Replies

1. 
   mapleman | Apr 07, 2009 03:49am | #1

   nicko,

   try http://www.spraygunworld.com

   Plenty of choices in your price range. Get a good filter as well.

   Tip sizes:

   Shellac, laquer : 1.0 to 1.4 mm

   Conversion varnish : 1.6 to 1.8 mm

   Latex paint : 2.0 to 2.2 mm

   You didn't ask but if you are looking to spray dye stains :   0.8 mm

   These are generalizations that will get you close. One size does not fit all - so some experimentation will be necessary.

   There are some nice woodworking kits at spraygun world that have 3 or 4 tips included with the gun - like this one for $218:

   http://www.spraygunworld.com/Information2/FinishlineIIIKIT.htm

1. 
   Quickstep | Apr 07, 2009 04:01am | #2

   Ditto that. I got my gun (Devilbiss) from spray gun world after spending abotu 20 minutes on the phone with someone who really know what he was talking about and helped me pick a gun based on my specific needs and compressor capability.

    

   Mapleman, thanks for the rundown on tip sizes. I'm going to print that out and keep it with my tips.

1. 
   mapleman | Apr 07, 2009 07:18am | #4

   Quickstep,

   No problem. If someone had  given me that info years ago it would have saved me tons of trouble! The good thing is there is some lee-way on those sizes.

   Take care,

   Lee

2. 
   nicko | Apr 07, 2009 10:17pm | #6

   when you say get a good filter what do you recomend i now just have a basic moistier filter that looks like a plasic jar with a drain would i need some type of dryer unit or is that overkill what about those disposable filters that attach at the gun thanks

1. 
   Quickstep | Apr 07, 2009 10:57pm | #7

   I've been using the one that looks like a jar with a drain for years with no problems. (I probably just jinx'd myself). Try to keep it close to the gun so there's not much hose length where condensation can form. I have a 15' length of hose that I use for spraying. If I'm spraying close enough to the compressor, I put the air/water seperator right on the compressor and connect my 15' hose right to it, then to the gun.  If I need to be farther away, I connect a longer hose to the compressor, then to the seperator, then the 15' hose, then to the gun. In this case, I have a gizmo that holds the air/water seperator upright, usually clamped to something.

    

   I'm not doing heavy production, but I haven't had any issues.

2. 
   kreuzie | Apr 07, 2009 05:24am | #3

   I have a DeVilbiss CVi suction feed gun from Spray Gun World (imagine that!), and love it. You can switch between HVLP and their new TransTech system (separate needles and air caps provided). Paid $328, as I recall.

   Overspray is practically nonexistent (I have yet to try the HVLP), and it lays on a finish like a dream. I've been shooting Benjamin Moore Satin Impervo thinned with a little turpentine and Fabulon oil-base polyurethane unthinned.

   I bought the cup gun because I just like them. I had a gravity feed once, but didn't like the "feel" of it, and they're awkward to set aside unless you have a special stand. I have an old style (non-HVLP) DeVilbiss JGA gun that I've used for years, and the feel is the same, but the CVi feels about half as heavy. Beautiful fit and finish.

   DO NOT buy a gun from the big boxes or HF, if you intend to do some serious spray work. Talk to the guys at Spray Gun World, explain what you intend to do, what kind of air supply you have and what your budget is. They won't steer you wrong.

   Good luck, and keep us "posted"!

   kreuzie

    

    

1. 
   nicko | Apr 07, 2009 11:41pm | #8

   i took your advise and talked to a guy at spray gun world that was very helpful he sold me on a wb austuro for 275.00 with any three tips i wanted it came with a nylon cup but he thru in a aluminum cup  he told me this gun beat out a 600 dollor german gun for spray quality he seemed pretty up front and honest he told me wood finsh tips to get 1.5/1.8/2.2 he said that tips under 1.5 are more for auto finish but i may call him back and get a 1.3 tip also i got  a one micron filter he said it is the only filter i would need to spray with , a refilling stand,cleaning kit and a #4 ford viscosity cup and i also got a smaller 14 oz. cup for the heck of it it is free shipping for a grand total of 468.00 i went a little over board but i got exited       thanks

1. 
   kreuzie | Apr 08, 2009 01:30am | #9

   Sounds like you're all set! I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

   Speaking of filters, do you have one to filter water out of the air right after it comes out of the compressor? If you're going to be spraying oil-based products, water is your worst enemy. Also go to an automotive paint store and get a moisture filter that screws on at the gun air inlet. It's about the size of a tennis ball, and filters out any water you may have in the air hose just before the air mixes with the material to be sprayed...it's a very inexpensive insurance policy. While you're there, get some cheap cone filters for the material to be sprayed (or order them online).

   Before you tackle your first project, practice on a piece of scrap plywood or cardboard. This will acquaint you with the feel of the gun and the adjustment of the material flow and fan size.

   Happy spraying, and let us know how you like your new toy!

   kreuzie

3. 
   Hastings | Apr 07, 2009 04:00pm | #5

   Nicko:

   I started with a medium gun and although the results were OK, I didn't get really good results until I purchased a "professional" gun.

   I happened to go to an automotive supply store and the recommended the Iwata LPH 440. I have since added a small Iwata for frames. These guns are a joy to use.

   That said, there are probably many equally as good guns out there for similar prices. But make sure Iwata is in your consideration set.

   Also, think about the 3M painting system - it'll really save time with clean up and material changes.

   Hastings