I am going to be purchasing a SATA Minijet IV here real soon and am hoping one of you can help. I am going to be painting fiberglass with PPG Concept Paint. Which Nozzle Size should I get. Due to buget I am limited to one gun for the primer, base, and clear coats.

Phil
Gilbert, AZ

I would sugest going to Harbour Freight tools and spending $15- $20 on one of their detail guns. Use this strickly for primer. In the long run you won't regret it. They work good, and for primer thats all you really need since your going to be sanding it all down anyway.

Sorry I can't help with the nozzle size.

Jeff

Phil,
If you are only going to get one gun, I'd consider the Sata RP3000 instead of the minijet. Don't get me wrong, the minijet is a phenominal gun, I've got a few of them, but it has a very small color cup, You can get a 1.2 tip for the minijet which is what I'd use, that is the absolute smallest I would use for primer, and it will give you decent flow for clear. The 1.4 would be even better, but it's a really small gun for a tip that big.
My personal opinion is that the RP3000 with a 1.3 tip would be the most versatile gun for spraying primer, base, and clear.
I've sprayed probably 1000 + gallons with my RP3000's in the last 2 years and the gun still amazes me. As far as I'm concerned it's the best gun on the market.
Just my opinion though
Jeremy

My only issue with a larger gun is the compressor factor. I do not have one and don't want to spend a lot of money for one with the capacity for a full size gun. The minijet appears to have a low CFM in accordance to a smaller compressor.

Phil

Jeremy is absolutely correct. The Sata minijet 4 is a FANTASTIC spray gun. I have used one for ...going on about 3 years now and it is a remarkable gun. However, if you're on a budget and without a compressor, I would go with a Sharpe Finex 100 with a 1.3 tip. It is not the same quality as the Sata but it is definately a good contender. I also use one of these DAILY and it puts down a nice coat...both base and clear as well as primer. I use a 1.3 tip for everything I do. A Finex 100 will cost you around $90 and you could put the additional money saved from not getting the Sata towards a nicer compressor. Just my own thoughts.

Les

I agree with Les, for painting model airplanes, particularly if you're doing flat finishes, I love my Sata's, but I have the benefit of purchasing them for work use and personal is just a bonus
Anyway, how many CFM's will your compressor put out? My compressor (which I need to upgrade soon) is not an expensive one, it's a home depot model, I paid $699 Canadian for it, it's probably cheaper in the US, it's a Husky model, and it puts out 11.8 CFM at 40psi which is more than enough for the RP (or most full size guns). It is also 100% duty cycle which is good because when I'm painting a car it runs almost non stop but keeps up fine, the downside to running nonstop for 30 minutes at a time is it's really hard to keep moisture to a minimum.

the downside to running nonstop for 30 minutes at a time is it's really hard to keep moisture to a minimum.

NO KIDDING!!!


Go with the Finex and a better compressor. I have a Campbell Hausfeld 28 gallon diaphram pump compressor that puts out 7.4 CFM at 40 psi and 6.1 at 90 psi. It works well but it is LOUD! It keeps up okay until I start using an orbital sander, then after 20 minutes I start getting moisture in the sander. I will be upgrading my compressor to a 2 stage piston style pump in a bit. For painting an airplane though it is perfectly capable at keeping up with even large-quart sized spray guns.

I painted this model with an even cheaper gun than the Finex and it turned out quite nice. This is David Rosado's (aka FalconWings) BVM Composite Bandit.


Les



p.s. comments on the background are not allowed!

i also am looking for a good gun thanks to this post i found this site and they are at a good price http://www.spraygunworld.com/Informa...oRecommend.htm

thanks
Arden

Went ahead and ordered the Minijet IV with the 1.2 SR Tip. Will start looking at compressors now. I want to keep it small as to minimise its impact on my minimal garage space. Been looking at some of the DeWalt Compressors but am unsure of "Oil" or "Oil-less". I have read the oil lubricated are quieter and last longer. I am going to filter the supply line so I don't think it will matter what type.

Thanks for your many replies,

Phil

Looking at this one, any thoughts?

