Official Luthiers Forum!

anyone every try the electric spray guns for painting a guitar? They are very cost effective if they would work properly. I haven't got the space for a 5hp 80gal compressor and tank, so I was wondering if one of these would suffice? I've been doing my finishes by hand, and unless it's oil, it sucks to do it. i want to get into spraying, but my space is currently limiting what I can get for equipment. Thanks in advance for any advice

Maybe one of these HVLP systems:
http://www.rockler.com/search/go?asug=&w=hvlp+
These might work better for what we do than the homeowner variety of sprayers.

I've sprayed lacquer with a small cheapy Husky compressor. Just have to be patient with it when the air gets low. Refinished a mahogany bookcase with it and a sprayer kit I bought at an auto paint supply store.

i just sold that same grey hvlp system, used it for a while...it was ok, only thing is you need to fill it with paint or you'll shoot to much air & your guitar will look like a popcorn ceiling....
i just picked up a top feed touchup gun & 8 gallon comp from harbor frieght for only little under 200 with a hose...much better ..less chance of runs & more control...may want to look into that...dont kill yourself trying to match cfms...just get it close & buy at least an 8 gallon tank...thats what i did & it works great for guitars...

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Fuji turbine

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I'm not a luthier.
I'm just a guy who builds guitars in his basement.
It's better than playing golf.

1/2 hp 8 gal compressor - fifty bucks at a yard sale (and you can fill your car tyres). Add a filter, regulator and 20 dollar gravity feed detail gun and you're set to spray nitro (if you've got a booth) or water born (KTM-9 or equivalent) if you don't. Total cost is less than rattle cans for two guitars. I've done both clear and sunbursts with this and am very pleased with the results.





Latest in progress - about 9 coats of KTM-9

+1 You'll never look back. The entry level packages are fairly inexpensive, but the higher end turbines and guns aren't out of sight, either.

Alex

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"Indecision is the key to flexibility" .... Bumper sticker