Lvlp

[preacherman]

Anybody tried the lvlp guns? just wondered how they sprayed BC/CC.

[Phil V]

the LVLP guns like the Iwata LPH400 LV is definately one of the top 5 guns I've ever sprayed with. I have an Iwata LPH400 copy that is also an excellent spray gun.

[preacherman]

Could I ask where or who made the copy? Also, what size fluid nozzle? Thanks!

[Singedfur]

How do LVLPs compare to HVLP with regard to overspray and user-friendliness for a beginner?

Patricia

[Dennis N. Schmidt]

I've got the Iwata LPH400-LV and it's about the best HVLP or LVLP gun available. I would rate it superior to the SATA Nr2000 but a step below the compliant guns such as the RP, Plus or Titanium Compliant. You also need to spray at 20 PSIG rather than the recommended 16 PSIG on clearcoat or you'll get peel. Dr. Gun, who now works for Iwata also recommends going to 20 rather than 16 and as is usual Dr. Gun is right. This gun is very air efficient at about 8-11 cfm at 20 PSIG. You CAN use this with a 20 gallon compressor for panel painting which is impossible with most pro guns.

The new purple basecoat aircap is the absolute nuts. You spray basecoat using this aircap at 6-9 PSIG (No this is not a misprint) and it lays done pearls and metallics unbelievably uniformly. It can only be used for basecoat but for that purpose it's amazing. Also, I believe that if I've eaten beans I could fart enough gas to power this gun in this configuation.

If an LVLP knock-off at a really good price is what you're looking for the new ASTRO EVO is absolutely a killer gun, way better than the Finex Sharpe copies of the Iwata. It sprays at 25 PSIG and really does a good job for a cheap gun. The only problem with this gun is that the fan control can be set too open and the fan pattern can be split because of it. If you only open the fan knob 2 turns you'll be fine but if you back it all of the way out, as is typical, you'll split the fan so be careful about this.