Rockler HVLP Sprayer

On Thursday, April 27, 2017 at 2:57:00 PM UTC-4, Leon wrote:
> On 4/27/2017 10:18 AM, Steve wrote:
> > On Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at 12:49:58 PM UTC-4, Leon wrote:
> >>
> >> Hi Steve,
> >>
> >> I assume you use this or one like this.
> >>
> >> I have on many occasions considered using this type equipment in
> >> the last 30 years. I had a terrible experience with a Wagner
> >> Airless sprayer 30+ years ago.
> >>
> >> Anyway, How much trouble is it to clean these/this sprayers?
> >>
> >> Is this unit good enough to deliver a fine finish on relatively
> >> fine furniture, bare wood?
> >
> > I have to admit, Leon, I use no such thing, I just noticed that
> > others were asking. Personally, I'm a Purdy guy, especially when it
> > comes to clearcoats. I'll use a white bristle, but I especially like
> > the Purdy OxO line for thinner clears like lacquers & varnishes.
> >
> > I got my start in construction and real estate generally as a
> > housepainter, and I did a lot of upscale homes in greater Boston.
> > (What else was I supposed to do with a liberal arts degree??)
> > Anyway, I have tried them, seen them used, and I have also worked in
> > lumber yards/paint stores that sold them. I'm not speaking on behalf
> > of the Rockler unit, but generally they can be trouble.
> >
> > As an analogy, working with them is like using a 2 cycle engine-- if
> > you're not using it all the time, the ethanol is going to tear up
> > your carbs; the residue is going to clog your tips; if you ARE
> > using them all the time, then you know what you're doing, how to
> > clean, what degree to thin the fluid to, and what sort of stippling
> > you'll get out of it. The challenge for most of us is getting to the
> > point of being proficient or better at spraying with them.
> >
> > Units like these, I know guys who use them all the time, but STILL
> > backbrush their clearcoats. It's going to depend on one's proficiency
> > and level of detail.
> >
> > Maybe Rockler would be open to an in-store demo.
> >
> >
> >
>
> Thank you Steve.

If anybody does get one I would love to hear a review.

On Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at 10:27:07 AM UTC-4, Scott Lurndal wrote:
>
>
> http://www.rockler.com/rockler-hvlp-finishing-sprayer
>
> Generally, you should remove everything after the first '?' symbol
> in the URL before posting, just in case customer numbers or other
> personal information is encoded in the query string (the characters
> after the first interrogatory symbol).

Thanks, Scott! That's very helpful.

On Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at 12:49:58 PM UTC-4, Leon wrote:
>=20
> Hi Steve,
>=20
> I assume you use this or one like this.
>=20
> I have on many occasions considered using this type equipment in the=20
> last 30 years. I had a terrible experience with a Wagner Airless=20
> sprayer 30+ years ago.
>=20
> Anyway, How much trouble is it to clean these/this sprayers?
>=20
> Is this unit good enough to deliver a fine finish on relatively fine=20
> furniture, bare wood?

I have to admit, Leon, I use no such thing, I just noticed that others were=
asking. Personally, I'm a Purdy guy, especially when it comes to clearco=
ats. I'll use a white bristle, but I especially like the Purdy OxO line for=
thinner clears like lacquers & varnishes. =20

I got my start in construction and real estate generally as a housepainter,=
and I did a lot of upscale homes in greater Boston. (What else was I sup=
posed to do with a liberal arts degree??) Anyway, I have tried them, see=
n them used, and I have also worked in lumber yards/paint stores that sold =
them. I'm not speaking on behalf of the Rockler unit, but generally they ca=
n be trouble. =20

As an analogy, working with them is like using a 2 cycle engine-- if you're=
not using it all the time, the ethanol is going to tear up your carbs; t=
he residue is going to clog your tips; if you ARE using them all the time,=
then you know what you're doing, how to clean, what degree to thin the flu=
id to, and what sort of stippling you'll get out of it. The challenge for =
most of us is getting to the point of being proficient or better at sprayin=
g with them. =20

Units like these, I know guys who use them all the time, but STILL backbrus=
h their clearcoats. It's going to depend on one's proficiency and level of =
detail.=20

