Critter Vs Woodcraft HVLP

[BigguyZ]

OK, I hope to use my early bird coupon for Woodcraft this weekend to pick up something to help me apply a shellac finish to some drawers for a built-in that I’m building. But, even if I’m getting 25% off I don’t want to spend more than I have to.

So, the Critter is $50 I believe, which would be $38 with the coupon. Then the HVLP unit, which I think is the same as the HF and Rockler units, is $100 or $75 with the coupon.

Neither unit is the “optimal” choice, but then again neither costs $500+.

I’m not looking for the absolute best of the best. I want quality, serviceable results on the cheap. So, will either of these units provide that? Is one better than the other, and if it’s the HVLP is it worth the additional money? Am I on a fool’s errand, and should just save up another $200-300 for a “real” HVLP system?

What say you all?

[jhart]

I have the Critter and have done primer, latex, and oil poly with it so far. It's pretty impressive for the price. Have not used the hvlp unit, but reports on the forum from those who own it are positive. I believe the HF is the least expensive and basically the same as Rockler and Woodcraft.
The key to the Critter is to get the pressure right and a couple of tests against cardboard or something. I also bought some extra Mason jars at Cub and just keep some of the primer and poly in the jars for the next time. Cleanup very easy.

[final_t]

I have both, bought for specific jobs for specific reasons, separated by about four years.

The HF HVLP is very impressive for it's cost. I had no problem spraying standard latex exterior paint to redo a garage door, and even used it to touch up some first floor trim in the same time. The coverage was good and the final results were much better than I expected. Kinda loud, like an older vacuum cleaner.

The Critter I've used to spray stain, both oil and water based. I like it a lot because it's small, very easy to clean up, and I can keep the leftover stains in bog-standard mason jars. Will make your smaller compressor run like mad to try and keep up.

My two cents after that: if you have an existing compressor, and since you're going to be using it for shellac, I would get the Critter for both ease of cleanup and the ability to store the leftover shellac in the jars. Plus it's a little cheaper.

[BigguyZ]

I have both, bought for specific jobs for specific reasons, separated by about four years.

The HF HVLP is very impressive for it's cost. I had no problem spraying standard latex exterior paint to redo a garage door, and even used it to touch up some first floor trim in the same time. The coverage was good and the final results were much better than I expected. Kinda loud, like an older vacuum cleaner.

The Critter I've used to spray stain, both oil and water based. I like it a lot because it's small, very easy to clean up, and I can keep the leftover stains in bog-standard mason jars. Will make your smaller compressor run like mad to try and keep up.

My two cents after that: if you have an existing compressor, and since you're going to be using it for shellac, I would get the Critter for both ease of cleanup and the ability to store the leftover shellac in the jars. Plus it's a little cheaper.

Thanks for the replies!

Yeah, I figure mostly Shellac and Lacquer is what I'd use either for. Mainly small projects and cabnetry. For larger painting projects, I want to invest in one of those systems that goes right fromt he gallon can to the wall.

So you'd recommend the Critter for cleanup, what about the quality of the finish? Is it comparable?

Also, I have the Porter Cable pancake compressor that's oh-so popular, so do you think that'll keep up with the Critter?

[final_t]

So you'd recommend the Critter for cleanup, what about the quality of the finish? Is it comparable?

Also, I have the Porter Cable pancake compressor that's oh-so popular, so do you think that'll keep up with the Critter?

I was very pleased with the results - the coverage was even and probably better than if I had used a rag. I used the same compressor as you're going to be using, and didn't have any major issues.

[LarryG]

I too have been looking for an inexpensive, occasional-use spraying solution, for use with my own P-C pancake compressor. Sounds like the Critter may be the ticket.

Z, Woodcraft's price is $51.99, so with 25% off it'll be $38.99. Amazon.com has the Critter for a dollar more, with free shipping. If you can stand to wait for delivery, you might order it from them and apply your coupon to something else.

[BigguyZ]

That might be the better play. I'm impatient, but I'm also really really cheap.

