Turbine HVLP sprayers

[coW]

I am looking to buy a turbine HVLP sprayer in the not too distant future. My compressor does ok spraying small things but don't think it would be able to to a car.

Are those units that can be had for around $500 any good? (Accuspray, Fuji)

[ddare]

If you buy a turbine system, you'll have to buy a gun that's specifically made for it, but you probably already knew that. However, most of these Turbine guns have adapters so you can use them with a compressor. I don't think you can use any compressor guns on a turbine system though.

That being said, I think they're pretty good units, with their benefits and limitations...

Benefits:
- Uses very little paint
- Very little overspray, most of the overspray on the floor sweeps right off
- portable
- turbine air is completely dry, so you don't need any filters

Limitations:
- No pressure setting (!)
- The air coming out of the gun is heated and this can kind of muddle things in term of which speed reducer to use
- without the pressure setting, you have to be spot on with your needle adjustment and with air cap and nozzle sizes.
- Not so popular in the autobody world so jobbers rarely know much about them

Just a couple off the top of my head. I am getting used to mine, but I find that I spend a lot of time wet sanding. But that's because I have a suction gun instead of a gravity fed gun. Buy a good condition, used turbine and a new gravity fed gun ($300) if you can. The bigger turbine, the better too. I use a 3-stage with OK results, I'd like to give a 4-stage a shot though.

[coW]

[OB Bus]

Here is one from Harbor Freight that has received some good reviews in the past. Note this one periodically goes on sale for $69.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=44677

And another that recently got good notes and is cheaper:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=91772
_________________
Larry in OB
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!
69 Westfalia and 2002 Eurovan Camper.

[itlives]

I've used HVLP's for 14 years-I also have regular compressor set-up. The hvlp is far better IMHO. Try this www.lex-aire.com . They have what you want . I do use harbor freight for a lot but not for something that I want to last a long time. Lex-aire has great customer service too. If you call, ask for Chris. Tell him what you want it for and he'll fix you up.
I paid $960 for mine but it has a built-in oiless compressor to run a 2.5 gallon pressure pot. I use mine 6 days a week.
You'll never have fish eyes unless you don't prep right. You'll never have water in your lines. On hot days you may have to use a little slower thinner or reducer as the turbine heats the air. Go for a good one you won't regret it.

[coW]

Thanks for the suggestions, guys. Will definitely check it all out. I'd like to get one that I could use for wood work as well.
Not saying price is not an object, but hate getting tools that don't work right - sometimes you pay for that.

Too bad they won't let you try one before you get it..

[BIG MAC]

Depending on the size of your compressor and the CFM that it puts out, you may be able to buy a high quality gun that shoots at low CFM. Take a look a Iwata spray guns. They are one of the better brands of guns out there but with one advantage, the work at low CFM, about 7. For a nice clear gun look at model lph400.

[Naked]

[coW]

That does sound interesting.

My compressor is 6 HP, 30 gallon. I think it can do 9 SCFM at 90 PSI, obviously lots more at lower pressure.

What sort of pressure does this gun need?
Would I need two guns for coat and clear?

[VolksWatson]

I have a harbor freight just down the road from me. I have never painted before. Would you recommend something like this for me? I am just a hobbyist, so I won't be doing a lot of painting. My next job would be in several years...

I hate to go to Maaco. I want to do it myself, I want it to look decent and most imortantly-LAST!

Chirp

[itlives]

chirpper, you say you won't be doing a lot of painting , that tells me you should join a club and enlist help. You be a good member in standing for a while and you'll get the help you need. Painting is an art. The more you do the better you are. If you want to learn , then yes , your car is the best to learn on. Good Luck!

[BIG MAC]

The Iwata uses about 30psi @ 7.5cfm, so it looks like you'll have enough compressor. You will be able to use the one gun for both base and clear, though it is nice to have dedicated guns if you paint professionally.

[coW]

[vwsplitman]

Hey Remco, I have a couple of turbine systems you can check out right here at the shop and Im only an hour from you. I think the one unit(Croix Im going to sell ). It is an exact copy of the Lex-Air which I also have used . The other unit is an AccuSpray(hvlp.com) and is a 4 stage unit. It has been used for doing all of my spraying of interior woodwork in the house(doors, trim etc) with polyurethane. Also have used it for primer, topcoats, and MasterSeries paints. If you want to come up and check out the turbine units email me and you can . No I dont sell the units, just like to use them for their many advantages. Chuck P

[VolksWatson]

Didn't see any response on the Harbor Freight Turbine sprayers... Anyone had any experience with these?

Chirp