I recently used an aniline dye on some cherry, coated it in linseed oil, used a tinted (aniline) shellac and then sprayed lacquer over it. Goodness me, the depth of the finish and the clarity of it all is amazing. I am sort of a Tung oil or Shellac kind of guy, but this is pretty amazing. It really is comparable to a french polish without the anguish/ elbow grease. Once I rub it out, I will post a photo.
This is a big turning point for me. I feel like I aught to branch out, maybe buy a spray kit and set up a finshing booth.
I wounder if I should buy a standard compressor I can run other tools off, or if I should buy an HLPV set up?
Frank
Replies
Biscardi
Its great that your project turned out so well. I have both an HVLP turbine system and a conversion system and were I buying one for the first time, I would opt for the conversion system for the greater flexibility of having the air compressor as well as the ability to handle a greater range of finishing material.
But you get what you pay for. If you go the conversion route, make sure that the compressor supplies sufficient CFM for the material you will work with. It take a strong compressor and a really good gun for first class finishes so don't scrimp on either. If you go the turbine route, there are cheap units out there but do your homework and get at least a 2-stage turbine and the best gun you can buy. In either case, be sure to get a variety of tips for expanded flexibility.
There are tons of previous posts on this issue and the major manufacturers and finishing web sites also offer great information. This is the season for wood working shows and they provide an opportunity for hands-on experience as well as show specials.
Good luck - Doug
Frank,
I'm also a big fan of a multi-step finish on cherry that brings out the best in the wood. I've been working on documenting a variety of these finishes that you can take a look at this link - Cherry Finishes.
There's been some dicussions on HVLP spray equipment including the value of conversion HVLP (run with a compressor) vs. turbine HVLP. In this thread - HVLP, "Woodwiz" posted a good reply describing the merits of conversion HVLP.
Many conversion HVLP spray guns need 10 CFM or more to work well. They require a large compressor, so when you're looking at brands and models of spray guns, check to see how much air the gun needs because that will drive how large a compressor you need. There's a decent selection of conversion spray equipment that runs off a relatively small compressor. These spray guns need less than 8 CFM of air to spray well so they work very well with many of the portable compressors. For example, the Wagner conversion HVLP uses around 5 CFM, sprays well, and costs around $130. If you'd rather get a top of the line gun, the Asturo is a good choice and uses around 7 CFM.
Paul
Furniture Finish Wizard
Paul,
Thanks or your post. I looked at compressors that do >7 cfm. Boy they are huge and pricey. I still think that is the way to go. I will start the compressor fund right away. I have a Georgian Secretary to make. By the time it is done I will have the money saved up.
Frank
Keep in mind that if the gun uses 7 cfm, your compressor needs to provide 7 cfm if you spray continuously. But if you pause while you are spraying, the tank will keep you going while the compressor catches up (or vice versa).
My compressor capacity is slightly smaller than my conversion gun, but has a 13 gallon tank. The only time I have run out of air was doing a large entertainment center. With smaller pieces, I get tired and pause (or fill the cup) before the air pressure drops.
Remember that the air from a conversion gun is cold - it expands as the pressure is dropped at the gun, and expanding air cools. Therefore you will be more subject to humidity when spraying lacquer. I was having trouble at dusk and on cloudy days until someone suggested retarder (small quantities) which causes the lacquer to dry slower, which keeps it from cooling as fast, which reduces (eliminates) the moisture problem. I didn't believe it would work, but I finally bought a gallon (the smallest container I could find - a lifetime supply) and it solved the problem. ________________________Charlie Plesums Austin, Texashttp://www.plesums.com/wood
Frank-
You may want to take a look at Northern Tools for a wide selection of compressors. Something in the 7-9 cfm range (at about 30 psi) would be available for around $300-350 or so. I never bought a compressor from them but I'm thinking in the same direction as you. Some people may help us make a decision here!
Jeff Jewitt's Homstead Finishing site has some really nice spray equipment- Decent guns & gun kits for $150-250 or so.
Hopefully others will comment on these thoughts.(:-)
Windy Wood
From the Helderberg Mountains
I had a similar revelation on a recent piece, though I used Danish oil and brushed lacquer. The brushed lacquer did a nice job, but also benefited from a rubbing out final step (followed by a final final step of waxing al exterior surfaces and drawer runners).
The only problem with lacquer is the fumes. I'd do the finish all the time, but I lack a dedicated (and heated) spray area. That means no finishing in the winter...
Paul in TF
https://home.comcast.net/~paulchapko
Biscardi,
I have been through the same challenge of setting up to spray. I have taken the leap and bought the equipment. So far I have only tested my equipment with very good results and the first big job is close. After a lot of research and talking to people in the automotive business this is what I have done.
Spray gun, Devilbiss Finishline III, (conversion gun) with all the nozzle tips, being 1.3, 1.5, 1.8 and 2.2. The gun was $129 and the tips around $16. The gun came with the 1.3 included in the price, which I believe I will use the most for furniture The gun is reported to need 13CFM. During testing, with the 1.3 tip 40psi at the compressor and 23 psi at inlet to the gun (as specified) with everything open full bore, it was using around 10.5 cfm. For woodwork, I would not expect to ever use this much air, as one sprays intermittently and most often everything will not be fully open.
Home Depot has a good deal here in CA on a 60 gallon Campbell Hausfeld 10-11CFM compressor, running at 135psi. This is a big compressor for $399 and offers more than I would ever need. Provided you have the space, this is really a good deal. I put mine on a mobile base, which I made from MDF with reinforcing on castors.
Will post some work when I'm done in a week or two.
Willie
How long did you wait for the linseed to dry, before the next finish was applied?
Was this BLO or only linseed?
Willie
I'd like to thank everyone for their advice. This is a great crew.
Jellyrug,
I think I let it sit overnight and applied the first coat. There is no reason to layer up the BLO.
Frank
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