Vince Pitelka on tue 24 feb 98
I have been meaning to post about this for some time. Many years ago, when
I worked as a mechanic, my co-worker Harry had a very expensive Binks
spraygun ($200 at that time), which we used to paint vehicles. Some years
later I purchased a made-in-China (or Korea or Taiwan) spray gun with very
similar controls and construction (and craftsmanship), for $19.99 at the
local flea market. Shortly before we left California Harry helped me paint
my truck, and I used my cheapo spraygun. He was skeptical at first, but
admitted later that he liked it better than his Binks. I am in favor of
buying American, and it is true that the cost of American made sprayguns,
airtools and many other things have dropped drastically because of foreign
competition, but the Binks and Speedaire sprayguns are still far more
expensive, and potters usually need to make their dollars go as far as
possible. So, when you come across those bargain tool displays in Lowes or
Walmart or Home Depot, look for the aluminum-reservoir spraygun with the
black handle, or the smaller touch-up gun with aluminum reservoir and
chrome-plated handle. They have become pretty standardized, and usually
they are a sure bet. If the gun is packaged, ask to open the package. Make
sure that all the knobs work smoothly and that the nozzle parts unscrew
smoothly. I have found a few sloppy ones, but for the most part these guns
have been extremely good-quality, and are excellent glaze-spray guns. If
you are concerned about buying an unknown entity, just purchase one of the
ones which is sold by Campbell-Hausfield (which also makes great compressors
- always get the one with the cast-iron compressor barrel). It is exactly
the same made-in-China gun, but Campbell-Hausfield guarantees the quality.
The Campbell-Hausfield version may be a bit more expensive, but these guns
generally cost from $19.95 to $39.95, and they now make HVLP versions which
can be hooked up to any air compressor with an included step-down regulator.
The HVLP ones cost around $79.95. I have tried most of the spray guns
available through ceramic suppliers, and these cheapo Walmart guns are
superior to ANY of them except the "Critter," which is a crude but very
effective and economical external-mixing spraygun. There have been MANY
enthusiastic comments about the "Critter" on Clayart.
I have seen too many people go for the most expensive solution. With all
the options available, the Binks and Speedaire guns just aren't worth the money.
- Vince
Vince Pitelka - vpitelka@DeKalb.net
Home 615/597-5376, work 615/597-6801, fax 615/597-6803
Appalachian Center for Crafts
Tennessee Technological University
1560 Craft Center Drive, Smithville TN 37166
Marcia Selsor on wed 25 feb 98
I just bought myself an EZE spray gun from the Archie Bray. I got one for the
University last Fall and think they are great. $25.99.
They are adjustable, come with a PLASTIC jar. They are similar in concept to
the "jelly jar" sprayer. I prefer plastic in the shop.
Students broke all the glass jars.
Marci in Montana
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