Denny,
I've been using these 3 guns,
Sharpe Finex FX100,
This is their small touchup gun, with I believe a 1.0 tip. I probably use this the most, it's just right for all the brackets, braces and small items and parts like the grill bars. It sprays nice, but to tell you the truth, I had one of those Taiwanese knock-offs before,( it walked off from my garage somewhere ), that worked just about as nice. I use it for everything from epoxy primer to topcoat. On those small parts, I just can't get the control with a "bigger" gun, and usually end up with runs.
For primer, I've been using an older model Devilbiss Finishline II. I use a 1.4 tip for epoxy and 1.6 for primer surfacer. It's an HVLP and actually sprays nice, but it's an air hog compared to the other guns. My compressor runs about twice as much when I use it. I do run a couple of pounds more air through it than the specs call for, I find it sprays a little better that way.
On the topcoats, I've been using a Devilbiss Plus GFG 670, 1.3 tip with the PPG Concept. It's a compliant gun, which means it's not really HVLP, but not high pressure like the old guns. Sort of in-between I guess. This thing will lay down color and clear like glass when it's used properly, but it's pretty fast compared to the others, it'll really hose on the paint. After spraying the primer with the HVLP, I've got to really pick up the gun speed with this one.
Not that I'm condoning or endorsing it, but how many painters on all those Overhaulin type TV shows do you see wearing a fresh air respirator? I've yet to see one. Granted, they're in a good booth with good ventilation.
Bob
