HVLP spray system -- for little $$$

[ken cierp]

OK this is not an endorsement -- I have been looking at the Rockler HVLP paint system to apply Enduro Water base varnish. It gets good to great reviews and most importantly unlike the other (even higher priced systems) it comes with three different nozzles and tips, these normally go for about $30 per set. So, the current Rockler price is $149 plus about $15 for shipping. Now here comes the good news --- Harbor Freight sell a Chicago Pneumatic brand which is identical -- current price $119 and it gets better. If you use discount code 75617613 (good 2/26 - 27 - 28 - 29) you get an additional 20% off - I paid $119 delivered. I am pretty sure if I keep it clean it will do the job just fine. Most of the negative reviews mention out right failures and of course those knuckle heads that don't have a clue and try and use the device for something its not designed to do.

[Kevin in California]

Ken, I bought and have been using this spray system from Rockler about 6 years ago, have used it on at least 5 guitars, and it works just fine. I have been very pleased shooting nitro lacquer with it. It may not lay down the best coats, but since you are building it up anyway, it works good. And I don't have to worry about moisture getting in like when I was using my air compressor and regular spray guns. So, I am making an endorsement. Well worth it for us doing a couple of guitars a year.

I have noticed that the one HF is selling looks identical!! When I bought mine from Rockler, it was $99 plus shipping.

[John Parchem]

I have not used Enduro Water base varnish but I have used KTM-SV another water based varnish also many other WB lacquers. I found it very important to lay down clean even coats especially the coats after the final leveling in the spray schedule. With KTM-SV I wanted to be able to finish sand the last coat without sanding into the previous coat. With water based finishes I found the expression " it is not what you apply but what you leave on that maters" does not work as well as with nitrocellulose.

Ken mentioned cleaning the gun, but to push the point - with water based finishes I clean the gun in between every spray session even if they are only 45 minutes apart. I know with solvent based finished one can get away with leaving finish in the gun.

[Dave Bagwill]

Ken - you mentioned good quality foam brushes in your post on the enduro varnish - have you decided to spray now rather than brush?

[Jim Ebert]

Nice tip Ken, I may have to go ahead and get one of them things. The price is certainly right.
Jim

[ken cierp]

Ken - you mentioned good quality foam brushes in your post on the enduro varnish - have you decided to spray now rather than brush?

The Enduro does sand easily -- nothing but dust after 2 hours --- however a smooth sprayed coat will all but eliminate the need for leveling. All the brushes I tried leave marks which must be sanded back.

[ken cierp]

I see Rockler has their system on sale for $119 this week --- might be a coupon available too?