HPLV Cup gun - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

wackman · 02-14-2008, 07:42 PM

Every so often we get a job that requires some sprayed work but is so tiny it's not really worth getting a painter over for it.

I was at lowes today and a HVLP cup gun caught my eye. I was under the impression that along with the gun you needed a turbine system but this gun didn't have that and the tool corral guys said they don't have anything else to go with it. I'm wondering if lowes is actually selling one small piece of a system (basically worthless) or if that gun can just connect up to a compressor and work.

Anyone know?

DeanV · 02-14-2008, 08:04 PM

Those connect to a compressor. My 25gal compressor is absolute minimum to run those style guns, at least for any reasonable duration. Check the cfm ratings for the gun and the compressors and you will see that only the largest compressors actually meet the specifications for the HVLP or conventional guns. If you are getting something for just little stuff, try a gravity feed HVLP. They are easier to clean (no need to hook up air) and have fewer spots for finish to collect as you switch from latex to lacquer to oil or whatever. I also have a turbine set up for small stuff.

Railman · 02-14-2008, 09:09 PM

Binks makes a real nice HVLP gun that will work with a 1 1/2 hp compressor.
It's sold with a small fluid needle, & small air cap. It will spray most acrylics/latex without thinning. I have one, but I can't remember if it's a 2001 gun, or a Mach 1. The parts are interchangable, & it uses a pressurized cup with a back flow valve to hold cup pressure. The only draw back is you can't spray a very big pattern, but it sounds like it might be what you need.

Joe

DeanV · 02-14-2008, 09:32 PM

I tried a 2001 conventional gun, used way too much air for my Porter cable compressor. Switched to the Mach 1 HVLP, works better.

**slickshift** · 02-14-2008, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wackman

I was at lowes today and a HVLP cup gun caught my eye. ....actually selling one small piece of a system (basically worthless) or if that gun can just connect up to a compressor and work.

Anyone know?

Lol...yeah I know
It's basically a fake HVLP
It's to sell top the clueless homies who hear us talk or read about us using HVLPs for certain work
Well, of course the HVLP is a whole system, but homie don't play that price tag, and wants something in the Wagner price range

...and they got a compressor in their garage (mostly fills low tires, but it's a compressor) so they are thinking they just need the right "gun"

So...Lowes and the rest....continuing their pursuit of providing quality tools to professionals...oh wait....I mean separating clueless DIYers from their money, figured out there's no real standard for what an HVLP spray unit actually is
So, technically, if you lower the pressure on your compressor and use a cheapo cup sprayer, it is...kinda... an HVLP sprayer

But no...it's not an HVLP as we know it, nor is it just the gun off of a real unit
It's the same old crappy cup sprayer with a regulator on it

**ChrWright** · 02-14-2008, 10:20 PM

Lowes used to carry a Campbell-Hausfeld HVLP that was very reasonably priced. I used it for a number of years on small cabinet & furniture projects before I upgraded to a $1,500 professional model.

For the price I thought it worked very well.

Railman · 02-15-2008, 09:20 AM

whackman,
If you have a 2 hp compressor, all you need is a CONVERSION HVLP.
Take a look at the Binks info:
www.devilbiss-gema.com.mx/pdf/a98-138.pdf

Note the compressor cfm ratings on the combo kit.
At the bottom of the page you'll see the gun sold separately from the kit.

Wagner sell one also, for less green, but from all I've heard, works very well!
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w..._389504_389504
Read the reviews!

Joe

plazaman · 02-15-2008, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrWright

Lowes used to carry a Campbell-Hausfeld HVLP that was very reasonably priced. I used it for a number of years on small cabinet & furniture projects before I upgraded to a $1,500 professional model.

For the price I thought it worked very well.

which setup do you have?

**ChrWright** · 02-15-2008, 09:28 PM

Turninaire...Bought it through Woodcraft.

plazaman · 02-15-2008, 10:07 PM

what can of materials can you shoot through it? Can you spray car paint with it? Hows the finish?

**ChrWright** · 02-15-2008, 10:13 PM

They say just about anything--although with thicker products you have to play around with the various needles & caps to get the right mix. I haven't tried any automotive finishes--mainly just pre-cat & cat laquers.

The variable speed output is nice to have.

Railman · 02-15-2008, 11:48 PM

Guys,
The thing about the conversion HVLP guns is that you can crank up the pressure to spray heavier viscosities. I started out 15 years ago with a Titan HVLP in my shop, & thought it worked pretty good. After wearing out two motors, I decided to use same gun with shop air, & it worked way better, without having to thin latex paints. The turbin just couldn't do that. Eventually I ended up with a couple Mach 1's on pressure pots (sealer, & top coats), & used a Mach 1 conversion gun for stains, & paint. I've added more Mach 1's guns over the years. I tried an air assist, but for us it was way more work to clean than it was worth. Pots just stay hooked up full time.

I heard good things about the Wagner prior to buying the Mach 1's, but never got to try one.

Joe

wackman · 02-16-2008, 04:04 PM

Thanks guys.