HVLP Sprayers

muskiedaze · December 05, 2009, 04:03:00 PM

Greetings.I haven't been here in awhile, but been making a few bows. I'm thinking about trying some Fullerplast or T-bird finishes and a HVLP system. Anyone here ever try one for bow finishing? Seems they'd be much simpler to set up than a conventinal compressor and spray gun and easier to use.
Thanks, John
HVLP-- High Volume, Low Pressure

grizz · December 05, 2009, 08:47:00 PM

Muskie, I use the HVLP gun (small size)to put the Fullerplast on my bows. It works fine, has good adjustment potential, and is easy to maintain. Got mine at Harbor Freight, 15 bucks!

Dano · December 05, 2009, 08:54:00 PM

When I used T-Bird, I used an air brush, works great and is very easy to clean. Course I had the compressor.

Holm-Made · December 06, 2009, 02:30:00 AM

I have an airbrush and a HVLP gun. I use 1/4th less material with the airbrush due to less overspray. I have to thin the material more with the AB. Chad

spider1 · December 08, 2009, 09:41:00 AM

interesting stuff. I was going to use an hvlp sprayer but also thought of using an airbrush. How much longer does it take with the airbrush? Does this ever present a problem? Also, what kind of ratio do you mix the thunderbird to thinner?

Dano · December 08, 2009, 11:15:00 AM

It doesn't take much longer to spray a bow, that's not a problem, less overspray is a big plus. I think TBird recommends 25% thinner. Even a cheap airbrush can handle it. I used to use a Badger, it worked well.

spider1 · December 08, 2009, 11:41:00 AM

Hi ya Dano. How ya been?!

Sounds like it's just the ticket. I'm gonna have to put that on my Christmas list...but I'll probably get a lump of coal anyways! I've usually only used polyurethane, how are the fumes from the Thunderbird?

Dano · December 08, 2009, 12:33:00 PM

Hi ya Spiderman, been real good, how about you. :D The fumes will make ya dizzy, a respirator is a good investment in a longer life.

Diamondback59 · December 08, 2009, 12:38:00 PM

I USE THE DISPOLSble one one use throw em away love em but like dano says wear the respirator ha brock

spider1 · December 08, 2009, 12:59:00 PM

I'm doing ok. Got a new grandson! Already made him a Yew ELB with horn nocks and a linen string, the arrows are bamboo bbq skewers with suction cups and turkey fletches

Even made him a leather quiver and arm brace...when he can sit up on is own without droolin too much I plan to teach him how to terrorize the kitty cats

I don't think the fumes from the Thunderbird would kill me as quick as the Mrs would though, lol! Definitely gotta rig up a spray cabinet or something that I can vent outside. I wonder if the boss would mind if I put another hole in the wall....

Dano · December 08, 2009, 02:28:00 PM

COOL!! Grandson's are the best, I'll have mine shootin soon. Watch out for the Boss, keep her happy.

spider1 · December 08, 2009, 03:27:00 PM

amen... learned that lesson the first time I made horn tips

Holm-Made · December 08, 2009, 10:30:00 PM

Mix Thunderbird with equal parts of A, B and thinner. I call that thinning the epoxy 50% some guys call it thinning it 33%. Each batch has a little different consistancy so you have to find out for your self how much to thin it. Chad

spider1 · December 09, 2009, 12:43:00 PM

Cool, thanks Chad.