Devilbiss makes a conventional spray gun (gravity feed)which meets AQMD regs. and is legal in California. Model: gfg-670 plus. It is claimed to have the same transfer effy as a HVLP but better atomization. Is this true and/or possible. Would this be a better for a smaller compressor? graemlins/waving.gif

Thanks, ..

I've heard some of the Devilbiss Plus's only use 9+cfm. That still is going to require a 5hp and up compressor to keep up with it. I've got a Sharpe T1-CG which is also considered a compliant gun rather than HVLP, and it keeps my 6hp 60gal 220volt compressor running the whole time I'm spraying a large panel like a hood. The Sata RP is also considered a compliant gun rather than HVLP. As far as I know the best guns for small compressors are Sata, Sharpe, and Devilbiss Mini-jets and for a full sized gun the Sharpe Platinum 7.5cfm gravity feed model. The new Sharpe SGF98 pressure feed model with a cup on the bottom similar to a suction feed model, supposedly uses less air too. It has a real small tip (like 1.2mm) because of the pressure feed cup.

Do yourself a favor and check the output of your compressor and then go to the Sharpe website,
www.sharpe1.com (http://www.sharpe1.com)
they have a great bulletin board (ask Dr Gun) post your specs and ask him. Sharpe has a gun that only uses like 7.2 I think, thats low as far as hvlp guns go.
I have a Sharpe Platinum HO and it is great, it made me look like an experienced painter on my last project.
They also sell reconditioned guns that are really good values for the occasional user
Jim

Jim, I liked your comment "it made me look like an experienced painter". I sold the Platinum when I was repping paint. I fell in love with it. It is a "lazy" gun so many painters don't like it. You go nice and slow and watch the paint go on. I like it a lot, I think it is the perfect home hobbyest gun. It needs very little CFM, and it atomizes like mad, you just can't go wrong.

Jim & Bonecrusher,

Thanks for the info. The sharpe website has exactly the sort of information I'm trying to get. I was having a hard time figuring out how the small compressors can claim to be 5 or 6 hp and run on 115 volts. It seems that's "peak developed horsepower" and has little to do with the actual motor. My compressor runs on 220v (1.5 hp)and I'm guessing is in the 5 to 6 cfm@40 psi range. Too small for everything!! The Sharpe message board had several posts about running compressors in tandem, seems to work pretty well, at least by what I read. Campbell-hausfeld (and others) offer 10 cfm / 220v which should get me pretty close, 15 cfm &~50 gal.

Once I get the compressor figured out I'll have to come back to the gun questions.

Thanks -

MARTINSR,

Thanks for your comments as well -I was hoping you'd chime in. Still got a lot to figure out and do, but so far it's lots'a fun. :D

I hate to say this and really hate to admit it, but I got a HVLP at Harbor Frieght one night in a pinch to get a car painted over 12-23 and 12-24, and I am really impressed and pleased with it.

Christmas rush? smile.gif

Which gun did you get from them?

its a purple anodized Central Pneumatic. I have had it down to airbrush pattern up to a normal pattern, and it works like champ. I've done a complete dragster from bare metal with 4 colors plus clear to a tube chassis, to mail box flames, and we are all impressed. I would have never guessed it!

I also used the Sharpe Platinum and was very happy with the results.

Martin, What does "lazy" mean to professionals?

John