HVLP turbine setup

[duburban]

AAA looks sweet!

I think we could tell Todd was just messing around from the context.

How do you guys prep those bead boards for finish? We just had a batch with nasty planer marks on them, they took forever to clean up.

 

[Scott B.]

AAA looks sweet!

I think we could tell Todd was just messing around from the context.

How do you guys prep those bead boards for finish? We just had a batch with nasty planer marks on them, they took forever to clean up.

That batch was milled in a cabinet shop, and drum sanded to prior to delivery to us. It was mint. Most of our stuff goes that way. We try to keep our in shop prep to edge break only if possible.

 

[twang120]

I purchased a 5-stage Apollo system this past year.  Would not consider myself an expert by any means, but have had good results with clears and even latex with floetrol.  I would recommend getting the various tip/ needle sets and the 3m pps system for quicker cleanup. Also dont forget a brush set for cleaning the gun.  Disassembly and thorough cleaning after each use is very important.  Only takes 10 minutes or so to do properly.
I believe the 4-stage would probably do a similar job since the psi is not much less than the 5-stage unit.

 

[BarBuilder]

Technique will definitely be a learning curve that I will have to climb as I am still somewhat unfamiliar with spraying finish thru a paint gun. My minimal experience is shooting some enamel thru a conversion gun onto a storm door, some car parts and an attempt at spraying lacquer onto some bar panels. I am glad to hear however that the clean up on an HVLP can be done in minimal time. From what I gather a 5 stage turbine with a long whip should fit the bill. I assume the longer whip is an effort to cool the air before it gets to the gun/finish?

 

[tiralie]

Technique will definitely be a learning curve that I will have to climb as I am still somewhat unfamiliar with spraying finish thru a paint gun.

I highly recommend Jeff Jewitt's book w/ DVD "Spray Finishing made simple". as well as his web site  It demystified a lot of things for me.
Flexner on Finishing is an excellent book/reference as well and covers a lot of topics. His column in popular woodworking are also excellent. Jeff Jewitt's DVD is much more targeted to those starting out in finishing.

I assume the longer whip is an effort to cool the air before it gets to the gun/finish?

That and mobility with the gun. The "whip hose" are designed to be much more flexible. Compared to other spray system hoses turbine hoses are wide diameter mothers (1"?) and always get in the way when you are moving around larger pieces.
Tim

 

[atogrf1]

I agree.
I bought Spray Finishing Made Simple when I bought my HVLP and it REALLY, REALLY helped out.
It explains things accurately, and with language that is easily understandable.

 

[BarBuilder]

I have Bob Flexners book and have read it cover to cover a few times - very good stuff. I learned a lot from that book. I will check out the Jeff Jewitt material, thanks.

 

[HowardH]

I have had a fuji 4 stage for 4 years and it's been a fantastic unit.  Much easier to master than one might think.  The hard part is getting the application rate dialed in, but once it's there, it's a piece of cake to get a professional finish. At the moment, I have the one quart standard gun but I'm going to get their gravity gun.  Doesn't hold as much material but much more maneuverable.  I can spray latest without issue as long as I cut it enough.  Can't recommend it enough.

 

[BarBuilder]

The FUJI 4 stage w/gravity gun would be nice, especially since I can get one delivered to my door for $799. It's expensive but it is still less than the Apollo or Graco both of which are >$1000. As long as I am not sacrificing quality or service, I am ok with saving a few $'s.

 

[builderbob]

I just purchased the Fuji and am soon to use it (within the next few days)!  I'll let you know my thoughts!  I also bought the extra whip as well!

Bob

 

[tiralie]

I just purchased the Fuji and am soon to use it (within the next few days)!  I'll let you know my thoughts!  I also bought the extra whip as well!

Bob
Good luck, you might also want to look at the smaller (diameter) needle/cap sets if you are spraying stain or shellac. They are fairly reasonably priced.
Tim

 

[tjbnwi]

I own the Fuji Q4 also.

It is not unusual for me to mix air cap size.  You have to use matching needle and tip, but going up or down in  cap size can improve the finish. One of those things you have to play with to understand.

Tom

 

[BarBuilder]

Bob - I'll be watching for your opinion on the Fuji once you've had your first experience with it.

 

[builderbob]

Tim,  thanks for the recommendation!  I did actually buy a few different sized tips. I'm going to be shooting a waterborne primer, so I'll be using the larger tip for that!

Bob

 

[builderbob]

Tim, if I finish building these cabinets before the weekend is up, I'll shoot Monday... Otherwise I may shoot on Tuesday!  I'll keep you posted!

Bob

 

[tiralie]

Tim, if I finish building these cabinets before the weekend is up, I'll shoot Monday... Otherwise I may shoot on Tuesday!  I'll keep you posted!

Bob

Try the smaller air cap sets (1.4 mm Gold or even 1mm green) as well as the larger (1.8mm) sets.
I find that the small diameter needle atomizes the primer better and I don't get any orange peel, but that just might be me. Again it's slower/less coating gets applied and you have to hold the gun closer to the surface than the larger cap/needle but it does lay down better.
Good luck.
Tim

 

[builderbob]

Thank you again Tim!  I did also purchase the green tip set as well. I'm accustomed to spraying from an airless, so this is a bit newer to me!  Also, I've never sprayed anything that wasn't latex, so I'm in for an adventure!!!

Bob