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Will using an HVLP gun with a standard compressor produce better results than a conventional gun? Is there a difference between an HVLP gun and an HVLP conversion gun?

Mike

I've always wondered what the "conversion" meant too. I believe a HVLP gun will use more air than a conventional. I've got a HUGE compressor so I can't tell the difference in air consumption. It took me a while to get used to HVLP, but I like my Sharpe FX1000 now. At first I had trouble spraying a resonably level finish, but I found that I had my air pressure set way too high. It's more finicky to small adjustments than my old conventional binks gun, but when adjusted right it's great.

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I didn't mean to say it, but I meant what I said.
http://www.brackettinstruments.com/

http://www.gleempaint.com/hvlp1.html
Anyone use this gun? Looks like a good price.

That's quite a find. If you get it, I would get the accessory kit too.

Waiting to hear if anybody else has used it.

Mike

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... mber=46719

I thought I saw that before. They are not identical looking, but they are clearly made by the same manufacturer. Look at the grip.

Mike

What about one like this? <--- click on the blue words. On my screen, I can hardly see the hyperlink!

Will using an HVLP gun with a standard compressor produce better results than a conventional gun? Is there a difference between an HVLP gun and an HVLP conversion gun?

Personally, yes. But, depends on the gun, and the sprayer, and the setup, and the material.

Difference initially is cost. Probably double for a HVLP system than a conversion. My Sata Minijet (get it, BTW, if you can) with metal cup cost less than half of my friend's 3 stage turbine Fuji (I think). Of course, add in the compressor (60 gal oiled, vertical twin cyl., 220v 5hp), air dryer, etc, and its a push. Of course, I get to use the compressor for other things too. Here, personally, I still prefer the Sata, simply because its a gravity feed. Although, I hear they have gravity feed HVLP's now ($$$). Also, since the turbines push warm air, dry time is supposed to be reduced.

My biggest mistake in buying guns? I bought a cheap ass PC for $100, which was really good, until I tried the Sata. What a waste of $100 (I did help a friend primer his Camaro with it).

Aaron, was that sata I posted above what you meant?

Mike

Yup. Be aware, they have a Sata Minijet 4 out (its been out a while), so definitely check around for Minijet 3 deals.

Todd, one day I will get a Fuji Q4, but right now I have a very usefull compressor. So I want to get a good quality gun and now I am thinking HVLP. I did check out the Iwata, but those are really expensive and the Satas seem to be a little less so. In any case, you her good things about both. So now I think I am in the hunt for the Sata Mini Jet 3.

Mike

One thing to keep in mind is that the .8mm tip is too small for USL and therefor I assume EM6000 (if you're still spraying that). I believe they recommend a 1.3mm IIRC.

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http://www.birkonium.com CNC Products for Luthiers
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I forgot to ask this: The gun I mentioned above is a Sata Mini Jet 3 with an .8 mm tip. I have no idea on tip selection. Thoughts?

Mike

Mike, I have two of the Anest Iwata HVLP's and they do seem to do a nice job with a 1.5MM tip. Puts out plenty of volume but I do get more overspray than I would like to see. I use one for spraying alcohol dissolved analine and the other for clear nitro. I've not cleaned the clear nitro one in the last five years or more other than the nozzle very occasionally. It's kind of like the energizer bunny.
Nelson