Maybe Rockler would be open to an in-store demo. =20

On 4/26/2017 8:24 AM, Steve wrote:
> Not trying to produce spam or bacon here, but I know that some of you guys have been asking about clearcloats (Shellac, e.g.,) & tip size. I just received this in my email today, maybe you did too.
>
> Regardless, Hope it helps someone else out.
>
>
> We thought you'd like to be one of the first to see our new HVLP Finishing Sprayer. It's a time saver that delivers a great finish at a low cost. As an e-mail subscriber, you qualify for FREE Shipping Every Day on orders of $35 or more when you enter promo code V20305 at checkout.
>
> http://www.rockler.com/rockler-hvlp-finishing-sprayer?sid=V20305&utm_source=bronto&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Image+-+NEW+Rockler+HVLP+finishing+sprayer&utm_content=Have+You+Seen+This?&utm_campaign=042617_b_r_Have+You+Seen+This_V20305
>


Hi Steve,

I assume you use this or one like this.

I have on many occasions considered using this type equipment in the
last 30 years. I had a terrible experience with a Wagner Airless
sprayer 30+ years ago.

Anyway, How much trouble is it to clean these/this sprayers?

Is this unit good enough to deliver a fine finish on relatively fine
furniture, bare wood?

On 4/28/2017 2:16 PM, [email protected] wrote:
> On Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at 11:49:58 AM UTC-5, Leon wrote:
>
> That sprayer has been around for a while, regardless of it being new
> to Rockler. It is an Earlex 2 stage, considered at best an entry
> level machine. That being said, you can get some good use out of it.
> Like many tools, you can't get premium results using a great deal of
> materials, but it does have its place.
>
>>
>> I assume you use this or one like this.
>>
>> I have on many occasions considered using this type equipment in
>> the last 30 years. I had a terrible experience with a Wagner
>> Airless sprayer 30+ years ago.
>
> Sound likes me. Once bitten, twice shy. OK, maybe thrice shy.
>
>
>> Anyway, How much trouble is it to clean these/this sprayers?
>
> This is an all plastic unit, so the surfaces can be problematic. As
> with any spray rig, cleanliness is one of the keys to a consistent
> finish. The plastic doesn't hold up to the hard resinous residue
> that can form from continued spraying being removed with harsh
> solvents and a stiff brush. If you are going to use it once in a
> while, say once a month or so, this could be a great choice.

Clean up is my biggest gripe.

>
>>
>> Is this unit good enough to deliver a fine finish on relatively
>> fine furniture, bare wood?
>
> That truly depends on the material you are applying. Part of using
> HVLP technology means that you will learn proper thinning and mixing
> procedures for your finish. You can thin solvent based finishes that
> have no solids like lacquer, most shellacs, and clear polyurethanes,
> etc. and spray them well as they have no solids to desegregate when
> thinned.

Probably exclusively clear poly.



>
> Other materials put a specific limit on how much you can thin before
> you have ruined the material itself, or wind up with a bad finish.
> For example, a satin finish poly is no different than a clear gloss
> except that the satin has a certain percentage of silica crystals
> that diffuse the light and make it "non gloss". Over thinning the
> satin finish will cause the silica to come out of suspension and give
> you a blotchy finish.
>
> But, since an HVLP doesn't break down the finishes into tiny droplets
> like our old guns that could create a fog bank, you have to become a
> master of thinning.
>
> This is a two stage unit, so it has enough power to do a fair amount
> of work. For what you are doing Leon, this could be a great deal for
> clear coats if you find a finish you like and "woodshed it" to get
> your formulas correct. Thin more on cooler days, less on warm day,
> more for that finish and less for others. The gun has rudimentary
> controls on it, so you can tinker with it to fine tune what you
> want.
>
> I had a Fuji 4 stage with their best gun and selection of air caps,
> and finally sold it. I used it a lot and got great results with
> clear finishes and even latex, but it was redundant after a fashion.
> Remember too, that these sprayers /reduce/ the overspray and drift,
> not eliminate it. If you are spraying in your shop, you will still
> have to cover your tools. If you are going to make a rolling
> platform, you can do what I do. Put your material on a cart/roller,
> roll it out on the driveway, spray, roll it back in the garage.

And that would be a problem for me, it is very seldom not windy in my
driveway.


