These questions are mostly for JohnTheClockMan:
Background:
When I took up scroll sawing, I started out using an air brush to apply general finishes to my projects. As I Learned the hobby of scroll sawing I started to just dip my projects in BLO and be done with it. The cleanup and ease of use of BLO dipping was just too good to be true.
However, time and situations change. I am now looking into pre-cat lacquer as you have suggested on several occasions from Homestead finishes. http://www.homesteadfinishing.com/ht...etcoatings.htm
(scroll down to the EMtech 8000 finishes)
My airbrush just cannot push out Water based finishes (at least WB products which I tried from Woodcraft). I am speculating that the molecules are just too big for my Airbrush, and I may have to move up to a HVLP gun (stainless steel?) version like being sold at Homestead finishes.
So, I am looking at the following expenses: new air compressor $200 to $300; new HVLP spray gun $200; and other misc hardware say $50.
But what stopped me cold was the shelf life of a gallon of pre-cat lacquer: http://www.targetcoatings.com/produc...s/em_8000.html
gives a shelf life of only 12 months. I doubt that I will ever use more than a quart per year. My fret work is too small to use such larger quantities. And at $44.00 per gallon plus shipping charges..... (to quote the baseball movie: "Ju-u-st a little bit outside.")
So finally my question:
Do you stick to the 12 months shelf life rule of your pre-cat lacquer?
Do you use up a gallon in a year?
Most spray guns I have seen are for furniture sized projects, spray is up to about 10 inches wide. What is your experience with adjustable spray pattern sizes on your HVLP gun?
BTW: I know I am asking a lot of you, but this seems to be a large investment to me in just finishing. I really want to justify this because I have limited funds.
Thanks to all who reply
Phil
Background:
When I took up scroll sawing, I started out using an air brush to apply general finishes to my projects. As I Learned the hobby of scroll sawing I started to just dip my projects in BLO and be done with it. The cleanup and ease of use of BLO dipping was just too good to be true.
However, time and situations change. I am now looking into pre-cat lacquer as you have suggested on several occasions from Homestead finishes. http://www.homesteadfinishing.com/ht...etcoatings.htm
(scroll down to the EMtech 8000 finishes)
My airbrush just cannot push out Water based finishes (at least WB products which I tried from Woodcraft). I am speculating that the molecules are just too big for my Airbrush, and I may have to move up to a HVLP gun (stainless steel?) version like being sold at Homestead finishes.
So, I am looking at the following expenses: new air compressor $200 to $300; new HVLP spray gun $200; and other misc hardware say $50.
But what stopped me cold was the shelf life of a gallon of pre-cat lacquer: http://www.targetcoatings.com/produc...s/em_8000.html
gives a shelf life of only 12 months. I doubt that I will ever use more than a quart per year. My fret work is too small to use such larger quantities. And at $44.00 per gallon plus shipping charges..... (to quote the baseball movie: "Ju-u-st a little bit outside.")
So finally my question:
Do you stick to the 12 months shelf life rule of your pre-cat lacquer?
Do you use up a gallon in a year?
Most spray guns I have seen are for furniture sized projects, spray is up to about 10 inches wide. What is your experience with adjustable spray pattern sizes on your HVLP gun?
BTW: I know I am asking a lot of you, but this seems to be a large investment to me in just finishing. I really want to justify this because I have limited funds.
Thanks to all who reply
Phil
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