Beginner Gun

[Stanger]

I am new to the hobby and am looking to purchase my first gun. My first restriction is my budget. I would like to spend under $200 for both a primer and topcoat gun. Devilbiss offers such a kit through Eastwood for $150 but I am wondering if maybe I should get something a little better.
http://www.eastwoodco.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=14718&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=1339&iSubCat=1354&iProductID=14718
Maybe not, maybe it is perfect for me. While shopping in Len's store I ran across a $129 DuraBlock HVLP 7003 GMS which said it was a great value for the gun. Would this be a better option? I assume that this gun is better than the Finishline III, but would like confirmation. Although I am not ready for a topcoat gun at the time, I noticed that I would get both the 1.3 and 1.5 tips if I ordered before the 31st of this month. Either option would leave me enough money to pick up a cheap primer gun because I don't care about how good the primer gun is as long as its HVLP. I guess that is about it, any suggestions?

[Roch_Greg]

Depending on how often you intend to shoot you may not need a different gun for priming, Base and Clears.

Don't get me wrong, alot of folks would rather have a seperate gun for primers so they are not using thier "best" gun for that. But in the end no matter what you shoot, the quality of the gun (among other things) will dictate the quality of the work and also lessen your fustration when painting. Especially just starting out.

I brought the now defunct Sharpe Platinum /1.3 tip for my first gun, still have it.

Shot Primers (Surfacer's, Etch, and Epoxy) as well as Base and Clears with it.

I had no probelms cleaning the gun and shooting the next stage of paint within the windows allowed for flashing. Although at the time I was letting the primer sit for a day before wetsanding and applying the BC/CC.

My advice is for you to start with at least one gun that is the best you can afford to shoot everything and not take funds from that to get two guns.

Time will go on and as you improve in your skills and decide to stick with this as a hobby you'll eventually buy another gun for your topcoats and then you can regulate the older one to primer alone duty.

Besides you'll be spending $$ on alot of other stuff needed to get you to the point where you can paint.
Just my .02

[68-chevyman]

I got an ATD by accident once. Great gun I still use it along side all my SATA guns.

[Stanger]

Thanks for the responses. I am really torn on what to do. This seems like a good gun for the price, but as you said, am I really to the point where I need a gun? The answer to that is no, but I will be needing at least a primer gun(or both in one as you mentioned) so I really should be thinking about it. I plan to stay in the hobby as I have been learning/working in it for the last three years. I have done alot of metal fabrication and priming, but no painting yet. I guess you could call me an apprentice to an older street rod builder. Obviously I didn't paint any cars as I was only 13 when I began as an "apprentice" and am still only 16 now. Now that my dad has purchased another Mustang(1966 coupe), and I am diving in on the restoration, I plan to paint it as well. After watching many a car be painted from my vantage point on an old milk crate over the past three years, I feel that I can pull of a respectable job. I have $500 from a previous Fairlane-Thunderbolt job but have numerous tools on my list. This is why I am restricting myself so much on a paint gun. I found an hvlp primer gun on Ebay that can be bought and shipped for $35. At this price I feel like this might be a better option than using my "nice" gun for primer. Then again, a "nice" gun hasn't been purchased yet. If it helps you all in a decision, I plan on spraying a 2K high build urethane primer followed by a bc/cc topcoat.

[glenn kreger]

check a little more on ebay and search for a Sharpe t-1 compliant gun. sometimes they are on there and for a good price.. That is a great gun for the money....JMHO Glenn

[X711]

If your starting out, there is a bit of a learning curve to say the least. The
first time you spray it will either go on too dry, too wet, lots of peel, runs etc.

I agree with an earlier post that said you need to have atleast one good quality gun for the actual finish work you intend to do. This will be worth its weight in gold and will remove alot of frustration for you.

For your price point + a few extra bucks, Go with a safe bet like the Devilbiss
gfg670 plus gun. You will be impressed. It comes with 3 tips.. Best price I have found on guns is here.

http://www.smartshoppersinc.com/Devilbiss/devilbiss.html

In the sub $100 bracket go for Sharpe Finex products, they work very well.

I use both a devilbiss gfg670 and also a 1.8 finex for primer. BTW the upper end Sharpe products are excellent too.

Hope this info helps you out !

Best regards.... X

[Len]

We try to make up for the couple dollars more that you pay here by supporting the products we sell and supplying this forum. Smart Shopper can offer better prices because they spend no time with support or information.

[WILLY]

Hey Stranger,

Just Like Anything Else In Life You Get What You Pay For. If You Buy Somewhere Else And Save Yourself $20 The Question I Have Is Will They Give You Advise On What To Do If You Have Questions ?........or Will They Tell You To Go Ask A Painter ? This Forum Provides A Good Selection Of It All.

Willy

[Ranchero_65]

Smartshopper may be a little cheaper but I bet there shipping isn't . Also are they gonna be able to help you if you have a real problem ? Things to think about . I can say the things I have purchased here from Len I have been well pleases with and fast and very reasionable shipping. Plus whats the knowledge from this forum worth ?

Take Care
Earl