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Rick mentions the 3M PPS system whenever he talks about finishing. The images I've found on the web haven't been very clear, but this morning I found a video today on YouTube that answered all of my questions. It looks like an awesome solution for mixing and clean up.

It could also be the go to solution for mixing and using epoxy filler.



The mini (6 oz.) starter kit looks like what most of us would be interested in for one or two guitar sessions. It's $22.95 from Rockler: http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=19632

The mini refill kit is $23.99: http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=19632

Fascinating...

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That is absolutely beautiful.....

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Eschew obfuscation, espouse elucidation.

This system has cut my use of cleaning solvents by more than 50%, cleanup labor by more than that, and it makes shooting catalyzed finishes a dream. I couldn't think of going back to any other way of dealing with my finishing schedule at this point.

Rick T.

Daaaaaaaaang. That's cool.

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Mike

"The Dude abides. I don't know about you but I take comfort in that. It's good knowin' he's out there. The Dude. Takin' 'er easy for all us sinners. Shoosh." The Stranger

Yeah, that would be convenient, but at $2.50 per fill, I think I will pass.

That is cool. $2.50 seems like a bargain for someone who values their time. It's less than paying yourself $10/hr for your work. I doubt you can get a sprayer good and clean in less time than 15 minutes, not to mention the additional solvent wasted in the process. It also reduces the mess factor, and increases the efficiency of the mixing process. Wow! I don't spray, but sure would consider it if I did.

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Waddy

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Sound Clips of most of my guitars

Barry, if you were to guess, how much do you think you spend in solvents per session?

I probably use 25 cents worth of solvent to clean my gun. And you can leave nitro in a gun for several days with no problems.

A little further investigation showed the u-tube video was put out by Finishing Equipment and Supplies, and they have 50 of the mini liners and lids for $49. Much better deal, and at that price probably worth it. I am looking at transitioning from nitro to a catalyzed finish so gun cleanup after each coat will be a necessity. Thanks for the link.

Ah, there you go.
From the moment I add MEKP to poly, I'll have about 40 minutes to get the gun clean. When you consider how easy this will make measuring out the correct ratios, I have a hard time arguing against it. The other options are to mix with automotive paint mixing cups or with glass syringes. I'd rather consolidate.

I got the mini starter kit. I am impressed with the quality of the parts and the connections appear tight and stable. I ended up buying the starter set from Levine Auto Parts with a cool wall mounted dispenser because they had everything in stock. Finishing Equipment and Supplies was out of stock and their website check out cart was broken.

I look forward to trying this out.

That's just completely awesome in every single way. And my favourite local paint supplies store (nonpaint.nl, ie, everything but the paint) has the small set for a decent price (15 for the cup, 54 for 50 liners/caps, which will likely last me years)

I've seen this system, but I don't see how it saves me any cleanup time. I'm always shooting the same finish -- I'm not building vintage guitars so it's rare that I spray a toner coat. I get empty paint cans from the hardware store and dump unused catalyzed finish in them until I take them away for disposal. That leaves cleaning the gun which is still going to require about a cup of solvent per session to clean the cup, mixing beakers, and clean out the gun. With this system, where am I saving solvent? You still have to run solvent through the gun to clean it.

Oops, I was the guest. I hadn't logged in. --db

David, The 3M paint preparation system (PPS) allows you to mix the finish in the liner so you don't have any beakers. Most of the cleanup for me has always been the cup and lid. PPS eliminates that. The only part that get finish is the fluid pathway inside the gun, and of course the needle, nozzle and air cap. These parts can be cleaned by flushing a little thinner through the gun. I haven't used the system yet, but I think it is going to be really convenient especially for a catalyzed finish that can't be left in the gun.

What kind of a catalyzed finish are you shooting, if you don't mind me asking.

I've shot more than a couple of thousand guitars before using the 3M system, and I've shot maybe six hundred using the PPS. I'm not going back.

Barry, unfortunately I am not at liberty to divulge the finish as the person who shared it with me specifically requested that it stay in the family.

Ever the secretive one, eh?

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"I want to know what kind of pickups Vince Gill uses in his Tele, because if I had those, as good of a player as I am, I'm sure I could make it sound like that.
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No problem David. I understand.

Pththththbbbttttt!!!!

Ok, I watched the video and was mildly impressed up till I saw the gun spray in an inverted position. That is too cool. The only way to spay in any direction that I know of is to use a pressure pot and if you are spaying small jobs ever so often, the Pressure pot doesn’t make sense.

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Rich S

"The inconvenience of poor quality will linger long after the thrill of a bargain has been forgotten"

Of course you know David that I'm just razzing you, right?
It's really important to keep confidences, and especially this one.

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"I want to know what kind of pickups Vince Gill uses in his Tele, because if I had those, as good of a player as I am, I'm sure I could make it sound like that.
Only badly."

Drips from the cup breather hole is a minor annoyance that should be eliminated with the PPS. Just one more benefit.

Looks like a great system ! Thanks a lot
for posting the video James.

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Anderson Guitars
Clearwater,Fl. 33755