Epoxy HVLP gun recommendations?

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pa2000xxxx

I've been spraying SPI epoxy primer on a 48 Chevy truck. I used a Harbor Freight purple hvlp gun with 1.4 tip. I've used it before and had good results, but this time the fan wouldn't adjust right and I never got the epoxy spraying as well as it should. I'm tired of dealing with a crappy gun. I'd rather a mistake be my fault than a tool. I have nice base and clear guns (Sata lph400 and Devilbiss GFG). Anyone have recommendations for a reliable hvlp for the epoxy? Ideally I don't want to pay over $150. Thanks.
 
Its just one reason I like the 3M accuspray disposable spray tips. We spray alot of CARC for the military, and you might as well be spraying concrete.

I did get a Neiko from Amazon for less than 50 that sprayed pretty nice, but really tiny holes in the air cap so soaking it after a job and blowing it dry the next day is a must. Just dont think epoxy is a place for a high dollar gun either.
 
anotheridiot said:
Its just one reason I like the 3M accuspray disposable spray tips. We spray alot of CARC for the military, and you might as well be spraying concrete.

I did get a Neiko from Amazon for less than 50 that sprayed pretty nice, but really tiny holes in the air cap so soaking it after a job and blowing it dry the next day is a must. Just dont think epoxy is a place for a high dollar gun either.
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I think I must've bought that same neiko. It did really well. I even sprayed base coat with before I got my nicer guns, but it crapped out on me during spraying single stage...started pulsing. I fixed it with Teflon around the cap threads, but that gun plus the harbor freight purple are the reasons I want a more reliable primer gun.
 
I use the blue 1.4 tip hvlp from northern tool per Shines recommendation. Works great for SPI epoxy. Similar to one that I use to use that I bought from a friend that used once and didn't need anymore.
 
actually you want to spray the spi epoxy with your base gun. an lph400 works great with the epoxy.
 
I normally cut the fluid down along with the air and can lay epoxy down with no " craters" that are caused from too much material. May not work for others but works for me. It took me a few trys before I could get it like I wanted it. For sealer I use the Plus with a 1.4 tip. I also have a lph400 orange cap that I spray base with sometimes. It's a good spray gun. Also spray epoxy like a base and you will have less problems.
 
I use the the DeVilbiss Starting Line with a 1.5 and 1.8 tip for different primers. And the gun repair kits are priced very reasonable too. I think you can now get a 2-gun kit for about $150 on eBay. I save the Iwata LPH400 only for top coats and clears (by changing the caps).

Mike
 
What's cheaper buying a decent quality gun once or continuously buying crappy guns? If you are looking for something cheap that's halfway decent quality check out the "Air Gunsa" line from Anest Iwata. I've got a couple of those that I use for stuff where I don't want to use my Sata's. I've shot the SPI epoxy with a 1.5 Air Gunsa and was pleased with the results.
 
the vaper 2.0 is a good deal. pretty good gun for 45 bucks. i did not plan to use it more than 1 or 2 jobs but it is going on 5 years oldd now.
 
I have not shopped HFT in a while, but I have learned that Harbor freight had TWO DIFFERENT purple guns. If you get the one with the chromed plastic knobs its a bit sketchy and a "Throw away" gun, but if you get the one with the brass adjustment knobs it really aint bad. I also have an Iwata LP400 Super nova and I learned after using both that I really did not need that more expensive gun in my garage, don't get me wrong I love my Iwata, but for a garage shop it is overkill, especially for base or epoxy. I do still use the LP400 for clear every time though, and for base when I need to blow in a repair.

That HFT gun with the metal knobs is not bad. It has a spray nozzle/cap that looks a bit like a knock off of a better gun, it atomizes well. I could paint or clear with it and get good results, if I did not already have my LP400. But I wetsand my clear every time because I feel it is necessary for a flat finish with a high gloss (And I always have some dirt somewhere).
 
all depends on how much material you want to waste and how much work you want to do. i can cover the cost of an iwata on 1 red job .
 
shine said:
all depends on how much material you want to waste and how much work you want to do. i can cover the cost of an iwata on 1 red job .
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I admit that I am a rookie / garage hobby guy, but my opinion is based on actual experience between the two guns that I mentioned. Any gun that is not cleaned properly will fail.
 
you will find the iwata is far more efficient than many of the box store guns. at 1k a qal for some reds it doesn't take long in overs pray to add up .
 
I appreciate all the answers. Shine's comments on red really hit home since that's what I'm painting.
 
elwood;n84739 said:
Last red I priced was Diamont at 871.00 a gallon. That was one of the cheaper priced reds
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​how long ago was that? the bright red toner on diamonts rack was 880 a gallon 8-9 years ago. its gotta be 1200 or better by now. most red formulas will have other toners in them as well so the whole thing isnt all the expensive stuff but still. that same toner in wanda is like 300 bucks for a gallon.....exactly why i got off the diamont.
 
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