Guest butlersZ Posted September 23, 2004 Share Posted September 23, 2004 Ok, has anyone ever bought one of the cheap spray gun from Harbor Freight and had any success with it? The reason being is because soon the Z will be ready for paint and I need a gun that can do the task but do not want to pay a lot of $$$. Another question, Has anyone here had enough painting experience to say which type of spray gun is better, siphon feed or gravity feed? I have never used a gravity feed and have been curious that which of the two styles is preferred. In my experience with the siphon feed, it is difficult sometimes to spray in some really tight places and upside down, the reservoir(can) gets in the way a lot. Now recently I have been looking at the gravity feed guns and they seem a lot more manueverable and versatile than the siphon feed, is this true? or is it based on the sprayers technique? Any feedback on which style of gun to get? Can a gravity feed spray upside down? as in spraying the underside of the rear fenders where the lip is... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
innerware Posted September 23, 2004 Share Posted September 23, 2004 Definately a gravity feed. For one they are way easier to maintain and clean. You can get these bags for them for the paint so when you are done you just pull the bag out and run some cleaner through. Lots less wiping etc. You also really minimize overspray. You save tons of paint. Remember they are High Volume Low Pressure, so less air too. I feel that they are just way better, but that is IMHO. I don't paint cars but am a prototyper and model maker and have painted car sized models using one. Oh and I have used a DeVillibis or something like that name. Not sure what model but I think it was around 100bucks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest DiZeased_240 Posted September 23, 2004 Share Posted September 23, 2004 Not all gravity fed guns are High Volume Low Pressure. It must state that it is HVLP, otherwise it is a standard spray gun. Whether it is gravity or siphon feed, both guns have advantages and disadvantages and it really just depends on personal preference. As far as the Harbor Freight guns, I have no idea. Spray guns are like most other equipment, you get what you pay for. There is a reason they are cheap, less r&d went in to the development of the gun. I personally use a Sharpe Platinum gravity fed HVLP and it sprays beautifully. Most of the higher end manufacturers sell factory refurbs of their guns. I know Sharpe does and you can get a list if you go to their website and request it through the sales department. It's a significant discount compared to the original price. Hope this helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
preith Posted September 23, 2004 Share Posted September 23, 2004 I bought the DeVilbiss finishline, gravity feed, HVLP gun and was very happy with it. It's intended more for the hobbiest, and not for daily use. Somewhat inexpensive with some plastic parts. I beleive retail is about $150. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike kZ Posted September 23, 2004 Share Posted September 23, 2004 I bought my HVLP gravity feed gun for just under $100, I think around $97 or so, form Northern tool & equipment. I sprayed my car black w/lime green stripes in my garage, and it came out great! Yes you can spray upside down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest butlersZ Posted September 23, 2004 Share Posted September 23, 2004 Thanks for the input, I think I'll try to find gravity feed that meets my price range and give it a try. I was looking at one in particular from harbor freight, here's the link: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=34775 It looks nice and the description sounds good and appealing. What do you guys think??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trevor Posted September 23, 2004 Share Posted September 23, 2004 I have A harbor freight siphon feed HPLV, it works fine. There is a HF store near work and I have bought a few different sized needles and nozzles for it over the last 14 years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SSflyer Posted September 24, 2004 Share Posted September 24, 2004 In the link above there's a comment that a beefy compressor is needed to run a HVLP gun due to needing alot of flow at a low pressure. So, what sort of compressor are we talking about? I have a Craftsman 5hp with a 20 gallon tank. Is that sufficient, or am I stuck using my old high pressure gun? I really like the idea of less overspray and using less paint, but while I'm willing to spring for a new gun I'm not buying a new compressor! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
innerware Posted September 24, 2004 Share Posted September 24, 2004 I really think you will be fine. It just wouldn't make any sense that a gun that is set to 10 psi or less would use more paint then a siphon feed that is set to 25 or so. Maybe I am wrong but it would just make sense that it would use less. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest DiZeased_240 Posted September 24, 2004 Share Posted September 24, 2004 I would check the CFM required to run the spray gun vs. the amount you compressor can push. However, I doubt your 20 gallon tank can keep up with the pressure required by the HVLP. You actually need more pressure to run an HVLP than a traditional gun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest butlersZ Posted September 24, 2004 Share Posted September 24, 2004 Well guys I had the chance to try an HVLP from a friend that he let me borrow to see if I liked it and the gravity feed setup. Well I too have a Craftsman 5HP 20 gallon compressor,not good. I went to lay some primer down on some fenders and a hatch and the compressor "ran out of air", well not entirely but to where the pressure started to drop rendering the gun unusable until it built back up And I myself don't like to stop and pause for the compressor to build up, especially not good for color coats My friend says the compressor would have to be upgraded when I buy a new gun, so whether or not the HVLP is worth it comes into play. As for the gravity feed spray gun, and never having used one before, I must say it was nicer than the siphon feed. It's a lot more agile, less strain, and just feels better. I don't have the funds to get a spare compressor and HVLP gun at the moment, I'm thinking however that I will look around for a gravity feed thats not HVLP. I might try one of those Harbor Freight specials and I'll keep you guys updated on how it does. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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