More HVLP, Fuji or compressor?

[Keith]

I'm fed up with spending more time finishing than I did making it in the first place, so I'm going to get myself kitted up for spraying.

My dilemma is to buy the Fuji HVLP or to get a compressor and a couple of HVLP guns.

The Fuji is the simplest solution as it comes in a complete kit and it is relatively small to store, but only having one gun is a disadvantage, especially if I forget to clean it

On the other hand the compressor system is bulky to store and more complex to buy and set up, but it is a lot more flexible. I can buy various guns and also get a couple of air pinners.

I know a few have used both systems and wonder which one they would recommend.

Keith

[jaco]

Have a small compressor that i use now .... ... and ... again ... mainly to spray metal work.

Not used in woody stuff yet.

[jfc]

I've settled on the compressor after trying loads of ways to spray .

[jonnyd]

I used to use a compressor but switched to the fuji HVLP about 3 years ago and wouldn't go back to a compressor. I get a much better finish with the fuji . Its ready to use at the flick of a switch and portable which allows you to use it on site if need be. You can get an extra gun for it from axminster for around £200 as i bought one a few weeks ago so i can have one gun for paint and one for lacquer.

Jon

[Keith]

Thanks for the replies.

Jonny with the Fuji would I ideally need one gun for paint and a separate one for clear lacquer? That would make the Fuji system pretty expensive with a spare gun costing £200.

[robo]

This was posted on the other side from a Fuji user - cheaper alternative?

thewoodwhisperer.com/episode-45-music-to-my-earlex/

R

[jonnyd]

I dont think you would need two guns unless you were doing a paint and lacquer job at the same time as the gun is easy to keep clean. I did think the gun was expensive myself but it is very well made and sets the fuji apart from some of the cheaper systems available. The main reason for getting the new gun was that the original gun has air passing through it constantly and you can soon waft a bit of dust of the floor onto what is being sprayed. The new Xt type spraygun that comes with the newer fuji models works like a conventional gun with air only passing through when the trigger is pulled. If you do go for the fuji i would reccomend getting a whip hose for it as it makes handling the gun so much easier.

Jon

[pj]

Keith, Have a look at the Sata guns. I've been using a LM2000 gun which is a middle of the range gun which is not technically a HVLP gun but spraying at about 20 - 30 psi is pretty over spray free. More adjustments to make than the Fuji but that gives better control and needle sizes range from .8 to 5mm so it really covers all the jobs. The down side is that it needs about 10 cfm free air to work so you will be looking at a sizable compressor but I think the larger 3hp axminster one may work. With the gun,compressor and a good filter/regulator you will be in the same price range as the Fuji but probably have a more versatile setup IMHO.

My two pence worth

Philip

PS. Cheap HVLP guns only come with limited needles and/or spares, and can give a very bad experience as I know to my own cost

[Keith]

robo thanks for the link, very interesting, although he obviously liked it I was left with the feeling he still thought the Fuji was a better more adaptable machine.

So I'm thinking, I need the whip hose (thanks Jon) but should I get the Mini-Mite or the Q3? and then Philip posts and gets me thinking I might be better off with a compressor again

Decisions ;D

Keith

[jfc]

Am i right in saying with a compressor you have more chance of finding the gun you like ? I have tried 6-7 guns and find the £30 Clarke ones easier to use than the £120 DeVilthingy .

[sainty]

As an owner of a Fuji HVLP I'll try and add something to this. In my experience, this kit is good. It is relatively easy to get a consistent finish using it. Once you get used to it all the controls give you plenty of adjustability.

My other experience with spray guns is using a cheap B&Q compressor/gun kit and the B&Q HVLP. I know its not really comparing like with like but the Fuji system really does blow them away.

As for a compressor, I have one to run some guns in the workshop and its brilliant for that, i dont use it for much else though. If you can get the same performance from a gun and compressor as you can from the Fuji unit as suggested here, thats the way to go. Problem is, how can you tell, has any one got experience of both?

Of course you could just get them both.


Rgds

Sainty

[Keith]

After much deliberating I have been out today and bought a SIP 3hp belt driven compressor; £299 from my local(ish) store.

As Jason said I can try a number of relatively cheap guns to find the type that suits me. Plus I can get a couple of pinners, so even if I ultimately end up buying the Fuji, the compressor will still be useful to have.

Thanks again to everyone for all the help.

Keith

[Keith]

I thought I'd update you on how I'm going on, it may be some use to anyone setting up for spraying.

Well I bought the compressor £300

I've just spent £120 on regulators, conectors and hose so I can have two completely different outlets; one clean for spraying and one oiled for pinning.

Today on Jason's recommendation I've been to Machine Mart and bought two HVLP spray guns, an airbrush and a few more connectors which came to another £100.

So far I have spent £520 which is more than the Fuji would have cost, granted I have a more flexible system and 3 sprayers but it has been a learning curve as everything seems to come with little or no instructions.

And I still haven't sprayed anything yet ;D