Official Luthiers Forum!

Ok I'm thoroughly confused and trying to find some info on learning about HVLP sprayers. I have compressors so I think I can just buy a gun or can I? If I can just buy the gun and regulator any suggestions on a gun something that won't break the bank. Help unconfuse me thanks.

Yes you can just buy the gun. I use a turbine though and like it. Someone will post a good gun recommendation. Good luck.

+1

_________________
Brian

You never know what you are capable of until you actually try.

https://www.howardguitarsdelaware.com/

I got a piece of advice from Bill Moll when I started spraying my own finish. He said to go get the cheapest gun from harbor freight, use it till you ruin it, and then by it again. If you spend the big bucks, you better take care of it.

For what it's worth, I use this one and it works just fine for me (as long as I clean it):

http://www.grizzly.com/products/Deluxe-Spray-Gun-Plastic-Cup/H5528

_________________
ELEVATE || Next Level Lutherie
http://elevatelutherie.com
&
http://ensorguitars.com

I use a Walcom EGO HVLP gun with a 2hp compressor. I have a 5 HP compressor, but rarely turn it on. I use a water trap at the compressor one of these filters. http://www.tcpglobal.com/spraygundepot/itemdetail.aspx?itemno=DEV+130525-PROMO I bought the filter locally though. I used to use one of the small filters at my gun instead of the bigger one. If you develop good spraying technique a good gun will pay for itself with materal savings and less time sanding. I have no experience with the turbine systems. Todd (and others) seem to like them so I'm sure they work great. Clean air is a must, reguardless of finish type. I suppose the turbine system assures clean air.

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

I did the cheap gun route and found that the needle packing seal would begin leaking and causing a fluttery spray pattern after a couple or three guitars, I took it back and they exchanged it and the next one did the same so I bit the bullet and got a better gun. My main requirement was availability of spare parts, as the crappy Chinese guns do not have available parts.

I still was a little on the cheap side and purchased a Devilbiss starting line sill gun and for $100 ( a bit higher price now ) including a rebuild kit I am quite happy with it. So far I have lacquered 7 guitars with it with no issues other than dropping it and breaking the plastic spray cup and my local auto body shop supply dealer had the better metal cup in stock. I use a regulator at the gun set at 20 psi and a Devilbiss inline gun filter/air dryer also at the gun.

_________________
Fred Tellier
http://www.fetellierguitars.com
Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/FE-Tellier-Guitars/163451547003866

Thank you all for the input. So if I understand this correctly I can buy an HVLP gun and use it with my existing compressor, I have a 5hp and the obvious filters/traps need to be in place.

Todd-you mention "conversion gun" is that different than a regular HVLP gun?

Can anyone recommend a site for me to read/learn about this spray equipment? I still have no idea what a turbine, 3 stage, 4 stage, warm air...it's all foreign to me.

Jeff Jewett is one of the best. This is a link for his discussion group. http://www.homesteadfinishingproducts.com/phpBB2/index.php

Todd I have never used a turbine. Classically for toners (ie whole top), one would use a full size gun to lay down an even coat, rarther than the jamb guns which we use for busts. Would you do that with a turbine or are they for build coats only?

Thanks!

Adequate pressure, which is not always available from a turbine- based
system, is very nice to have. It's so nice to be able to dial down the
pressure, rather than wishing you could bump it up a bit to deal with
a particular finish's properties (waterbornes in particular) or the day's
conditions.

WOW!! Lots of great information thank you!

Todd, you are true master and ridiculously generous with your time and knowledge, sagacious and erudite, and most kind indeed!

Although the larger guns are designed for cars, there a number of nice mid sized guns that are wonderful in addition. The Iwata LPH300 is a classic example, although I notice the popular "Mario gun" (Devilbiss SRI) now features a 9" fan width making it a very versatile option indeed.

Thanks again, Todd!