Looking for spray gun suggestions for water borne finishes

[Jim Bonnell]

I've been using a Harbor Freight jam gun with satisfactory results for a few years, but feel like I'd like to buy a good gun now. I've looked at the Asturo Eco/SX conversion HVLP gun but I'm used to a jam gun. I'm not set on a small gun and am looking for suggestions on what you all like and would recommend for water borne finishes. Thanks.

[David King]

Jim,
Is this the gun you have now? http://www.harborfreight.com/hvlp-detai ... 46719.html

[Steven Odut]

The Sata MiniJet IV with 0.8 and 1.2mm SR nozzles has worked great for me with shellac, nitro, and Target waterborne finishes. I also use the SATA RPS mixing cup system.

[Jim Bonnell]

No David, this is what I've been using for around five or six years. http://www.harborfreight.com/touch-up-a ... 66871.html I figure it's time to step up.

[David King]

The hvlp one isn't too shabby. You might find it a cheap way to step up a notch and get used to all the controls. It won't last but I think you'd find it a substantial improvement.

[Andy Birko]

I've got one of these: http://www.spraygunworld.com/products/A ... rCase.html which works out pretty well. I don't have any high end guns to compare it to so I can't really say how it compares to them. The one thing I would recommend is to go with the 1.0 to 1.5mm tip set.

For reasons I can't remember now, I went with the .8 to 1.2 set and have never used anything smaller than the 1.2 when spraying WB or Nitro lacquer and in fact, have had to thin the finish down a bit to get it to flow right. One of these days I'm going to pick up a 1.5mm tip and needle set.

[Jim Bonnell]

Thanks for the input guys. I'm looking at all options before deciding. Andy, the one you suggested is what I was originally leaning toward. If I got that would you recommend staying with the nylon cup or springing for stainless for waterborne finishes?

[Andy Birko]

There's nothing wrong with the nylon cup. It does absorb color but I've never had it bleed back out into a clear finish. Doesn't seem like it's worth the extra $40 to me.

[Jim Bonnell]

Thanks Andy.

[Jim Bonnell]

Andy, I ended up ordering the Asturo kit from Spray Gun World. A couple of days after placing my order I saw that there are many complaints about the company screwing people over as recently as six months ago. As of yesterday their website in gone. I'll keep you all posted as to what happens.

[Andy Birko]

I had some minor problems with me (they sent the wrong nozzle sizes) but we ended up working it out. Hopefully it will work out for you too!

[Jim Bonnell]

I spoke too soon. It arrived this afternoon on the fifth day after I ordered it. Everything looks good. Finding all those bad reviews about the company spooked me. I'm very happy with their service. Time to read up and try it out. Thanks for everyones in put.

[Pete Halliday]

What water-based finish are you spraying? I bought this same gun from the same place and have not used it yet. I'm interested to hear what works for you.