Anyone use a Wagner HVLP turbine sprayer. I'm looking at the 529003 sold at Lowes.
Thanks for any help
Thanks for any help
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Charlie,
I am unfamiliar with the Wagner model you mention but used one of their conversion guns prior to getting my Mini-Mite 3. There is a huge difference. The Fuji is about $550 so it isn't cheap but I wish I'd bought it sooner.
Jim -
I haven't used that particular model, but ones similar. They perform very well. If you haven't used HVLP yet, you'll notice it's a bit more difficult to judge the amount of atomized spray, and there is the tendency to apply too much.
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I haven't used that particular one, but have used the older model. It works OK, the atomization and therefore the finish is not as good as my pro units, but it's fine for most things. I expect the newer models have improved the design and probably work even better.
I think you will be happy with the results you get from this unit.--------------------------------------------------
Electrical Engineer by day, Woodworker by nightComment
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With my Fuji I can get a near glass smooth finish on a horizontal surface. I could do a decent job with my Wagner conversion gun but not that good. There is a substantial difference in the atomization.Comment
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I haven't tried the conversion guns, but am not surprised to hear they don't perform as well, since the design is something of a compromise.
The Wagner I used was not a conversion gun but rather an actual HVLP unit. As noted, there was a difference in finish application quality compared to higher end and more expensive units. I haven't specifically used the Fuji, but would put it in the "higher end" class, based on your comments.
Perhaps we should ask the OP about his application. If he is painting his house, the Wagner is likely fine, but if he plans to spray lacquer on fine furniture, he may be better off with a better unit.--------------------------------------------------
Electrical Engineer by day, Woodworker by nightComment
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I agree about the usage being a factor. The fuji is also much more easily and fully adjusted. At maximum fan, it will exhaust a quart cup of finish in about 5 minutes. I can adjust it down inside 6 inches too, however. It's nicer than anything I have used but the question is if the jobs need a gun this "nice" and versatile. For vertical surfaces and smaller parts, I will not risk the wet coat required to eliminate orange peel, even with the Fuji. For that work, the Wagner should be fine.
JimComment
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I had the older style that Woodturner mentioned. The main difference I see between this one and the old is the air flow adjustment knob on the main turbine unit. I also don't remember if the old style was a two stage turbine like this one. The gun is nearly identical. You can't change the needle size on this so it has to be a one size fits all which isn't always the greatest thing.
I had so-so results with mine. With thin finishes like shellac, it could dump a lot of material onto your work. With thicker finishes like WB lacquer, sometimes it would "spit" it out rather than create fine atomization. A lot of my projects ended up with orange peel or had a dry pebbly feel. It was difficult for me to find that sweet spot.
The air coming from my turbine was warm which I've read is not a good thing when spraying because it causes your finish to flash off faster.
I am definitely not a spraying expert so it could have been user error, too. It gets really high reviews on Amazon so I could be wrong.
The turbine finally died after a couple of years of use here and there. I was bummed to have lost the $100 but I've gone to a conversion gun and am much happier now. I did try to service it myself, but the screws (I think star shaped) are buried deep inside and I didn't have a driver that could reach far enough for all of them so I gave up and tossed it in the trash.
If I had the money and time to do more projects/spraying, I would definitely consider an Earlex turbine.Comment
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