george koller on wed 27 feb 02
> Why did you choose the $69.00 44677-3vga ( online #) over the $99.99 (
> 45096-0vga)(HVLP sprayer from Harbor Frieght) ?
Hi Beverly,
(IMPORTANT NOTE:Both these units are complete with "fan"
type compressors that generate high volumes of air (50CFM) at low
pressures (2-5 PSI). YOU DO NOT NEED & INDEED CANNOT
USE A SEPARATE COMPRESSOR WITH THESE GUNS.
So this is not about comparing "compressor guns calling
themselves HVLP and these low end BUT "true" HVLP as much,
in my opinion, as about a chance to spray without the cost and
the complications of the piston compressors. And some may
argue that even cheapo HVLP is "better" than an expensive
compressor model. I am not experienced enough with the HVLP
unit to say this myself, but I am being drawn to this arguement
because I think the "TRUE" HVLP are simpler, and have certain
basic design advantages.)
(have now done my homework on this question....)
From studying the catalog description it is clear that both the
$69.99 and the $99.99 use a rotary fan (like the other end of
a vacuum cleaner) to generate High Volume at low pressure.
The $99.99 unit looks to have a better made gun. The catalog
says that the 99.99 gun uses cast aluminum. The 69.99 unit
is largely plastic.
SUPPORT:
I called the HarborFreight technical support number 1-800-444-3353
and spoke to a young support fellow named Eric (ext 670) and
told him about our group, and so on. He had used the 99.99
unit but not the $69.99, but said he would at first opportunity.
REPLACEMENT NEEDLE COST (This is what can wear out)
The 69.99 needle can be replaced for $1.35, The 99.99 gun
the replacement needle is $2.73.
(Sorry but I have to mention that my US made gun that cost me
about $200 wanted some $40 or more for the needle ALONE)
VARIABLE AIR PRESSURE:
The 99.99 unit has variable air pressure from 2-5PSI whereas the
69.99 unit is fixed at about 5PSI.
HOSE LENGTH:
69.99 : 15 Foot
99.99 : 5Foot BUT the99.99 unit comes with a strap and
seems to weigh in at only $5.00..... soooo
MISC:
Both units are by Central Pneumatic, made in Taiwan, and
labeled as Chicago Tool (per Eric, this I know first hand on
the 69.99 unit)
The 99.99 gun comes with some attachments for blowing up
balls, air mattresses and whatever. (So you can recoup
the extra $30.00 by sleeping in the studio and working more
hours)
All and all, Beverly, I suspect that the gun will be the weak
point of the cheaper unit but that both will last a respectable
amount of time. The bad thing about wear is that it is gradual
so that you can have weeks of problems before you order the
replacement part. I think I would order one or two needles
WITH either gun if I thought I was going to use the unit
extensively.
Strangely, the brass needle just might be better because as a soft
medal it will wear out without wearning the mating parts which
are basically the whole gun housing. (On the other hand perhaps
I can order the 99.99 unit gun for my 69.99 unit??)
The adjustable air pressure could be worth a lot to somebody
but not to me because I'm going to always be at the thick end
of the viscosity scale.
So given that I like gray , would rather not carry the gun, and
don't mind plastic if used properly, and I don't need a basket ball inflator,
I think the lower cost unit with one spare needle would be my
choice. (But there is, for replacement parts, according to Eric no
extra handling costs?!).
Hope this helps. Please share with us what you learn.
Best,
george koller, sturgeon bay - door county
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