HVLP for on site spraying

[ericbuggeln]

Tom, nice video. Although I did not see your face, I feel like I know you better now. I have just recently vowed to step up my game and get a spray set up. Almost exclusively for built ins much of which will be paint grade, but hopefully some stain grade in the future. What do people think of the Fuji Mini Mite 3? It's at a good price point. I just started researching this today so if I say anything stupid let me know? Eric

 

[tiralie]

Although I did not see your face, I feel like I know you better now.

Eric:
unless I was hallucinating his face is in there, watch the video to the end...
Tim

 

[ericbuggeln]

I had to bail at the last second and must have missed it. You gonna be at JLC, Tom? Eric

 

[tjbnwi]

I have a feeling my wife will prefer Vegas over Providence for our 35th anniversary trip. So I'm guessing the answer is no.

The video ended up being shortened by YouTube. I did not know they had a time limit. I applauded those who actually put an effort into these videos. For me it is one and done.

One thing I neglected to show, normally I wear a respirator, even with the low VOC finishes. I use a 3M half mask, I also own a full air support system from the auto finishing days.

I do my best to avoid being seen on the internet, I have this fear of breaking it.

Tom

 

[peter halle]

Tom,

You are a natural - don't give up on the videos!  At least not until after I con you into editing the video that I am working on.    [scratch chin]

Peter

 

[ericbuggeln]

Tom, your auto finishing days? Is there anything your not well versed in? How much did you pay for your Q4, with accessories? I know how hard you are to please, so your endorsement means a lot. Eric

 

[tjbnwi]

Yes, automotive days. It was my first career. These are the only 2 pictures I can find of the 75+ cars that we restored or built. Everyone was a chassis off or ground up rebuild ( Pantera's were ground up, no separate frame).

The Q4 with the pressure pot, 3M PPS and additional hoses I have about $1700.00 into the system.

The Graco FinishPro 395 about $2300.00

Other guns and air brushes around 2K.

Still considering a CAT gun. Tim may have to come visit me so I can play with his CAT gun. I'd go visit him but I don't have a passport.

For every day units I have a Graco Mag X9 and an Airlesco.

Have a verbal commitment on a job that will use around 600 gallons of stain and Kem Aqua products.

Tom

 

[ericbuggeln]

Tom, I gravitate to Alien shows mostly, but really dig car shows on tv. I love watching these dudes take a piece of junk with cool lines and bringing it back. I had you pinned for a lifer in the construction industry.

What set up would you get if you were gonna mainly spray paint grade built ins (white) in the near future and some stain grade finishing that I could grow into? My paint supplier wants to see me shooting lacquer. Two guys I know that prompted me to make this leap, both have set ups from the early nineties, so it seems like these things last forever. It would be my goal to eventually grow out of the garage and move into a 2500 sqft shop with spray booth, but continue to use the one I buy now in the field. Let me know, Eric

 

[ericbuggeln]

I forgot, my budget is under a $1000, thanks Eric

 

[tjbnwi]

I assume you are referring to water bourne lacquer, like Kem Aqua??? The advantage to Kem Aqua is it can be tinted, so you would always be shooting lacquer.

HVLP systems are not the best for paint. You can get a Q4 for just under $1000.00 without all the options.

There is the option of the Pro Shot. The cup can be an issue in cabs.

If you need to spray inside cabs, pratice------------a lot.

Tom

 

[ericbuggeln]

I have about 100 hours on a Graco 390 from a previous life. Do you think this will help the learning curve? Eric

 

[tjbnwi]

With the 100 hours you should be able to handle a gun. Other than that different sides of the same coin. Key thing is not to spray with your wrist.

Tom

 

[ericbuggeln]

I always tried to act like a robotic arm would, does that make sense? I have the cab from the Bowclamp review that I could practice on, Eric

 

[tjbnwi]

I should have said divots instead of bumps.



Tom

 

[ericbuggeln]

Tom, I watched my friend spray today with an Earlex 5500. He mixed Lacquer with catalyst and then thinner. At first the blend was too thick and orange peeled and was bumpy, but then he added more thinner and presto, it was money. It was definitely a lot of what I thought it would be as far as technique. He had a negative air vent and a full plastic envelope.

What are guys here thinking of the Earlex 5500? Seems like it would be perfect for my uses and a great price point. Eric

 

[tjbnwi]

Never used an Earlex.

Tom

 

[ericbuggeln]

The gun is definitely quality and that was in comparison to his Kremlins. It packs up real nice and I could see that being a bonus. For $300, I could buy it next week, use it on the next couple of jobs while learning, whereas $1000+ I would need to save up for. I'm going into this thinking that I will own multiple HVLPs one day. Unless someone can convince me I need something nicer? Eric

 

[Brice Burrell]

Tom, I watched my friend spray today with an Earlex 5500. He mixed Lacquer with catalyst and then thinner. At first the blend was too thick and orange peeled and was bumpy, but then he added more thinner and presto, it was money. It was definitely a lot of what I thought it would be as far as technique. He had a negative air vent and a full plastic envelope.

What are guys here thinking of the Earlex 5500? Seems like it would be perfect for my uses and a great price point. Eric

Any chance you can borrow your friend's Earlex a few times until you can save for a better setup?  I've used the Earlex once, it was okay, however..... For professional use you need professional tools.  It might be better to invest the money in the right tool from the beginning.  I'm no expert in the area spraying so don't take my word as the gospel. 

 

[ericbuggeln]

I will spend up to a $1000 for less hassles and a better finish and i obviously appreciate pro tools. Scott B, dude where you at? Eric

 

[tjbnwi]

I think the painters convention is in St. Louis this week. Scotts there putting on some classes.

Tom