Spray Guns... Nozzle Size???

[codysheridan1]

Hi All,

I'm wanting to get a spray gun and I'm getting a bit confused on what nozzle size/sizes I should get.

I'll be using it mainly to spray mdf primer/sealer, enamel and hopefully 2 pack on MDF for Aquarium stands.

What size nozzles should I be looking at?

Should I get more than one gun or is it normal to switch nozzles when only using them on a hobbiest level?

What is a good general purpose size for other products too?

I've been looking at the Star S-770 as my gun of choice.

Thanks in advance
Regards
Cody

[Master Splinter]

The approximate range is - 2-2.4 (primers) 1.4-1.8 (acrylics) 1.2-1.4 (2 pac enamels).

I'd suggest splashing your cash on the setup for whatever topcoat you want to use, and buying a cheaper gun for primer duty - as it might be cheaper than buying a spare air cap and needle set for a good gun!

[codysheridan1]

The approximate range is - 2-2.4 (primers) 1.4-1.8 (acrylics) 1.2-1.4 (2 pac enamels).

I'd suggest splashing your cash on the setup for whatever topcoat you want to use, and buying a cheaper gun for primer duty - as it might be cheaper than buying a spare air cap and needle set for a good gun!

What guns would you suggest for something that will do a good job but not break the bank?

What cheapy would you suggest?

[Master Splinter]

VEK Tools have a $90 workquip set (http://www.vektools.com.au/workquip-air-tools/workquip-gravity-spray-gun-with-stand-tip-setups-p-3556.html) which comes with three tips which I think is a good starting point. No use having a $700 Iwata if you don't have a good air supply and a baking spray booth to make the most of it.

If you are thinking of using 2-pac paint, be aware that it has significant health issues, and the only way to spray it safely is either with an air-fed mask, OR a good brand mask (like Sundstrom) and a cartridge that you are happy to replace after a single morning of spraying (at about $30 a cartridge). The problem with 2-pac isocyanates is that you can't smell iso UNTIL you are already over the maximum limit, so you have been breathing too much of it in for god knows how long (it's not like acrylic, where you know it's time to replace your filter because you can smell the solvents).

Many people get away with spraying iso with just a normal mask; some sensitise to it and get a severe asthma like reaction every time they are exposed to isocyanates (some sprayl painters have to leave the trade because of this), and the occasional one has such a severe reaction they don't wake up the next day.

[artful bodger]

I bought an Iwata about 16 years ago. I think it has a 1.8mm nozzle. It has been a fantastic gun and has been able to handle any woodwork finish, single pac, 2 pac with proficiency. Have also used it with acrylic automotive undercoats and topcoats with great results.
The only time it was not up for the job was when I once tried to use an industrial type (Jotun) 2 pack paint. Found out later that there were alternative types of 2 pacs that would've worked fine.
A good gun is I believe the key. They have good pressure and paint flow adjustments that I somehow doubt the cheapies would have. Of course a suitable compressor is also a must.

[Rod Gilbert]

Hi Cody,
The star S-770 as I understand it is a copy of the Iwata I have a Iwata and a Binks Bullows as well as several star-770s while not on par with either of these guns the star is a good general purpose gun that I have used for most types of finish over the years with consistent good results. Not a professional painters spray gun but a good basic gun that will give good service.
Regards Rod.