Replies

1. 
   mudman | Jun 09, 2006 07:08am | #1

   Of course you should have a HVLP gun. Most all guns on the market are HVLP now. Do you mean a conversion vs. a turbine system?

   Mike

   Pardon my spelling,

   Mike

   Make sure that your next project is beyond your skill and requires tools you don't have. You won't regret it.

1. 
   dlb | Jun 09, 2006 03:22pm | #2

   Thanks for the reply. No, I don't mean one type ov HVLP vs. another type. I was just wondering if I can get a good finish w/ the paint spray gun w/o having to purchase an HVLP gun. Or would I be foolish not to buy an HVLP gun because the difference in finishes is markedly noticable.

   Thanks,

   dlb

   .

   World Cup Starts TodayThe undisciplined life is not worth examining.

1. 
   mudman | Jun 10, 2006 02:04am | #3

   HVLP don't necessarily spray better. They are just more effecient. Normal high cap pressure systems have transfer effeciencies of 30%, a good well tuned HVLP setup can get to 80% or better. That is the percentqage of finish that makes it to the surface of the project, the rest is floating in the air. Due to almost universal regulations requireing HVLP in comercial applications most all the better guns are HVLP. You can find the older HPLV (High Pressure Low Volume) for good prices used. Pardon my spelling,

   Mike

   Make sure that your next project is beyond your skill and requires tools you don't have. You won't regret it.

1. 
   dlb | Jun 10, 2006 02:33am | #4

   Thanks for the reply. I appreciate the statistics on waist and will look into an HVLP gun. I know I can get one at Lowes for $99.00. The project that I will need the gun for does not have the budget for a multi-$100 gun.

   Thanks,

   dlb

   .

    The undisciplined life is not worth examining.

1. 
   mudman | Jun 11, 2006 07:42am | #5

   No problem. But take those statistics with a grain of salt. It has been a while since I was shopping for a new gun and I think that was what I read. Also those numbers assume perfect conditions. None the less, HVLP is the way to go.

   MikePardon my spelling,

   Mike

   Make sure that your next project is beyond your skill and requires tools you don't have. You won't regret it.

2. 
   mudman | Jun 12, 2006 05:05pm | #7

   Rick is correct.

   As I said before HVLP is not necessarily better than HPLV guns. However if you are wanting to upgrade your set up changing to HVLP is logical. Also, as usual, the systems sold a Home Depot are limited as to what they can do. You might have to thin your lacquer to spray in those lower power units. A good 3 or 4 stage system can spray normal oil based paint with some fanagling.

   Mike

    Pardon my spelling,

   Mike

   Make sure that your next project is beyond your skill and requires tools you don't have. You won't regret it.

2. 
   Rich14 | Jun 12, 2006 06:47am | #6

   dlb,

   What is it you think you will accomplish with HVLP that you can't do now?

   There is a lot to be said about sticking with equipment that you know. You've already experienced (some) of the learning curve of a spray gun. HVLP has nothing whatever to do with the quality of the finish. If you have gotten good with your equipment, my advice is to stay with it.

   HVLP does result in more material on the work, less in the air compared to conventional gear, and it's mandated in a commercial shop. But for small jobs, the differentce is inconsequential. I doubt you will save enough finish in a career to make a difference in your wallet or in the environment. (Truth be said, while HVLP can be shown to put a little more finish on the work, studies have not shown that their use has resulted in any reduction in the very tiny amount of finish solvents in the atmosphere) If you had no equipment at all, advice to go with HVLP from the start would be logical.

   If you switch now, you will have a new learning curve before you're comfortable again. It won't be as steep as the original experience, but there will be new characteristics to learn, for no other reason than bureaucrats have mandated it for a situation different from yours.

   Rich

1. 
   dlb | Jun 12, 2006 06:40pm | #8

   Thanks for the reply. You are correct in that the learning curve has almost been mastered and I would prefer not to start over again, regardless of how much or how little learning I must go through. My main concern was will I get a substantially better finish w/ HVLP vs. a paint sprayer? It seems that the answer is basically, "No", which is fine w/ me as it makes my project more profitable. Therefore it seems that I should stick w/ what I know and have, further learn how to spray and provide the customer w/ the best product possible.

   Thanks again for everyone's input and advise - this is the place to go for ww wisdom!

   dlb

   .

    The undisciplined life is not worth examining.

1. 
   mudman | Jun 13, 2006 05:44am | #9

   While there are many other variables, you would certinly get a better finish with a better gun. If you have an inexpensive big box type gun you could realize tremendous advantages with a better gun. If you choose to upgrade HVLP is the logical choice. Unfortunately good guns are expensive, though I have heard good things about the Porter Cable gun, for the money.

   MikePardon my spelling,

   Mike

   Make sure that your next project is beyond your skill and requires tools you don't have. You won't regret it.