Heavy-Duty 200 PSI 15 Gallon 120 Volt Electric Wheeled Portable Workshop Compressor - D55168

Features:
200 PSI max pressure allows for longer air tool run time
5.4 SCFM @ 90 PSI allows for quick compressor recovery time
78 dBA (tested per ISO3744) operational noise level for a quieter work environment
Efficient high pressure technology allows for longer pump and motor life
Oil free, maintenance free pump, for convenient use
Efficient high pressure motor allows the compressor to be run with an extension cord (12 Ga. or heavier, 50 ft. or less) due to consistent amp draw requirements of the compressor
Compact design allows for the compressor to be easily moved, transported, and stored
Robust dual purpose handle provides additional protection to the compressor along with serving as a hose wrap
Metal console panel provides a display area as well as protects the gauges, coupler, and regulator
High flow air regulator allows for maximum air tool run time
High flow coupler allows for maximum air tool run time
2 inch gauges allow for an easy to read surface
Wide track, semi-pneumatic tires allow for additional stability, easy movement, and no tire maintenance
Ball drain valve allows for quick and thorough tank draining

which type of compressor is best an, an oiless or not
thanks
Arden

Guys,

Go read this: http://www.practicalmachinist.com/ub...opic/8/39.html

It will give you a good idea of what to look for in a compressor.

I wouldn't buy a 200psi compressor period. I would look for a compressor that would put out 10+ cfm at 90psi. I have a Campbell Hausfeld 6HP 60gallon. You can get tham fro around $400-$500 at HD. You will need a 220V outlet with at least 20A to run it though.

Good luck,



Chris

The 28 gallon Campbell Hausfeld one I have is rated for 120 volt which is another reason I got it. I agree with Chris, dont get the 200 psi one....you will NEVER need that pressure capacity. For spraying you only use at the most 30 psi or so at the regulator and at the spray gun tip it is usually around 10 psi or so. 15 gallons will not last very long at all and the pump will be running CONSTANTLY. Being a diaphram type pump it will drive you nuts like mine does. Its loud and I usually wear headphones. Go with a larger capacity tank and around 150 psi rating. But again, just my thoughts.

Les

I just re-read your post and noticed that you said it is rated at 78 db... I have no idea what mine is at but I cant even hear myself think sometimes! [:'(]


Check this compressor at Home Depot:
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/...ctId=100063473

Another question.....

I am aware that PPG Concept Paint containes Isocyanates, extremely harmful to your health. I have been looking for a respirator to use while applying the paint. I am only painting a cowl for a 29% Edge as well as the wheel pants. So, 3M recomends a positive pressure forced air system for spray painting with Isocyanate latent paint. However, I don't want to invest in a $500.00 respirator when something else may work for my applicaiton. I will be painting in an open air enviroment and not in a spray booth. Any thoughts on which type of respirator? I have heard rumors of 3M making some that filter Isocyanates but they don't recommend them officially because the filter may become saturated and fail if in a high concentration enviroment, unlike what I will experience.

Thanks again,

Phil

The 3m cartridge style mask are used more than the fresh air style.They work,but have a limited useable life,check with the supplier on the lifespan, must be kept in a sealed container when not in use or the cartridges will be depleted.For a guy just using at home to paint jets the cartridge style should work fine for you.

The 3M cartridge style masks in previous post

07191 sm
07192 med.
07193 lg

07046 replacement filters

I used to own a body shop and used the 3M masks fo rall Iso type auto paints including Imron, before I retired from the Body shop business. I just kept them in the zip bag they came in when not in use. They will last a long time for "home" use.

I've painted 5 jets using 3M masks and Iso's, and have had no health issues (knock on wood). These jets were painted in my driveway with little to no breeze, wearing goggles and skin fully covered. As Terry stated, I store my mask in a ziplok but I replace the cartrigides 2 weeks after opening regardless of use.
I purchased a forced air respirator earlier this year and I use it when forced to paint in the garage due to weather. This is the safest way to go when using these types of paints.
I asked my paint guy about 3M masks with Iso's and he said I was ok if outside and not enclosed whatsoever.
In regards to a paint gun, I have a Sata minijet4 that I use strictly for clear coat. Outstanding gun but it's limitation is cup size. The cup that comes with it needs to be twice the size.
For primer and base coat, I use a CAT minijet/detail gun. This gun used to sell for $100.00 on sale and includes 3 tips/nozzles and a bigger cup is available. Sprays like the Sata, smaller fan size though, at half the price.