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Hello, I’m new at building. Recently finished my second build, noticed i spent alot on the spray cans because i had to do so many coats to get the finish i desired. I read in a few places that the HVLP or LVLP guns give you a better result and can save on paint cost. So I’m considering buying one and practicing with it first, but only if I dont need to buy the compressor since I already have one.

My only issue is that the compressor i have is a porter cable pancake
(6 gallon/150 psi /2.6 SCFM)
And I have had mixed results when searching online about whether it is enough, some say its fine and others say no way. Just wondering if anyone has had any experience using these?
Thank you for all your help


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Although i would rather use a larger compressor, i put a fantastic lacquer finish on a tele a few years ago with a pancake. It just requires a little patience, not much. Nitro is the most forgiving and easiest finish to shoot.

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Hutch

Get the heck off the couch and go build a guitar!!!!

Thank you banjopicks, I appreciate your response!
when you say patience do you mean to go slower or because you have to wait for it ro refill the air tank?


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Occasionally, wait on the compressor. No big deal at all. If i hadn't been given a larger one, i would just continue using the pancake.

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Hutch

Get the heck off the couch and go build a guitar!!!!

Great! Thank you for your help man


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I'm not a professional, just an all-in amateur:

I've shot 3 complete guitars with Nitro with this $200 Mikita, 90 PSI: 3.3 CFM, 40 PSI: 3.8CFM compressor, and lots of partial finishing jobs (full backs, full tops, complete necks). If the compressor comes on I just look at the regulator on the gun to verify its 35PSI, and pause for maybe 30 seconds. It works GREAT, minimal orange peel.

Nitro is soooo toxic, even a teeny tiny little whiff of it and it F'ed me up good. I have to shave my beard when its spray time. A correct 3M vapor cartridge for lacquer is only good for MAXIMUM of 6 months after opening so I buy a new one before finishing a complete guitar.

I also run a separator at the compressor and a lil one/ with regulator, at the gun. I shoot lacquer at 35PSI (or less) at the gun. The gun is a "Qualspray" from Jeff Jewitt at Homestead Finishing. Jeff is very approachable if you want to discuss that guy with him. https://homesteadfinishingproducts.com/ ... hvlp-guns/

Makita MAC700 2.0 HP* Big Bore™ Air Compressor
Specs: Horsepower: 2.0; Pump: Oil-lubricated; Tank (gal.): 2.6 Hot Dog; Performance (CFM): 90 PSI: 3.3, 40 PSI: 3.8; Operating Pressure (PSI): 0 - 130; AMPS: 12.4; Noise level (dB): 80; Size: 18"x10"x22"; Net Weight (lbs.): 52. Includes: 1/4" Brass Makita universal coupler.

Link to that compressor on amazon.com https://a.co/d/0H0Jpyw

Your results may vary, I'm not familiar with your compressor.

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Measure Twice,

Karl Borum

I had problems until I realized the “regulator” at the gun was really just an air flow valve with a gauge.
All it did was cut the volume of air at the gun.
I removed it and just set the pressure at the pump.
It made a world of a difference being able to supply ample air.

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wah
Wah-wah-wah-wah
Wah

Thank you for the tips!

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