Unless the $35 extra is worth it for the HVLP unit...

[foneman]

I too have been looking for an inexpensive, occasional-use spraying solution, for use with my own P-C pancake compressor. Sounds like the Critter may be the ticket.

Z, Woodcraft's price is $51.99, so with 25% off it'll be $38.99. Amazon.com has the Critter for a dollar more, with free shipping. If you can stand to wait for delivery, you might order it from them and apply your coupon to something else.

Where are you getting the Woodcraft 25% off?

thanks,

[mschrank]

I haven't used the Critter, but I have the HF version of the HVLP unit (which is on sale right now for $70.00). I've only sprayed water-base laquer with it, and have been very impressed.

One big plus with HVLP is material savings. Since it's low pressure, more of your finish ends up staying on your project rather than bouncing off and landing who-knows-where. There is still some overspray, but not as much as I would expect with the Critter type of system.

Cleanup is super easy...there's only a few parts. I've left finish sitting in it for several days at a time with no problem. And while not as cheap as mason jars, Rockler sells additional cups with caps for storing finish. Unlike the OEM cup, the rockler cup is transluscent so you can see how much is left.

On the other hand, I didn't realize a little pancake compresser is enough to power the Critter...had I known that, I might have gone that route.

I don't think you will be displeased with either choice.

[cabinetman]

In matching up an air tool to the capabilities of the compressor, the data on the CFM requirement of the tool should be less than the CFM output of the intended compressor. What may happen under continuous use is when the tank depletes to the pressure of when it kicks on to recover, it will be running on it's CFM output.

If the demand of the tool is greater than that of the compressor, the compressor will continually run, but the pressure will drop to the tool, only allowing the tool to operate at the CFM output of the compressor.
.

[BigguyZ]

Where are you getting the Woodcraft 25% off?

thanks,

Woodcraft sent out postcards for their 15% off brown bag sale. However, on the postcard is a note saying that it's good for 25% during their "Early Bird" sale for the fiorst hour or two...

Cabinetman-
do you think the loss in pressure would be appreciable with the PC compressor and the Critter?

[cabinetman]

Woodcraft sent out postcards for their 15% off brown bag sale. However, on the postcard is a note saying that it's good for 25% during their "Early Bird" sale for the fiorst hour or two...

Cabinetman-
do you think the loss in pressure would be appreciable with the PC compressor and the Critter?

The PC is adv at 2 HP and 2.6 CFM @ 90 PSI. At the lower operating pressure to the gun, the CFM would be higher.

The Critter specs call for a 3/4 HP, and draws between 2 CFM and 3 CFM. So, from the stats it seems as the PC should be able to handle the Critter.

If the compressor is compelled to run to keep up with an air tool, the air delivery is warmer and prone to carry moisture, compared to stored air in the tank.
.

[MilDoc]

I don't have the Critter, but also consider "duty cycle" of the compressor. The PC pancake I believe has a 50% duty cycle, meaning the pump should not run more than 50% of the time the compressor is in use; ie, in 30 minutes, 15 minutes running to fill the tank, 15 minutes off while you use the air in the tank.

Running longer than the duty cycle is a sure-fire way to burn up a compressor.

[cabinetman]

I don't have the Critter, but also consider "duty cycle" of the compressor. The PC pancake I believe has a 50% duty cycle, meaning the pump should not run more than 50% of the time the compressor is in use; ie, in 30 minutes, 15 minutes running to fill the tank, 15 minutes off while you use the air in the tank.

Running longer than the duty cycle is a sure-fire way to burn up a compressor.

So right you are Paul. This picture is from another forum, and the results of the fire were found. It was determined that the compressor was left on and unattended, and it leaked enough air to run continuously until it went poof.
.

.

[radhak]

I have the Critter, and use it with the PC pancake very well. Really love it.

Best is, with some trial-and-error I found it works best at around 30 PSI - lotsa control, and nice and even volume. And from what I remember, it did better than 50% duty-cycle.