HPLV spray system

[jabe]

I'm in the market for a HPLV turbine sprayer, I've been leaning towards the Fuji system (excellent customer service & product reviews). I'll be using it to spray Deft clear lacquer or water-based poly. I currently spray with a Sharp HP spray gun it does a great job but I don't like the overspray all over the place, I don't have a spray booth. My current air compressor does not put out enough cfm for a conversion gun, any recomendation or advice?

[scorrpio]

Psst, it's HVLP (High Volume, Low Pressure). There been a nice review in some woodworking mag not long ago - think it was FWW, but could be WOOD or Workbench. They compared a whole bunch of them. As usual, the more expensive ones ($600+) came out best, Can't recall for the heck of me who got the 'Best Value'. Really, those expensive systems truly stand out when spraying thicker stuff, so if if you don't plan to spray anything thick, you should be fine with a cheaper piece.

[MBG]

HF 43430 is an excellent gun - can usually be found below $50. Someone at www.woodnet.net attached a flow meter to the gun (actually the P-C equivalent) and it used 3 cfm - not the 10-15cfm quoted in manual.

Mike

[Holbren]

It was Wood that did the review.

Fuji seems to be the most popular not that they are the best. I bought the Q4 because of the deal Amazon was having but haven't used it yet. In fact it's still sitting in the shipping carton after 2 months. I guess I should look and make sure there is a sprayer in there.

[Holbren]

HF 43430 is an excellent gun - can usually be found below $50. Someone at www.woodnet.net attached a flow meter to the gun (actually the P-C equivalent) and it used 3 cfm - not the 10-15cfm quoted in manual.

Mike

Just got this in an email, hope attachment works.

[wardprobst]

I have had a Fuji system for 7 years and I really like it. The major downside is the noise of the turbine unit but the newer ones are much quieter. I generally don't have the turbine near where I am spraying anyway. I have an abundance of spray guns and three air compressors but I generally use the Fuji for most of the fine finish work. As mentioned, the customer support is awesome. I have a buddy that is a professional finisher with a Kremlin, SATA, and other guns but he tells me his Fuji will do the same job- he just doesn't like the turbine noise in his particular application.
DP

[jabe]

I stand corrected HVLP, thanks all for the replies. I read the reviews in Wood magazine. The Fuji sytyem got more excellent ratings but the Turbinaire got the top tool award go figure? Living off the continet makes customer service high on my list. Thanks for the HF coupon will look into it. Brian PM me when you get around to using your Q4. wardprobst what type of finish do you spray with your Fuji? Any special setup to spray lacquer? How many stages is your turbine? How loud is your turbine? I understand the new Fuji Q3 & Q4 turbines are 50% quieter, is it worth spending the extra $ for it? My hearing is bad already so I don't want to lose more of it.

[gary]

Brian, thanks for posting that coupon!

[wardprobst]

I used my Fuji to spray paint the metal frames on our carport and "dirty" shop both about 20' x 30'. I ordered extra needle and nozzle for this and it worked great. I also finish metal plates for pianos with brozing powder in lacquer, spray stain, lacquer, shellac as need for case work. As to noise, mine is the first two stage model that was available and it is about as loud as a shop vac of the same period. I would definitely get the Q3 if I were buying one today. I still may...Mine came with a needle/nozzle setup that was great for fine finishing-lacquer, shellac, etc. For the metal paint I found I needed a larger n/n setup simply to be able to apply paint at a faster rate. Painting metal in the summer in Wichita Falls makes you want to get it done.
DP