>
> This could do all you want if you don't go for the real high
> performance enamels, etc. An occasional project is what these are
> made for as well as being a stepping stone to other HVLP machines.
> Certainly, the price is right! I paid a bit under a grand for my
> Fuji 12 years ago, no telling what that is now. It required less
> thinning and material manipulation before application because it was
> a 4 stage.
>
> I have not used one of these personally, but have instructed two
> different clients on their use. One shot poly and some primers, and
> the other shot shellac and latex. Both were happy with their
> results, both thankful I told them to 1) keep good notes on the temp,
> humidity and thinning procedures used on each material, and 2)
> practice on anything but your project.
>
> I know Karl has some instructions on how to set this rig up. He has
> one very similar, and I scribbled out a bunch on gun setup. You know
> how much he likes his results with this setup when shooting shellac.
> I am telling you, once you get proficient spraying, you will have a
> hard time going back to rubbing, back rolling, brushing, sanding, and
> all the other things that most people hate about finishing.
>
> Oh yeah... they aren't hard to clean! A package of tooth brushes
> from the dollar store, some hard round tooth picks and come clean
> solvent make the job go quick.
>
> Robert
>
>
>

Got it. And THANK YOU Robert.

Steve <[email protected]> writes:
>Not trying to produce spam or bacon here, but I know that some of you guys =
>have been asking about clearcloats (Shellac, e.g.,) & tip size. I just re=
>ceived this in my email today, maybe you did too. =20
>
>Regardless, Hope it helps someone else out.=20
>=20
>
>We thought you'd like to be one of the first to see our new HVLP Finishing =
>Sprayer. It's a time saver that delivers a great finish at a low cost. As a=
>n e-mail subscriber, you qualify for FREE Shipping Every Day on orders of $=
>35 or more when you enter promo code V20305 at checkout.
>
>http://www.rockler.com/rockler-hvlp-finishing-sprayer?sid=3DV20305&utm_sour=
>ce=3Dbronto&utm_medium=3Demail&utm_term=3DImage+-+NEW+Rockler+HVLP+finishin=
>g+sprayer&utm_content=3DHave+You+Seen+This?&utm_campaign=3D042617_b_r_Have+=
>You+Seen+This_V20305

Here's a shorter link that doesn't include potentially personal information about you:

http://www.rockler.com/rockler-hvlp-finishing-sprayer

Generally, you should remove everything after the first '?' symbol
in the URL before posting, just in case customer numbers or other
personal information is encoded in the query string (the characters
after the first interrogatory symbol).

On Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at 11:49:58 AM UTC-5, Leon wrote:

That sprayer has been around for a while, regardless of it being new to Roc=
kler. It is an Earlex 2 stage, considered at best an entry level machine. =
That being said, you can get some good use out of it. Like many tools, yo=
u can't get premium results using a great deal of materials, but it does ha=
ve its place.

>=20
> I assume you use this or one like this.
>=20
> I have on many occasions considered using this type equipment in the=20
> last 30 years. I had a terrible experience with a Wagner Airless=20
> sprayer 30+ years ago.

Sound likes me. Once bitten, twice shy. OK, maybe thrice shy.

=20
> Anyway, How much trouble is it to clean these/this sprayers?

This is an all plastic unit, so the surfaces can be problematic. As with a=
ny spray rig, cleanliness is one of the keys to a consistent finish. The p=
lastic doesn't hold up to the hard resinous residue that can form from cont=
inued spraying being removed with harsh solvents and a stiff brush. If you=
are going to use it once in a while, say once a month or so, this could be=
a great choice.

>=20
> Is this unit good enough to deliver a fine finish on relatively fine=20
> furniture, bare wood?

That truly depends on the material you are applying. Part of using HVLP te=
chnology means that you will learn proper thinning and mixing procedures fo=
r your finish. You can thin solvent based finishes that have no solids lik=
e lacquer, most shellacs, and clear polyurethanes, etc. and spray them well=
as they have no solids to desegregate when thinned.

Other materials put a specific limit on how much you can thin before you ha=
ve ruined the material itself, or wind up with a bad finish. For example, =
a satin finish poly is no different than a clear gloss except that the sati=
n has a certain percentage of silica crystals that diffuse the light and ma=
ke it "non gloss". Over thinning the satin finish will cause the silica to=
come out of suspension and give you a blotchy finish.

But, since an HVLP doesn't break down the finishes into tiny droplets like =
our old guns that could create a fog bank, you have to become a master of t=
hinning.

This is a two stage unit, so it has enough power to do a fair amount of wor=
k. For what you are doing Leon, this could be a great deal for clear coats=
if you find a finish you like and "woodshed it" to get your formulas corre=
ct. Thin more on cooler days, less on warm day, more for that finish and l=
ess for others. The gun has rudimentary controls on it, so you can tinker =
with it to fine tune what you want.

