Porter Cable PSH1 HVLP help needed.

On Sat, 3 Apr 2004 10:39:52 -0400, Bruce E. Harang II wrote
(in message <[email protected]>):

> Hello all,
>
> I just came across a Porter Cable PSH1 HVLP spray gun for $59.00 and could
> not pass it up. The only problem that I have is that the manual does not
> really help me with anything except troubleshooting. I do not know what
> pressure settings I should have at the compress or at the gun with the gauge
> that came with the unit. I also noticed that it lists the part numbers for 7
> different size nozzle kits, but when I went to the Porter Cable website
> there is no listing for any of them. I checked the Porter Cable printed
> catalog, and it's not there either. It seems that this is a good gun but I
> just need some help figuring out how to use it. I would like to spray latex
> primer and paint, oil based stains, poly, etc. and just don't know what I am
> doing.
>
> Any help is greatly appreciated especially if one of you has been using this
> gun. Should I keep it or return it for another brand?
>
> Thank you,
> Bruce
> [email protected]

I bought this gun. I paid just a couple of dollors more than you. It is a
great gun. It comes with a 1.5 needle/nozzle/air cap. That 1.5 fluid set is
too small to let latex and thick stuff like that go through unless you thin
that material way down.

I tried spraying unreduced Duravar, a catalyzed lacquer, with the gun and the
fluid set was to small for that. I think that was weighing in at 30 seconds
in a Ford #4 cup.

Once I thinned the material it sprayed like a dream, with a 10'' - 12'' wide
fan, nicely atomized. I did have to push the psi to over 35 psi.

This is a quality gun with some uniquely designed gravity cup top. It is way
better than the much raved about Astro gravity gun in design, perfomance and
ergonomics. It is also about $40 cheaper than that Astro. Asrto, not Asturo.
Nothing beats an Asturo.

Here is how to adjust atomizing air. The principle is that when the air is
right, the spray is right. Turn the dial down. Spray a burst of spray. Look
at the resulting fan. Keep turning up the air until you get the widest fan
with no tails or distortions. You are using a short burst to judge by. At
some point turing up more psi will not yeild you a bigger or better quality
pattern to yourt burst. You have just optimized your atomizing air.

One other thing is that I think that this gun tends to be a little air
hungry. A two stage five hp compressor ought to be powerful enough to run
this.

I have no idea where to get different size needles, nozzles or air caps.

Bruce,
It is a good gun and it was made by Devilbess until they were acquired by
PC.
The other nozels are available but hard to find. You will have to get a good
PC dealer to order.
It comes with a 1.5 nozzle and that should work for what you awant to spray.
Latex paints are hard to spray with any HVLP gun. I wouldnt try. Problem is the
latex is in little pieces and doesnt like getting thru small holes.
Try a waterbnorne paint like Target or TopCoat. Go to www.targetcoatings.com
and read their forum and about their products.
As to the pressures, worry only about the gauge at the handle. I try to
shoot with as low a pressure as I can...somewhere around 14 psi. But this will
depend on your paint and how much you want to spray at a time.
I suggest you get a large cardboard box or sheet of ply and practice. Use a
paint meant for HVLP and at right density. Set pressure are 15 psi to start and
practice setting the two adjustments while apraying the board. By about 1/2 a
cup, you should have a feel for what does what. Try to work at 6 to 8 inches.
It is a good unit once you get it working. I have two and all the different
sized nozzles...but only use the 1.5. Also get a ford cup to measure the
viscosity and use retarder to thin to rightone.