| Author |
Message |
Mark Radius (24.247.233.200)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, June 14, 2002 - 5:57 pm: | |
I am thinking about using a High Volume Low Pressure (HVLP) paint system to paint my MC-9. I would be interested in hearing from those of you who have some experience with this type of sustem. Advantages, disadvantages, things to watch out for. Also, any advice on what brand to purchase and the size of the system would be appreciated. Thanks ahead of time!!!
MR
MC-9 |
Ross Carlisle (Ross) (216.107.197.59)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, June 14, 2002 - 9:14 pm: | |
I had a turbine HVLP system for a few years. I sold it to a local body shop last year. I don't paint for a living. I probably do one airplane or car per year. The HVLP system will save you some paint because you get less overspray, however, it would take quite a few jobs to make it pay for itself in materials savings. It is also convenient for remote operations because you do not need a compressor.
I forget the brand I had, but it was not cheap. Around $2000. You will get just as nice a job from a compressor and good gun as you will an HVLP system. I've been painting with both for years. The only advantages to HVLP are less overspray and less material use.
You can go with an HVLP gravity fed gun. It's not as efficient as a full blown turbine system, but it is better than a high pressure gun and only costs around $200 give or take.
Ross |
Jim Nelson (166.90.110.214)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 16, 2002 - 12:28 pm: | |
One problem with HVLP is that it is more sensitive to paint thickness. Try to shoot thick primer set up for a finish coat gun and you will get a nice, rough texture on what you're painting. The DeVilbiss HVLP rigs are about $400 each, but are, IMHO, the absolute minimum required. You can get them with a pressure-pot setup, which is what I use at Greyhound for painting roofs. Very fast, somewhat expensive, but will lay down Imron like nobody's business. |
Don KS/TX (64.24.4.55)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 16, 2002 - 9:01 pm: | |
I mis read your message Jim, and thought you meant application thickness, not mixture thickness. I agree you have to have a precise mix and viscosity. I would never put primer on with the hvlp, I think it is abrasive to the sensitive gun parts.
I have a lot of experience painting things, and for me this bus had to be painted by me, and in my bus barn. A Turbine HVLP was the only way to do this really.
I believe the turbine compressor type is well worth the cost, and feel that other so-called HVLP setups are usually not really even HVLP. The big advantage is that you get heated, dried air, and that becomes even more important when in an hvlp mode. An Eagle owner and I bought mine together, since he wanted to buy it as soon as I was done. He had the same enjoyable results with his bus.
The setup is perhaps a bit more sensitive to temp ratings of the thinner used than other methods, and you have to learn to keep the gun close and at 90 degrees to the work at all times. All in all, it is a lot easier to use than an ordinary gun, and the smaller amount of paint you use will go a long ways towards paying for the rig.
The gun is pretty precise and therefore expensive it seems. The outfit I used was from www.tptools.com and I would highly recommend it. There might be better ones, but I was quite satisfied. (around $700 for the whole setup as I recall) |
Don KS/TX (64.24.4.55)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 16, 2002 - 9:04 pm: | |
I forgot to say, you can see the results at http://www.shutterfly.com/osi.jsp?i=67b0de21b3028fd9257c¬ag=1 if you wish. Just click on the colored link. |
John Rigby (66.25.245.117)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 16, 2002 - 9:42 pm: | |
Don
Your coach looks great.How did you close in you windows and what did you use?
Thanks
John |
Don KS/TX (64.24.4.71)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 17, 2002 - 5:53 am: | |
Thanks for the complement. I used steel, with some slight bends in it to follow the angles on the sides as well as stiffen it. It always bothered me to see the wrinkled oilcanning sides some people put on. There is a weight penalty this way, but you can screw the windows directly to the steel sides, and inside you have a nice window sill with nothing taking up space inside the bus. It has worked out very well for us. |
John Rigby (65.112.227.94)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 17, 2002 - 1:03 pm: | |
Don
It sounds good.What gauge metal did you use?
What kind of experience dod I need to use a hvlp system ?
Thanks John |
Don KS/TX (64.24.5.168)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 17, 2002 - 8:26 pm: | |
Can't recall the gauge, it is essentially 1/8 inch thick. Much thicker than most for sure.
My advice to would be hvlp painters, you are at an ADVANTAGE if you have never painted before I think. Most of my problems were related to being an old dog trying to teach himself new tricks, and I kept reverting to old conventional spray gun tactics. Reminded me of trying to get good on a motorcycle sidecar after years of two wheel riding. |