I had a Fuji 4 stage with their best gun and selection of air caps, and fin=
ally sold it. I used it a lot and got great results with clear finishes an=
d even latex, but it was redundant after a fashion. Remember too, that the=
se sprayers /reduce/ the overspray and drift, not eliminate it. If you are=
spraying in your shop, you will still have to cover your tools. If you ar=
e going to make a rolling platform, you can do what I do. Put your material=
on a cart/roller, roll it out on the driveway, spray, roll it back in the =
garage.

This could do all you want if you don't go for the real high performance en=
amels, etc. An occasional project is what these are made for as well as be=
ing a stepping stone to other HVLP machines. Certainly, the price is right=
! I paid a bit under a grand for my Fuji 12 years ago, no telling what tha=
t is now. It required less thinning and material manipulation before appli=
cation because it was a 4 stage.

I have not used one of these personally, but have instructed two different =
clients on their use. One shot poly and some primers, and the other shot s=
hellac and latex. Both were happy with their results, both thankful I told=
them to 1) keep good notes on the temp, humidity and thinning procedures u=
sed on each material, and 2) practice on anything but your project.

I know Karl has some instructions on how to set this rig up. He has one ve=
ry similar, and I scribbled out a bunch on gun setup. You know how much he=
likes his results with this setup when shooting shellac. I am telling you=
, once you get proficient spraying, you will have a hard time going back to=
rubbing, back rolling, brushing, sanding, and all the other things that mo=
st people hate about finishing.

Oh yeah... they aren't hard to clean! A package of tooth brushes from the =
dollar store, some hard round tooth picks and come clean solvent make the j=
ob go quick.

Robert

On Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at 8:24:37 AM UTC-5, Steve wrote:
> Not trying to produce spam or bacon here, but I know that some of you guy=
s have been asking about clearcloats (Shellac, e.g.,) & tip size. I just =
received this in my email today, maybe you did too. =20
>=20
> Regardless, Hope it helps someone else out.=20
> =20
>=20
> We thought you'd like to be one of the first to see our new HVLP Finishin=
g Sprayer. It's a time saver that delivers a great finish at a low cost. As=
an e-mail subscriber, you qualify for FREE Shipping Every Day on orders of=
$35 or more when you enter promo code V20305 at checkout.
>=20
> http://www.rockler.com/rockler-hvlp-finishing-sprayer?sid=3DV20305&utm_so=
urce=3Dbronto&utm_medium=3Demail&utm_term=3DImage+-+NEW+Rockler+HVLP+finish=
ing+sprayer&utm_content=3DHave+You+Seen+This?&utm_campaign=3D042617_b_r_Hav=
e+You+Seen+This_V20305

I know specialized tools are neat things to have, but why would anyone want=
a dedicated HVLP unit? Seriously, an 8gal HF air compressor and a HF spot=
touch up gun and you are up and running for somewhere around $100. Plus y=
ou get all the other uses an air compressor comes in so handy for. With th=
e dedicated unit, you can just spray finish.

actually airless sprayer is ideal for large spraying size like a house / ro=
ofing and interior / exterior wall.
hvlp spray gun is good for clear coat because it's very thin. but it can't =
spray heavier paint like enamel or latex.

so depends on your application, chose the right sprayer.
below are some reference for using an airless paint sprayer

http://www.dpairless.com/faq-airless-painting-spray-equipments/airless-pain=
t-sprayer-reviews.html

http://www.dpairless.com/faq-airless-painting-spray-equipments/how-to-use-a=
n-airless-sprayer-painting.html


http://www.dpairless.com/faq-airless-painting-spray-equipments/how-to-chose=
-the-right-airless-spray-tip-size-for-your-paint-material.html

http://www.dpairless.com/faq-airless-painting-spray-equipments/how-to-clean=
-an-airless-sprayer.html


