New Compact Fine Finish Hopper Review

[Scott B.]

I know that a lot of readers here on the FOG struggle with spraying in general and HVLP in particular, so I thought I'd share a summary of a new technology we have been using this year. It is one of the most user friendly ways to fine finishing that we have found.

Please post up any questions you may have.
http://topcoatreview.com/2016/10/graco-gx-19/

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[HarveyWildes]

The review and video showed some woodworking applications, but seemed more focused on paint.  What is this machine like when spraying varnish or lacquer, or even oil?  What might give it an advantage over HVLP sprayers?  Also, one of the biggest reasons that I mostly use rub-on oil/varnish mix finishes is that that I don't have to invest in a spray booth.  Does this help with that problem at all?

 

[Scott B.]

The review and video showed some woodworking applications, but seemed more focused on paint.  What is this machine like when spraying varnish or lacquer, or even oil?  What might give it an advantage over HVLP sprayers?  Also, one of the biggest reasons that I mostly use rub-on oil/varnish mix finishes is that that I don't have to invest in a spray booth.  Does this help with that problem at all?

Hi Harvey

Good questions. We don't spray very much oil or solvent based products anymore. We use the GX in waterborne clears quite a bit, and it is very good because it runs at a low pressure. The advantage over HVLP is that it is easier for less experienced users to set up, dial in and get a good finish with, and cleaning is pretty simple. Having a hopper instead of a quart cup is a plus.

For more experienced HVLP users who are proficient in pressure pot and compressor set ups, there would be no big advantage other than the ability to run cooler for longer periods of time (compared to turbine use). But the set up cost of one versus the other for a intro level spray person or a hobbyist is definitely worth a look, for the convenience and value factor.

I do think this rig would do well in solvent based clears because they are thin viscosity. This unit would not eliminate the problem of needing to set up a dedicated spray space of some sort, because there definitely can be overspray, as with any type of sprayer, and its always best to contain and properly filter and exhaust that.

 

[tiralie]

The advantage over HVLP is that it is easier for less experienced users to set up, dial in and get a good finish with, and cleaning is pretty simple.

Some days are better than others...
Tim

 

[tiralie]

I know that a lot of readers here on the FOG struggle with spraying in general and HVLP in particular, so I thought I'd share a summary of a new technology we have been using this year. It is one of the most user friendly ways to fine finishing that we have found.

Thanks. Looks like an interesting unit, which I wasn't aware of.
Tim

 

[Scott B.]

The advantage over HVLP is that it is easier for less experienced users to set up, dial in and get a good finish with, and cleaning is pretty simple.

Some days are better than others...
Tim

I know. Gotta have that healthy respect for the machine no matter whats about to happen.

As I mentioned above, you have a great system dialed to the level you need. A machine like this would be a secondary generalist for you for those times where you roll out and spray something that you don't want to break the shop down over...if it required more than about a quart.