I am interested in purchasing a HVLP spraying system for home projects, mostly furniture. In my research I came across an article from Fine Woodworking that reviewed 5 different systems that were available for under $500 at the time. The problem is the review was written in 1999. I would imagine there is some newer info by now. Is the Wagner 2900 (~$550) still a good consideration? Are there any others that would be similar. Also, has anyone seen the Wagner 2900 for less than $550?
Thanks, Karen S
Replies
I have a 4 stage Fuji and am happy with it. If you already have a large compressor you might think about getting a conversion gun. A top of the line model runs $250. Though the set up is not as portably.
Mike
If you already have a large compressor you might think about getting a conversion gun. A top of the line model runs $250.
actually, a top of the line conversion gun runs closer to $500 (an Asturo ECO), although you can get an excellent gun in the $200-250 range, such as the Walcom Slim/S gravity gun.
If you already have a compressor, there is no need to get a turbine system, plus the conversion guns are quicker to clean up and easier to store.
>>If you already have a compressor, there is no need to get a turbine system, plus >>the conversion guns are quicker to clean up and easier to store.
Not to mention more versatile and adjustable. I haven't seen a turbine setup yet that will yield more than about 6 PSI at the gun with the trigger pulled. With a conversion gun you have the option of the full range of 0 to 10 PSI at the air cap, plus you can cheat if you have to in difficult conditions - although i've never had to, I like the option.
Additionally, a lot of newer compressor guns will run all day off a "3 Hp" twin tank hand-portable compressor. My ECO only needs about 5 CFM at 17 PSI to give true production performance, and my Binks Mach1 with a 92-92P needle and fluid tip combination only needs about 6 CFM at 15 PSI to the gun. Go up to a 94 combination and you get production speed at only 13 CFM maximum at 40 PSI or so, although I usually need much less with that set. Both are excellent professional guns.
Michael R
agree, I have an ECO/S gravity gun with a 1.7 needle, wouldn't trade it for any turbine system. It's really remarkable how well the Asturo guns work with so little pressure. On top of all that, the workmanship of the gun itself makes it a treat to hold. Well worth the money.
I tried out a top of the line SATA ($600) a few months back and must say that it was a real sweet gun that was a joy to spray with. But, for the money I personally wouldn't go with a top dollar conversion HVLP gun. I've got a DeVillbiss GTI that was top of the line a few years ago. I also used to spray extensively with a couple of Binks M1G's, which were also top of the line a few years ago. Both the GTI and the M1G are awesome guns that I would recommend to anyone. Plus they can be picked up in the $200 - $250 range. I have three el cheapo SATA copy conversion guns that are okay. They were real cheap to buy. But, compared to my GTI they suck. LOL
My $.02 on the subject...
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Hi Mike,
Thanks for the info. I've rule out buying a compressor/ conversion gun set-up, but I know that is a great suggestion.
Thanks, KS
Karen,
There's been a number of discussions on HVLP in the recent past and a search of the messages will return a lot of posts on the subject. One discussion I thought really good is this one - http://forums.taunton.com/n/mb/message.asp?webtag=tp-knots&msg=14477.1
I have seen some good deals on HVLP spray equipment on eBay.
Paul
Edited 4/19/2004 9:15 pm ET by Paul S
I've had the Campbell Hausfield "Easy Spray" (4 psi, 54 cfm) for a few years and it's great. I've used it to paint rooms (including popcorn ceilings) and furniture, and use it to spray finishes on my cabinets and stained furinture.
Just remember to clean it after use. (I was a little slow...........once - lol)
I have a Asturo 9010 HVLP conversion gun, with a 2 qt pressure pot, and it sprays anything I put into it very well. The new conversion guns do not need a huge compressor.
Go to http://www.homesteadfinishing.com and check the Asturo's and others. Jeff Jewett gives exellent support on any gun he sells.
Karen,
I have the Wagner 2900; the inside is the four stage turbine Ametek Lamb. This is the same turbine used by Fuji, Apollo, etc in the 100cfm/8psi systems. I also have the non-bleeder gun. I have never been disappointed with it. It came with #3 projector set, but I also bought the # 4 and #5 sets for really heavy latex (i.e. BEHR ultra series). You will also need to get extra cup seals and check valves at some time. The cup is a standard size, and you'll find them as extras anywhere. The only leaks (as with any of these guns) have been around the packing nut for the needle, but it's easily adjusted or replaced with teflon tape. Also, an inexpensive handgun cleaning kit is a must to clean the insides after a session.
I have shot latex, shellac, poly, & oil stains through it and, like any of the guns, get the atomization set, and get it done! However, the NBC gun body is aluminum, and the fluid parts are stainless. Sure you can wash the whole thing with water, but you'll want to blow it dry with air. Some water is harder on the aluminum than others. Another thing on these guns is the hose; it's tough to keep it relatively clean (even in a booth setup). I thread plastic bag newspaper wrappers over the hose to keep the mess contained.
The one shortcoming of the unit is the poor foam filters on the air intakes. I rigged up a fixture to hold a large ShopVac filter, as the foam gets clogged when spraying in a room. In most instances, you would place the air unit outside the sray zone, but the addition of this big filter keeps the stavation worries away. If you want details of the fix, let me know. This setup keeps the turbines clean.
The price is good, and the extra parts are available through dealers who sell CapSpray commercial systems
duster
Thank you so much for the detailed info on the Wagner 2900. It is helping to make headway in my research. I am definitely considering pruchasing this system. Who would you buy from? Also, thanks for the suggestion on filter piece.
KS
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