Replies

1. 
   Westchester | Mar 30, 2012 05:41pm | #1

   Spray

   I am probably wrong because I can't keep up with technolgy but my HVLP runs off a compressor made for the gun - maybe they have something different today - I'm interested in what the responses will be here -

   SA

2. 
   hammer1 | Mar 31, 2012 09:54am | #2

   Generally, with a conversion gun, one that runs off an ordinary compressor, you want to run between 30 and 40 PSI. A couple of pounds can make quite a difference in atomization and air, material adjustments. Try around 35 PSI and make adjustments to the air, usually on top of the gun and the material, under. If you have a cup gun, check the small air valve to make sure it's clean and not obstructed. This is often a black plastic insert in the top of the cup cover that can be in either of 2 positions. You need to take the gun apart after every use and make sure everything is absolutely clean. Viscosity of materials can be important but some compensation for good atomization can be made by the adjustments and air pressure. You should be able to spray most varnishes right out of the can but heavy bodied paints will need thinning. A small capacity compressor air tank will run out of enough air fairly quickly. You may have to wait for the compressor to catch up. You don't really need an expensive gun, it's more a matter of making the adjustments on the one you have, making sure everything is clean and seals on the top of the cup along with that air valve are clean and functioning. Read your manual so you know how to take the gun apart. Also look to see if you have the recommended air cap.

1. 
   Pil | Mar 31, 2012 11:12am | #3

   Finishes-Spraying

   Thanks for your advice Hammer.  I'm looing to buy a new gun since the specs on the one I have have long disappeared.  Now sorting through a maze of information by many gun makers but do agree...for my work an expensive gun is not necessary.

   ps  nice pup! 

3. 
   gofigure57 | Mar 31, 2012 05:31pm | #4

   Spray gun

   Pil take a look at the Ca Technologies line of guns, I just picked up their CPR model recently with the pps cup  and liner system by 3M , couldn't be happier.... American made as well. Things to look for are tips and matching needles for the materials you are spraying  as well as a regulator on the gun.  If your running a small compressor look at the lvlp models . I did quite a bit of research and they have quite a few to choose from  at reasonable prices.

   I have for the longest time been using cheapo gun ... very frustrating at times although it is what i learned on .  1.3 or 1.5 tips work well for lacquers .

   tom

   i have been using

4. 
   dwfree | Jul 09, 2013 05:29pm | #5

   Atomization is the key to spraying fine finishes, especially waterborne. I started with several fairly cheap ($50-$100), then a moderately priced ($150) Asturo gun and still was not satisfied. The world changed with a CA Tech CPR gun that would truly atomize the waterborne finishes I use. Solvent finishes can be easily thinned to lower viscosity and easier to atomize, and a moderately priced gun will do ok with shellac, lacquer ,or poly when thinned down.I moved on to waterbornes, which don't have the flammability issues and don't smell up my shop for a week or more, but require a good atomizing gun. That compressor will handle a 10-12 CFM gun you will just have to let the compressor catch up sometimes. When pushed, the compressor will probably fail like mine did, and I moved up to a twin cylinder with oil. I highly recommend a high quality gun with a selection of tip/needle sizes. It may cost you $350-$400, but the quality of the finish makes it $ well spent.