My impression of the HVLP technology is that the key word is VOLUME. That's
the reason the 3-5 HP compressor issue comes up. While the pressure may be
lower at the nozzle more air volume is used to push the paint. Having just
bought a new compressor the marketing trick lately seems to be stressing the
HP of the motor. If you read closely you will find that the output volume of
air in CFM varies significantly by price point for the same HP motor. If you
need volume for HVLP, sandblasting or certain air tools check the air volume
requirements carefully.
I currently have an older Wagoneer HVLP gun that I've never had any success
with automotive paints. This unit has it's own turbine rather than using a
compressor. The references I've seen for automotive paints and HVLP point to
an output requirement greater than the old turbine can produce. I will
probably switch to a compressor based HVLP for the car and keep the older unit
for woodworking.
Paint is not my technology. Like many on the list I'm struggling to find out
what works and what doesn't.
Malcolm Walker wrote:
> On Thu, 27 Aug 1998, RCB2 wrote:
>
> > prerequisite (40+) lbs. for conventional siphon feed guns. While line
>
> Has anyone had experience with a gravity feed gun? I've seen those too
> and would like to know pros-cons of such a beast.
>
> > pressure is bleed off to pressurize the pot, I'm not sure if they will
> > operate well with line pressure significantly lower than normal (40+
> > lbs.). In short, I'm not sure if they will operate with less line
> > pressure than conventional guns. Most Guns require a compressor of at
> > least 3-5 HP, once again, maybe an HVLP gun will get by with less.
>
> Yes, but I think that's for a 100% duty cycle- something I don't
> necessarily need (for now... all I have to do is seal the bodywork to stop
> it from rusting)
>
> I have a teensy Coleman airbrush, but it gets a bit tedious after a while.
> I may just pick up some Canadian Tire color match laquer to give the
> impression of a fully restored car :-)
>
> -Malcolm
|