Replies

1. 
   RMillard | Oct 29, 2008 06:23pm | #1

   Paul,

    

   I have very little experience with spraying or spray guns, but I've been very satisfied with a QualSpray gun I got from Jeff Jewitt. It is a small HVLP gun, but it puts out an impressive volume of finish, even when tied to my pancake compressor. I don't get too wrapped up in tools, but I really like this little gun; it has changed the way I work.

   Rob Millard

   http://www.americanfederalperiod.com 

1. 
   HWG | Oct 29, 2008 11:46pm | #2

   Rob, which model gun are you referring to?  He seems to use this name on most of his guns.Woody

1. 
   RMillard | Oct 30, 2008 02:58am | #4

   I guess, including the model number, would have been a good thing to do.

   It is a QS-125WB. Apparently I got the first one he sold.

   Rob Millard

   http://www.americanfederalperiod.com

    

2. 
   Hastings | Oct 30, 2008 12:01am | #3

   Paul:

   I started with a gun recommended by the guys at spraygun world. It was about $130, and in hindsight made for a good starter gun.

   As I got more proficient in spraying, I went to a local store that sells spray equipment to the body shops. They recommended an Anest Iwata LPH 440. I have now used this for nearly a year and I cannot say enough about how good this gun is. It lays down a great finish, is easy and forgiving to use and was as different as night from day from my first gun. I have recently added a smaller Iwata gun and it works just as well.

   I think these are just great spray guns that will last you a life time. Iwata controls its outlets so prices are much the same whether in store or over the internet.

   Good luck with your purchase

   Hastings

3. 
   RW | Oct 30, 2008 03:18am | #5

   For conventional guns, I have used SATA and liked them very well but currently if I'm using that kind of gun have both a cup and a pot rigged with a Binks 2001. I really like the guns. There are tons of choices for needle / cap configurations which all are dead simple to swap out and parts are available if need be and the gun itself is intuitively simple to disassemble, clean, replace parts, whatever.

   They're also cheaper than the SATAs, though probably not by much anymore. I guess I stick with it because I learned with it, I'm used to it, I can fine tune it to almost anything, and they're versatile with all the combos and the ability to rig them to various setups.

    

   Real trucks dont have sparkplugs

1. 
   woodsmithy | Oct 31, 2008 12:33am | #6

   When I started spraying, I also bought a budget spray guns.  They worked OK if the material was thinned 10% or more.   The better Iwata's and SATA's give a much finer wider spray pattern and they don't seem to require as much thinner/dilution to level out.  This results in a finish that builds up faster with fewer runs and level which is much easier to rub out.

   I own three (3) SATA guns and love them. I bought them all and additional needle/cap sets on EBay.  What ever you buy made sure that you can easily get additional needle and cap sets to adjust for material and temperature variations.  Spray Gun World has some excellent guidelines on the recommended needle sizes for guns spraying woodworking finishes, which will get you in the ballpark.

   I mostly use M.L. Campbell Magnalac precatalyzed lacquer.

    

4. 
   Quickstep | Oct 31, 2008 02:32am | #7

   I called Spray Gun World and spent about 30 minutes on the phone describing what I wanted to do with the gun and what kind of equipment I already had (compressor). By the end of the conversation, the guy made a recommendatation that was probably a bit of an upsell, but I'm very happy with the gun and their recommendation.

5. 
   Woodman41 | Oct 31, 2008 02:47am | #8

   I've often wondered what the real difference between a $150 and $500 gun is, and to be honest I don't know but a finish is the last thing standing between your hard work and a something you are really pleased with. I have an Asturo Eco gun that I'm really happy with.

6. 
   bones | Nov 01, 2008 12:21am | #9

   First let me state that I'm a hobbyist and have limited use but here is what I've had.  I have a conversion gun from homestead finishing and a 4 stage apollo 1025 with the atomizer gun.  The compressor gun I was ok, but I still had a bit more overspray than I thought I would have had.  I bought the appollo at the St. Louis ww show a year ago.  I really like that gun.  Hardly any overspray and you can dial the spray down to the diameter of a pencil eraser.  It supports gravity and cup or ppot.  It aint cheap, but I really like it.  I've even considered selling the other gun just never got around to it.  Just keep in mind the apollo set up was 3 times as expensive.  I figure (hope) the unit will last forever(or atleast a long time).  Thats M2CW.

   Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases:
   If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it.
   And if it stops moving, subsidize it.
   
