Finish and spray equipment selection - created 11-28-2009

McCafferty, Terry - 11/28/2009.20:05:56

Some years back, I was quite active in dulcimer building and in the forum. I've been off chasing other things, but am now back ready to crank up the instrument passion again.

My previous 500 or so instruments were all a hand rubbed polyurethane gel finish. After ten or so very thin coats, I could get the result I wanted. A very smooth, satin, "wood" look. Not the glass glossy look. I want to convert to a spray finish in hopes of reducing the labor and also the feeling that perhaps a harder finish might positively affect the sound quality (probably a whole other discussion ;?)

I recently purchased a used 8'x40' insulated ISO shipping container to store lumber in. I am going to partition off about 12' of the back end and add an access door for a spray room and add explosion proof exhaust,...

I do not know whether I will end up with nitro or some other finish. Back several years ago, there was a very helpful guy on the forum who represented a finishing company that was developing some products for luthier's. It seems like it was something like PTL or ??? I googled that with no results. Are he and his products still around? If so, is that a good option?

I would like to procure the spray system during this tax year. I don't mean this the way it sounds, so please don't hammer me on it ;?) I don't care whether it costs $100 or $2000. I have always been happier with high end tools so don't mind the investment. Intuitively, it seems like a gravity feed, small cup, HVLP would be the correct choice. With not much time left to research, is there an obvious choice for this scenario?

I am sure these topics have been discussed endlessly so sorry if it is redundant. I did do a quick search through the library but some of the equipment threads seemed dated.

Thanks

sysop - 11/28/2009.20:26:00
Deb Suran

Back several years ago, there was a very helpful guy on the forum who represented a finishing company that was developing some products for luthier's. It seems like it was something like PTL or ??

Target, probably.

McCafferty, Terry - 11/28/2009.20:57:29

Ahhh. Of course! I don't have a clue where I got PTL. Oh well.

Little, Danny - 11/30/2009.12:15:06

Terry:

I have just researched the same path you are on. My only variation is that I want to use waterbased, less hazardous materials (easier spray booth, too). My result was an Apollo 4 stage (1045VR I think?) HVLP turbine and gun combo. I opted for the gravity gun and the nozzle set and purchased some of their finish, as well. $2,000 is about right. Now, I have to practice my spray technique and improve my lighting, 'cause I overspray everything.

McCafferty, Terry - 11/30/2009.21:26:30

Thanks for the input, I will check it out.

Did you explore the Target Coatings waterbase products as well?

Little, Danny - 12/01/2009.11:06:56

Yes I have purchased some Target finishes, but have only used the WB Shellac. I used the 1.0 nozzle (remember I have no spraying experience) and should have used smaller, as I oversprayed. The product is very thin. I think it will work great as a barrier/adhesion coat. I used the amber to ward off the blue tint demons.

Having read the EM6000 posts here and elsewhere I think I bought the 8400 (I'll check tonight for sure), but have not tried it yet. I did spray their satin on a furniture project and it sprayed well and turned out fine.

As a close-to-retirement hobbyist, I just haven't had time to get to it yet.