HVLP Recommendations


Tom Cancelleri

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There are a ton of options out there. I'm leaning towards the Fuji Semi Pro 2 or Mini Mite 3, however there is the gravity fed sprayer and the standard sprayer. The gravity fed sprayer seems a easier to spray up and down since the cups rotate, but I would think it would be top heavy and somewhat awkward to spray. 

 

What's everyone's take on HVLP, suggestions on systems. What they like or don't like. 

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You can only decided what you like by doing.

Take a can of soup and tape it to a piece of wood that you can hold in your hand like a gun. Hold the can upright like you would a gravity feed gun. Conversely hold the can down like a bottom feeder. Go through the motions.

Hope that helps?

That's a great idea , don't just try it for a few seconds. Do it as if you were spraying the biggest project you think you'll finsh. I have the mini mite 3 gravity gun and will tell you when the cup is full and I'm spraying long panel or doors it's heavy and

I get tired . I do like the gravity gun ,I think the type of gun is something only the user can decide on.

BTW I love my fuji. If you get it make sure to get the wipe hose and extra O rings and tubes for the cup.

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Go with the biggest turbine you can afford. Keep in mind that the turbine could last a hobbyist a lifetime. I had the Earlex 5500 and just couldn't get it to atomize properly with a 1.5mm tip. I worked with their support and ended up returning the unit for a refund. I then bought a Fuji MM4 and instantly started laying down perfect coats.

I have the siphon gun and so far no regrets but haven't done a lot of projects. I got an attachment off eBay to use smaller cups I got from US plastics. Then I saw a thread here on the 3M PPS system which is great but a little pricey. This site is pretty good at helping you spend money!

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I have the earlex spray station 5500, and I am quite pleased with it. It has a siphon cup, so when I upgrade to Fuji later, I will prob go with siphon cup.

My understanding is that more "stages" is a good thing. My next sprayer will be at least 3 stage.

+1 I also have the Earlex but use only for waterbourne finishes. I think the needle is 1.5mm

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The Fuji Semi Pro 2 came with a 0.51, which worked out well as its what GF High Performance water borne recommended.

Only used it once, but was amazed when that 4th coat went on. Especially in a 4 hour time frame.

Hard to explain how it's different..looks finished, but without screaming that it's finished. I hate using the term 'store bought', but the one test board I tried looked like a shelf you'd unbox from a Target Shelf Kit...not in a bad way., but in a professional factory-finished sense.

...if that makes any sense.

I like the bottom loader. I'd be pure calamity with the gravity gun, as Gravity is never my friend when it comes to liquids... :)

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  • 1 month later...

I am fairly new to spraying stain / finishes and did not want to break the bank on my first unit so after some online review I purchased the Earlex 5500.  I have not used any other HVLP spray setups so I cannot really compare my Earlex to anything else.  What I can say is with the 1mm tip I have had terrific success with both stain and finish.  Plus it is extremely simple to set up and use.   It has to be if I can do it!!  

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  • 1 year later...

Bumping this thread for a little help with HVLP accessories.  I am new to HVLP but am about to pull the trigger on a Fuji Mini Mite 3 with gravity gun.  I am going to be using this initially on a set of 15 museum  quality (hopefully) frames and for finishing two sets of carriage doors Im building.  Just wondering what accessories I should also be considering. Like the whip hose that comes highly recommended but the reviews says its a POS that breaks easily.  Maybe another size tip I should be thinking about right out of the gate?   I am completely new to HVLP, have never used one or seen one in use.  Thanks!

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My advice. Learn to spray with what you buy. Make sure you have at least a 1.3 or 1.4 needle and nozzle. Play and practice, play and practice. All the fancy crap comes after you become a proficient sprayer.

 

Once you become a sprayer. You can spray with a 25.00 gun, just as good as a 550.00 gun (almost and you get my point :blink:). But the 550.00 gun in an experienced hand, you will notice the joy of fit and finish balance and quality and no leaks . :D

 

I would get a gravity feed spray gun holder that holds a filter.

 

-Ace-

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