Official Luthiers Forum!

Can any of you recomend a good turbine? hplv system and if you know, where can it be purchased?

you won't find a turbine hplv system; compressors are used for that.

if it's an hvlp systems you want then you can go turbine or a hvlp conversion gun with your compressor.

each has advantages. the compressor's main advantage is that it has multiple uses, everything from filling your car's tires to running air powered tools to vacuum clamping to blowing away dirt and debris and so on as well as spraying.

the turbines big advantages are that it is quiet, small, easily portable and storable, and gives a very even air flow.

either way the prices vary widely. turbine systems range from a bit over $200 to about $1000, while conversion guns can be had for $60 or so up to $500+. as with most things you get better quality with the more expensive units.

i've been contemplating switching to hvlp for a while and while my mental jury is still out have decided that if i do it be via a conversion gun as i am already set up with compressors.

if i were just starting out i think i would probably go the same way as the benefits of having a compressor for it's many other uses are so great.

there are a range of them advertised in the various woodworking magazines from inexpensive campbell-hausfields to the high dollar brands.

http://www.cheyennesales.com/catalog/fujiq3.htm
It says 3 stage turbine HVLP
I had one of these and they are awesome. LAy down a super smooth
finish, and are quiet and reliable.

John Mayes38552.5375694444

_________________
John Mayes
http://www.mayesluthier.com

I use a Turbinaire system. They are sold at Woodcraft and Klingspor stores as well as other sources. I have the 1235 which has a variable speed turbine which makes doing sunbursts a piece of cake. It lays down a very smooth finish.

I have an Accuspray system. I don't have anything to compare it to, but it seems to do a great job. All I've done are some practice boards so far. I called Homestead Finishing to ask about them. Jeff Jewitt took my call and spent sometime asking what I was planning to use it for, what finishes I would be spraying, etc and made his recommendation. I thought that was pretty cool getting advise from the guy who literally wrote the book on finsihing. Here's a link to his site:
Homestead

Joe Volin

Which accuspray system did you buy?
thanks, tom

I have an Accuspray 2040 and am pleased with it. I only spray water base and have nothing else to compare with it.

Tom,

I went with the 230K. Jeff suggested it because I was interested in something that would be good for both waterbased finishes and lacquer. He said the 23K would be a good choice if I didn't want to use waterbased finishes.

After reading everything I could find, which wasn't all that much, I came to the conclusion that anything from Accurspray or Fugi that would handle the finish you want to spray would probably be a good choice. I also saw some good reviews of the Turbinaire system but wanted a nonbleeder gun without having to upgrade the gun that came with their system.

At the time I ordered it, Accurspray was throwing in a free gun with the purchase of the 230K. Jeff also set up the gun that came with the system for me, which was a nice touch.

Joe Volin

I loved the fuji unit. I used it for lots of guitars before I got sick of doing
my own finishes... Now Tony does em and he rocks.... seriously.. talk
about great customer service. He really is awesome. Just finishing off 6
to send him for healdsburg.. talk about cutting it close.... 3 ukes, 1
acoustic, and 2 electrics....

But the fuji unit sprays really smooth, you can get different tip sizes for
different finishes, and it is very quiet (about as loud as a small vacuum
cleaner t most)

_________________
John Mayes
http://www.mayesluthier.com

    I found that more often the gun is the key. I use a sata and won't use anything else for finising. I demoted my old HVLP to sealer duty. The Sata is more controllable and lays out a very nice finish for Nitro
john hall