mongo said:

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First a little back ground:

If you dont care about why I bought the tool only about the tool itself skip down a few paragraphs.

Earlier this year I decided I that I wanted to make the jump into the world of spray finishes for two reasons. First I wanted to be able to consistently produce a quality finish. Second I wanted to be able to do so in a timely manner. I still have a thought in the back of my head that someday I am going to do this for a living instead of just for fun.

Originally I was thinking about getting an Earlex spray gun but after having a chance to examine both the Earlex and the Apollo and see both in action and talk to the salesman at the woodworking show in Tampa I decided it was time to only cry once. With the move to WB finishes occurring ever more rapidly with environmental pressures I didnt want to buy a tool that wold not shoot what I wanted in the future. WB finishes also meant I can spray without a spray booth. I also wanted the ability to shoot latex paint should the need arise. So I decided to go to a 4 stage system.

The system included their 7500t Spray gun. It is a truly a thing of beauty. High polish for easy cleaning and the even air distribution. You can see in my pics below. There is a little spray buildup I need to clean off..... The air caps are

I was planing to get the 4 stage 1025 unit and in fact placed an order for it at the show. When I got home and started pricing out all the other caps an needles I was going to eventually want I realized it was just about the same price to get the 1040vs (4 stage with variable pressure) that included all the caps and needles I will ever need so I called in and changed my order.

Of course the proof is in the pudding so I waited to write this until I had a chance to shoot some different finishes and get a feel for the system. I have now shot latex paint, WB lacquer, WB shellac and automotive lacquer. All finishes came out better than expected. As a first time sprayer this was really exciting and relieving. I painted a few parts for a buddies car and the look like they came right from the factory. I also have done some cabinets with paint and the shellac and lacquer on cherry cabinet.

Cost for the unit was around $1500

Specs from the website:

http://www.hvlp.com/turbine_detail.php?id=6

"Specifications:

* 4 Stage
* 8.0 PSI (.055 bar)
* 130 CFM (3.68 cmm)
* Dual Air Filtration
* HVLP Only - Single Spray Gun
* 110VAC - 60HZ or 240VAC - 50Hz
* 30 lbs/13.6 Kg
* 15" X 8.5" X 12" (38.1cm X 21.6cm X 30.48cm)
* All EU units shipped
* All 110 volt units are tested and certified by"

I got 5 needles 3 caps and the quart and mini cup.


The tool arrived well packaged via UPS.-


The gun comes packed in a nice case with all the needles and caps. Also the tools and a few spare seals for the cups.




WOOOO Shiny....





The hose comes with a section of whip pre attached so no extra purchase was nessisary.





The turnbine itself-



VS control- actually nice to have this. Didnt think I would use it but I do.



The unit deployed-





A finished product. I wish I had taken pics of the auto stuff.

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