Customer Reviews

Fuji Industrial Spray Equipment Q3XXX High Output HVLP Sprayer

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've sprayed lacquer for years using conventional high-pressure guns. I'm now working at home in the garage and decided to give HVLP a try in order to avoid the burden of a spray booth. I unpacked the Q3 this weekend and sprayed a large dresser/hutch that I'd just built with a water-based clear finish (Ceramithane). I got the job done, but I learned a few things in the process that I thought I'd pass along.

In all respects, the HVLP system sprayed just as well as a conventional compressor/gun system. However, after the eight hours that it took me to spray all the parts of the dresser, I came to the conclusion that no matter what system you're using, if you're spraying you're going to have overspray--that is, if you're using enough air to atomize liquid finishes. I tried turning the air regulator down, which did, in fact, reduce the overspray tremendously. However, the material would not atomize properly and I had to open the valve back up to get a good finish on the piece. In the end, I had to orient all the critical surfaces vertically while spraying so that the overspray didn't settle on them as they dried. This made all the difference in the world, but it took a lot of time and space I didn't have to start with.

On the plus side, you can avoid part of the expense and maintenance associated with a large compressor, which is great. The unit is fully portable--you can take it anywhere there's an electrical outlet. It's not really all that loud, especially compared to a compressor big enough to run a spray gun properly. And, when used with the airflow regulator opened up, it did lay down a nice finish.

In conclusion, if you're considering purchasing this equipment thinking your overspray worries are going to magically disappear, think again. Just keep in mind that you're never going to get completely away from overspray as long as you're using air to atomize liquid finishes.

I wondered what all the talk was about with HVLP. It really doesn't seem all that different from the old sprayer I had. I'd probably do it again, though... but the hose reeeally needs work. It is promoted as a flexible hose, and that is the downfall. You step on it and the spray instantly becomes a dribble... messing up your paint or whatever. If the hose gets a kink when you pull it, there goes the dribble again. They really need to re-engineer the hose. It is much quieter than the old compressor I used. With three patterns you can do some pin-point accuracy too.

I just received my Q3 and upon opening the box, the air hose was abraded in one spot so that the nylon threads were showing. Now, it didn't affect the operation but over the life of the hose, I figured it might fail prematurly some day. I called Fuji on Saturday and left a message about the problem. Monday morning at 11:00am I received a call from Fuji.

After I explained the problem, they shipped me a new hose and told me to keep the old one as a spare. The customer service rep was very friendly and helpful. I was amazed at how responsive they were and willing to make things right. This company knows the meaning of customer service!

The manual that came with the sprayer is quite thorough. It really explains the operation and maintenance of the . It also gives basic spraying technique, general thinning/viscosity guidelines and other suggestions.

I would definitely buy this unit again!

I JUST RECEIVED MY Q3,AND I'AM HIGHLY IMPRESSED.THE EASE OF CHANGING THE SPRAY PATTERN IS EASY.THE ROUND PATTERN CAN BE ADJUSTED TO THE SIZE OF A DIME FOR VERY TIGHT SHADING.THE UNIT TURBINE IS JUST A WHISPER.I'VE HAD THE Q3 ONLY THREE DAYS AND I'AM IN LOVE WITH IT.I GIVE THIS UNIT FOUR STARS