Getting a HVLP system... need advice
I am thinking of getting a HVLP system, mostly to use for applying finish/stain to wood (but occasionally use for paint if needed).
I should say up front that I have zero experience with spray systems and would like to get something that won't need to upgrade.
I have applied finish to my woodworking projects (shellac, polyurethane, etc) by hand so far.
I don't have a spray booth either, so mostly applying it in a garage and I know I should get some good ventilation. I should
only use water based finishes.
I have done some research and it appears that Fuji products are good and you can get an excellent (pro like) finish without breaking the bank.
Am I right to assume that I can get excellent result with them?
Have a bunch of questions for those more experienced people here:
1- A general question is about the amount of sanding needed between different layers of finish. Is the procedure the same with spray system or will it reduce the amount of sanding needed between different applications of finish, perhaps because you can get a more even finish each time? I hate sanding!
2- is the MM4 series a good option? Is the upgrade to Q4 worth it? I understand it's the same system with a noise reduction layer added.
3- Should I get a gravity fed gun instead of the standard one?
4- What are the applications/differences/uses of a whipping hose and a flex hose?
5- What would be a good starting package (the system, hoses, niddles, cups, etc)?
What should I be asking that I didn't ask?
comments/suggestions are welcome.
At Least One Vote For Fuji
Well since everyone is voting for Apollo, I'll vote for Fuji Spray since that is what I have. :) I am certainly not an experienced sprayer but I certainly like what I can do with it.
1- A general question is about the amount of sanding needed between different layers of finish. Is the procedure the same with spray system or will it reduce the amount of sanding needed between different applications of finish, perhaps because you can get a more even finish each time? I hate sanding!
You may get away with less sanding with a spray gun due to the faster drying, which may mean less nibs in the finish. I am also able to spray a better finish than I could with a brush so that could save some sanding too. A gloss piano finish still requires hand finishing (at least for me).
2- is the MM4 series a good option? Is the upgrade to Q4 worth it? I understand it's the same system with a noise reduction layer added.
I have the Q4 and I don't find the noise offensive but I don't have any other turbines to compare it to. If you don't mind wearing ear protection, I would not spend the extra money. You'll be amazed at how fast you can spray a coat.
3- Should I get a gravity fed gun instead of the standard one?
I personally really like the gravity gun. I had the bottom siphon cup previously and to clean it I needed to have the turbine running while spraying water (I use water based finishes) until it was clean. I typically did this outside. With my gravity gun, I take the gun to the sink and run water through it without any need for the turbine. The gravity gun doesn't hold as much as the bottom cup but this hasn't been a drawback for me.
4- What are the applications/differences/uses of a whipping hose and a flex hose?
I have the whip hose and I believe that it is to allow greater flexibility when manouvering the gun without the heavy hose weighing it down. There may also be some cooling effects with the whip hose as well but I'm not sure.
5- What would be a good starting package (the system, hoses, niddles, cups, etc)?
I use the #3 and #4 set up with the Fuji and have been able to spray pretty much everything when thinned to the proper viscosity.
I don't think that you'll go wrong with either the Apollo or Fuji spray systems. When you get it, invest in a role of brown packing paper and practice spraying water. You'll get a feel for what the gun adjustments do and you will be able to see your water spray pattern on the brown paper.
Have fun!
Tom