On Thursday, April 27, 2017 at 12:49:58 AM UTC+8, Leon wrote:
> On 4/26/2017 8:24 AM, Steve wrote:
> > Not trying to produce spam or bacon here, but I know that some of you g=
uys have been asking about clearcloats (Shellac, e.g.,) & tip size. I jus=
t received this in my email today, maybe you did too.
> >
> > Regardless, Hope it helps someone else out.
> >
> >
> > We thought you'd like to be one of the first to see our new HVLP Finish=
ing Sprayer. It's a time saver that delivers a great finish at a low cost. =
As an e-mail subscriber, you qualify for FREE Shipping Every Day on orders =
of $35 or more when you enter promo code V20305 at checkout.
> >
> > http://www.rockler.com/rockler-hvlp-finishing-sprayer?sid=3DV20305&utm_=
source=3Dbronto&utm_medium=3Demail&utm_term=3DImage+-+NEW+Rockler+HVLP+fini=
shing+sprayer&utm_content=3DHave+You+Seen+This?&utm_campaign=3D042617_b_r_H=
ave+You+Seen+This_V20305
> >
>=20
>=20
> Hi Steve,
>=20
> I assume you use this or one like this.
>=20
> I have on many occasions considered using this type equipment in the=20
> last 30 years. I had a terrible experience with a Wagner Airless=20
> sprayer 30+ years ago.
>=20
> Anyway, How much trouble is it to clean these/this sprayers?
>=20
> Is this unit good enough to deliver a fine finish on relatively fine=20
> furniture, bare wood?

On 8/10/18 8:19 AM, Dr. Deb wrote:
> On Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at 8:24:37 AM UTC-5, Steve wrote:
>> Not trying to produce spam or bacon here, but I know that some of
>> you guys have been asking about clearcloats (Shellac, e.g.,) & tip
>> size. I just received this in my email today, maybe you did too.
>>
>> Regardless, Hope it helps someone else out.
>>
>>
>> We thought you'd like to be one of the first to see our new HVLP
>> Finishing Sprayer. It's a time saver that delivers a great finish
>> at a low cost. As an e-mail subscriber, you qualify for FREE
>> Shipping Every Day on orders of $35 or more when you enter promo
>> code V20305 at checkout.
>>
>> http://www.rockler.com/rockler-hvlp-finishing-sprayer?sid=V20305&utm_source=bronto&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Image+-+NEW+Rockler+HVLP+finishing+sprayer&utm_content=Have+You+Seen+This?&utm_campaign=042617_b_r_Have+You+Seen+This_V20305
>
>>
> I know specialized tools are neat things to have, but why would
> anyone want a dedicated HVLP unit? Seriously, an 8gal HF air
> compressor and a HF spot touch up gun and you are up and running for
> somewhere around $100. Plus you get all the other uses an air
> compressor comes in so handy for. With the dedicated unit, you can
> just spray finish.
>

Maybe it's just me and my set-up, but I prefer having the stand-alone
unit for a couple reasons.
1. It's much more portable than separate gun & compressor.
2. It's much quieter. When I used the 8-gallon tank and gun, it seemed
like the compressor never stopped running, even with the low pressure
spray gun.


--

-MIKE-

"Playing is not something I do at night, it's my function in life"
--Elvin Jones (1927-2004)
--
www.mikedrums.com

On 4/27/2017 10:18 AM, Steve wrote:
> On Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at 12:49:58 PM UTC-4, Leon wrote:
>>
>> Hi Steve,
>>
>> I assume you use this or one like this.
>>
>> I have on many occasions considered using this type equipment in
>> the last 30 years. I had a terrible experience with a Wagner
>> Airless sprayer 30+ years ago.
>>
>> Anyway, How much trouble is it to clean these/this sprayers?
>>
>> Is this unit good enough to deliver a fine finish on relatively
>> fine furniture, bare wood?
>
> I have to admit, Leon, I use no such thing, I just noticed that
> others were asking. Personally, I'm a Purdy guy, especially when it
> comes to clearcoats. I'll use a white bristle, but I especially like
> the Purdy OxO line for thinner clears like lacquers & varnishes.
>
> I got my start in construction and real estate generally as a
> housepainter, and I did a lot of upscale homes in greater Boston.
> (What else was I supposed to do with a liberal arts degree??)
> Anyway, I have tried them, seen them used, and I have also worked in
> lumber yards/paint stores that sold them. I'm not speaking on behalf
> of the Rockler unit, but generally they can be trouble.
>
> As an analogy, working with them is like using a 2 cycle engine-- if
> you're not using it all the time, the ethanol is going to tear up
> your carbs; the residue is going to clog your tips; if you ARE
> using them all the time, then you know what you're doing, how to
> clean, what degree to thin the fluid to, and what sort of stippling
> you'll get out of it. The challenge for most of us is getting to the
> point of being proficient or better at spraying with them.
>
> Units like these, I know guys who use them all the time, but STILL
> backbrush their clearcoats. It's going to depend on one's proficiency
> and level of detail.
>
> Maybe Rockler would be open to an in-store demo.
>
>
>

Thank you Steve.