1. 
   joepez | Dec 04, 2008 12:15am | #15

   Bones,

   i was looking over some old posts and noticed your reply. I just bought a hlvp conversion gun and i am trying to dial it in now. however, my inital impresion is alot of overspray, alot more than i expected.

   I remember i was also at a woodworking show, and the apollo guy was showing a gun w/ very little overspray.

   question, does the apollo spray with a lot less pressure? im spraying waterbourne enemal, thinned 10%. seems like the conversion gun cannot even come close to the presicion of the apollo setup?

   any thoughts?

   thanks very much

   joe p

1. 
   bones | Dec 04, 2008 03:35am | #16

   "question, does the Apollo spray with a lot less pressure? im spraying waterbourne enemal, thinned 10%. seems like the conversion gun cannot even come close to the presicion of the apollo setup?

   any thoughts?

   thanks very much

   joe p"

    

   As to the amount of pressure its like comparing apples and oranges.  The amount of pressure with the Apollo is not variable. Its on or off.  Mine is 4 stage and it is very quiet compared to my old compressor.  It's every thing I was looking for . You can shoot a very fine line with little or no overspray.  The gun is like none I've seen(atomizer), with the dial capability you literally can spray a pencil eraser size dot.  The only issue is the air heats up after continued use which depending on the finish dries very quick.  I like the gun can be gravity fed or siphon fed in one gun.  I bought the small siphon bottles so I did not have to use the larger cup.  Plenty of hose. I've not shot heavy solids with it mostly dyes, oils, & shellac.  I got the accessory kit that included the other caps & rods and a cleaning kit.  Definitely the Cadillac of systems and if you have any questions and I had a ton, their tech support was great.  I stated here many times I love making things with wood but hate the finishing process.  The apollo sure makes it more palatable. 

   Long response, but yes you use the reccomended cap and rod for your material and I'm positive it will do what you want with little spray.  Speak to Tec support and they will tell you exactyl what to use. I love mine

   Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.

   Edited 12/3/2008 7:37 pm by bones

7. 
   PaulGC | Nov 04, 2008 01:03pm | #10

   Hey guys I just found in the November flyer of an online tool company I deal with an expensive type of spray gun made by Develbiss. It's called the "PLUS" model #DV-GFG670. It's selling for $379.95 Canadian. Yeah I know it's very expensive espicially for my first gun to buy but I thought I'd ask some of you guys about Develbiss. I've never heard of them but by looking at the price I'm willing to bet that the company makes high end spray guns.

   Here's the decription of the gun from the tool site i saw it on:

   1. Twice the automization power of regular HVLP spray guns.

   2.Ideal for high-solids and metallics.

   3.Includes 1.2, 1.3 & 1.4 mm tips and air adjusting valve with guage.

    

   What can you guys tell me about this company and the gun?

    

   Thanks

   Paul

   
   

   ---

   Edited 11/4/2008 5:56 am ET by PaulGC

1. 
   Quickstep | Nov 04, 2008 05:35pm | #11

   The gun I got from SprayGunWorld.com is a Devilbiss Plus gravity cup gun. I'm very pleased with it and their customer service.

2. 
   brad805 | Nov 05, 2008 04:27am | #12

   I have been following Pauls thread and would like to ask what most do for exhausting overspray for basement setups.  I have held off for quite a while on starting spraying for fear I would end up starting yet another sub-project (finish room build).  I would be finishing passage doors.  I have read Jeff Jewitts book and looked at some of the enclosures.  I have a tendancy to take things too far.

   Thanks.

3. 
   kreuzie | Nov 05, 2008 06:21am | #13

   I have the DeVilbiss CVi suction feed gun, which can also be used as a pressure feed. It has the features of the Plus, but also has HVLP capability.

   I use mine with the suction feed cup, and it's a pleasure to use. Great feel and balance, like my old DeVilbiss JGA. Very lightweight, too.

   Now, instead of 35-40 pounds, I spray at 20 pounds. Great results with lacquer, poly, oil-base enamels.

   The gun with cup and an extra HVLP cap and tip was $318 US from Spray Gun World. Call or e-mail them, tell them what you're looking for and what kind of compressor you have, and they'll fix you up.

   kreuzie

4. 
   woodsmithy | Nov 07, 2008 07:15pm | #14

   Paul

   Sorry I did get bark to you soon but it's been a busy week.

   That gun sounds good but those needle sets are a bit small for spraying most furniture finishes unless you're using a separate pressure pot to force feed the gun.   Those needle sizes are usually used for automotive paint.   There is a good chart on Spraygunworld.com under woodworking that will guide you on needle set size.  Extra needles can be expensive so try to get close with your initial purchase.