, 2003 11:18pm | #5

   If you get a turbine unit I believe that the Accuspray ten gun has a significant edge over the field.  I use it with a Titan turbine (single stage) and keep the turbine turned down to about 75% of full flow.  With the Titan guns I used to turn it clear up and still didn't get very good atomization.  The Accuspray has much larger air passages inside the gun giving a much better performance.  I hear that the air assisted airless units are the ultimate but I have been able to accomplish my work satisfactorily with the Accuspray and the air assisted units are $2,000.00 and up.  Become skilled at thinning to the proper viscosity for your unit and you will be well ahead in acheiving consistent results.  I use a second count of stream to drip time off of the stir stick (6 sec.).

5. 
   user-135888 | Apr 13, 2003 10:55pm | #6

   Hi

   I have a four stage fuji and think its good but I agree that unless portability is needed. your much better off with a conversion. Turbines can be frustrating to dial in, and I think theres some truth to the warm air causing problems.

   Heres what I think:

   If you have a great (10cfm) or good compressor, get a conversion. If the compressors smaller (5cfm) you can still get by but you'll have to pause from time to time.  If you need portability get a turbine. I have a great compressor and will soon get a gun with a two quart set-up, I have used this set-up and it is good. If you get a turbine get one with adjustable air flow at the turbine, Air resistance at the turbine creates even more heat, so it's nice to be able to turn the turbine down instead of blocking it

   john g

6. 
   booch | Apr 14, 2003 04:53pm | #7

   For what it is worth, buy a major brand. The hole in the wall exceptional brands sometimes disappear from the business world.

   I have a Krebbs brand airless (not HVLP) sprayer that I've run 500+ gallons thru over the years. It was rated better than any available at the time. Unfortunately they are out of business and spare parts don't exist. I still can't get myself to part with it even though the stroke adjustment knob has long ago turned into a Salvadore Dali sculpture.

   Jack of all trades and master of none - you got a problem with that?
1. 
   WorkshopJon | Apr 14, 2003 05:51pm | #8

   Booch make a good point above about sticking with major brands as far as replacement parts go. This obviously applies to many tools.

   I'd like to point out however, that often parts that are no longer easily available through  normal channels can be made by a tool shop. Now if you're not buddies with someone in that field, it can get pricey or simply be a pain, as most don't like to deal with "walk-in's". You have to ask yourself how much you like that old tool. On the other hand, the widespread proliferation of CAD/CAM/CAE software and CNC machine tools has dramatically lowered the cost of making one-off parts.

   Jon

1. 
   Robbie | Apr 14, 2003 10:30pm | #9

   I suspect that everyone recommends based on the systems they own or have owned.  My experience is no different.

   Bought an Accuspray with turbine to get started spraying a few years back.  Have shot everything from Pre-cat lacquer to water-based lacquers to 3 part polyurethane boat finishes.  The gun and turbine have performed very well.

   Whether it is the warm turbine air or something else, I have found that sufficient thinning is critical with all of these, particularly the pre-cat lacquer.  My first tries resembled tiger stripes as the fine outer spray seemed to dry a bit before hitting the target, leaving dried stripes.

   Advice:  buy the best gun you can afford - it really effects spray finish results quality. 

1. 
   Sancho | Apr 15, 2003 05:55pm | #10

   Ihave a accuspray conversion gun. It is designed to be used with small compressors. I use mine with a 1 1/2 4 gal emglo. Ive sprayed complete kitchens with it. it doesnt have to wait for the compressor to catch up but the compressor does runall the time. I spray primarily w/b finishes. I dont thin it I spray it full strength. it sprays sonice that most of the time I dont have to final sandthe finish as its great the way it is. But I upgraded from ####cheaper turbine driven hvlp to the one I have now I agree with others buy the best one your budget will allow it will make a difference IMO 

   Darkworks:  Its all 'bout da squilla

   Edited 4/15/2003 10:57:03 AM ET by RonT