HVLP Turbines for Water-borne Finish - created 07-27-2004

Johnson, Stephen - 07/27/2004.08:19:33

I've been thinking about getting an HVLP set-up, mainly for occasional spraying of waterborne finishes like KTM-9. Yes, I've read the material in the archives, but I'm still confused. I think I prefer the turbine units because they take up less space than a large compressor, but if the compressor and conversion gun work significantly better I might go that route. I have been looking primarily at Capspray 3-Stage and 4-Stage turbines. Does anyone have experience spraying waterborne with a Capspray 3-stage turbine? Should I pay the extra bucks for a four-stage, or is it overkill? I've heard second-hand information that some people get good results with small compressors and cheap guns, but the conversion gun spec sheets I've seen typically call for 8 cfm or more. As you can see, I am overwhelmed with all the options.

I've talked to some good builders who use a cheapo harbor frieght spray gun to shoot the stuff. I see they have cheap HVLP guns too but I've not heard about them. The word is the cheap guns spray the stuff just fine.

Stephen, I can't comment on waterborne, but I spray nitro with a cheap 2 stage turbine and cheap spray gun and have no complaints at all about the end result (click on my name and look at my website for examples if you like). I also have a compressor and standard semi-good gun and Paasche airbrushes but the turbine is favourite, in fact I have yet to use the standard gun on a guitar, though I like the airbrush for spraying stain (Ricky Fireglow for example)and then lacquer on top with the turbine.

Stephen, I've got a 3 stage Turbinaire HVLP (made in Quebec) that I have used to spray Target PSL with. It works like a charm. The thing I really like about the HVLP units is how compact they are and huge reduction in overspray. I used less than a quart on my last Archtop and didn't skimp on the number of coats.

I have heard of the Capspray but have no knowledge of it (I do know they are pretty expensive). There is a review in Fine Woodworking which you can search online that does a comparison test of a number of HVLP Turbine units -- its worth a look.

I've been researching this myself quite a bit lately. For the last 4-5 years I've used a good quality Apollo HVLP 2 stage unit. It does a great job with the unthinned nitro that I spray and had no trouble spraying waterbase when I experimented with that stuff. Now I'm interested in a bit more power to be able to use 2 guns at the same time or spray heavier bodied material. The 3 stage vs. 4 stage decision is difficult. Usually the sales people end up saying that the 4 stage will cover all needs. However the Apollo company pointed out that with the same fan width setting on a 3 stage vs. a 4 stage, there will be a lot more overspray due to the increased power. They say 4 stage is overkill for instrument work. I'm leaning towards 3 stage myself.

I was unable to get much information on using HVLP turbines to spray waterbornes except that people with Fuji three stage turbines often have to thin the material to shoot it. I decided to get an air compressor set-up instead. Bought a Craftsman 6HP (peak) 25 Gal oil-lubed compressor, a pair of Astro HVLP guns, and a couple stages of filtration for the air. Ended up costing (a little) less than the high-end turbine jobs. Will try it out in a couple weeks. Now I need to build a cheap spray booth.

heres one to try.

Accu-spray 23k 3 stage.hvlp.by changing tip,nozzle,and air cap say a #4-5 set you can get a small spot close to an air brush. with a # 9-10 set you can spray any waterbourne or nitro .Accu-spray works great with compliant spray systems water based lacquer or poly. check them out .

I tried a turbine a few years ago, it was Ok but I prefer a piston compressor and a middle of the road quality HVLP spray gun. If you haven't purchassed a turbine setup yet consider that the turbine will only be usefull for spraying. A compressor on the other hand will be usefull for any number of air driven devices you may want or acquire down the road. I use several air driven sanders in my guitar building.