Idaho Andy Posted May 7, 2015 Report Share Posted May 7, 2015 I've been eyeing the Earlex HV5500 as small HVLP system for the shop. But I also have a 25gallon 6HP compressor for shop air that should be more than capable of running an HVLP conversion gun... I'm looking for thoughts and comments regarding either direction. I also understand that several folks prefer to use the HVLP systems for Non-oil clear finishes, lacquer or shellack... why not for oil based finishes, Arm-R-Seal etc??? I just wonder if it's worth including spray applications in addition to my traditional wipe on finishes. Thanks!!! Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted May 7, 2015 Report Share Posted May 7, 2015 I've been eyeing the Earlex HV5500 as small HVLP system for the shop. But I also have a 25gallon 6HP compressor for shop air that should be more than capable of running an HVLP conversion gun... I'm looking for thoughts and comments regarding either direction. I also understand that several folks prefer to use the HVLP systems for Non-oil clear finishes, lacquer or shellack... why not for oil based finishes, Arm-R-Seal etc??? I just wonder if it's worth including spray applications in addition to my traditional wipe on finishes. Thanks!!! Andy I can answer the second question. Lacquer and Shellac spray well because they are thin and dry fast. For those same reasons, they brush like crap. Yes people can brush on shellac but it is not very forgiving. Oil finishes like Arm R Seal brush well because they have a long open time so level out nicely. Spraying it makes a gooey sticky mess all over the place and takes more power. Waterbase goes both ways. It sprays great and some formulations have a long enough open time to brush as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted May 7, 2015 Report Share Posted May 7, 2015 Turbine HVLP doesn't ever run out of pressure if you have a bunch of spraying to do. My turbine is also quieter than my compressor plus I can shut it off as soon as I'm done spraying. Turbine also creates warm air which helps with water based finishes, especially in the winter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boatworks Today Posted May 8, 2015 Report Share Posted May 8, 2015 I've not used an Earlex so can't really comment too much on that, but imo you have the option for getting a much better gun with a conventional compressor / gun setup (more consistent pattern, better atomization, etc) That being said, a decent gun will cost as much as the Earlex, and really good gun much more. As far as wood finishes go, I don't know that the expense of a high end gun would be worth it. If you're eyeing up the possibility of doing paints, then it's a clear answer. Since you already have the compressor, an inexpensive gun would give a comparable finish to the Earlex; but then you're also looking at needing to install an inline filter to remove moisture if you don't already have one.. Most likely the cost for setup is somewhat of a wash either route. I guess it depends on how you plan to use it long term.. I have different guns for different finishes which is a nice option, but I also spray a lot of different materials.. If we're strictly talking about finishing wood, I think I'd probably lean towards a self contained system for simplicity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry Moore Posted May 8, 2015 Report Share Posted May 8, 2015 If you can buy a conversion gun that works as well as or, near as well as a turbine then the next question in my mind is storage of the turbine, they will take up a lot more room in a small shop than a gun. There is also the cost of maintenance on the turbine for filters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwacker Posted May 8, 2015 Report Share Posted May 8, 2015 I agree that compressed air is a better option provided you have the right compressor and installation. The 2 sq ft that a turbine takes and under $10 every few years for filters is much less expensive than wear and tear on a small compressor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Idaho Andy Posted May 8, 2015 Author Report Share Posted May 8, 2015 I can answer the second question. Lacquer and Shellac spray well because they are thin and dry fast. For those same reasons, they brush like crap. Yes people can brush on shellac but it is not very forgiving. Oil finishes like Arm R Seal brush well because they have a long open time so level out nicely. Spraying it makes a gooey sticky mess all over the place and takes more power. Waterbase goes both ways. It sprays great and some formulations have a long enough open time to brush as well. Mike... Thanks much!!! That makes all the sense in the world... I've used shellac as a sealer but never as a finish and I've chosen oil based finishes over lacquer simply due to comfort with oil base and inexperience with lacquer. Your reply is VERY much appreciated!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Idaho Andy Posted May 8, 2015 Author Report Share Posted May 8, 2015 Gent's thanks to all for your replies!!! It's apparent that the cost of either solution is pretty much a push... I do have installed air lines throughout the shop and drier/separator in the system. While I don't anticipate spraying paint or oil based products, having a lacquer/shellac option would certainly be beneficial. Again... Thank you to all!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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