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air brush and sprayer recommendations

updated sat 28 jan 06

 

Ruth Ballou on thu 15 dec 05


I'm looking to refine my glaze spraying set up while I'm in the US. I have a general use sprayer that does a fairly good job of coverage on the pot (and the fence, driveway and bushes). I'd like something with more control for accent and with less overspray. A standard size container with a standard screw attachment would also be an improvement. I've read the archives and narrowed it down to the Paasche L sprayer, the Paasche 62 Spray gun and/or the Paasch H single action air brush. What's the difference between the L sprayer and the 62 spray pattern? Obviously, the airbrush is going to give the finest control, but do either of the others have any ability to adjust the spray pattern?

Thanks,

Ruth Ballou
Watching something white, cold and wet fall from the sky

Hank Murrow on thu 15 dec 05


On Dec 15, 2005, at 9:43 AM, Ruth Ballou wrote:

> I'm looking to refine my glaze spraying set up while I'm in the US. I
> have a general use sprayer that does a fairly good job of coverage on
> the pot (and the fence, driveway and bushes). I'd like something with
> more control for accent and with less overspray. A standard size
> container with a standard screw attachment would also be an
> improvement. I've read the archives and narrowed it down to the
> Paasche L sprayer, the Paasche 62 Spray gun and/or the Paasch H
> single action air brush. What's the difference between the L sprayer
> and the 62 spray pattern? Obviously, the airbrush is going to give
> the finest control, but do either of the others have any ability to
> adjust the spray pattern?

Dear Ruth;

People say the High Volume Low Pressure sprayers work best for pottery
as they put the glaze on the pot rather than the landscape. The Geil
model has received good press here, as well as the Harbor Freight
model.

Cheers, Hank
www.murrow.biz/hank

Jeremy/Bonnie Hellman on thu 15 dec 05


I have both the Geil (which I only used this summer) and the Harborfreight.
The Harborfreight comes with its own compressor, but mine did not last as
long as I would have liked for my $85 or thereabout. The sprayer nozzle
clogged frequently if the glaze was too thick, and finally it just stopped
working.

Richard Aerni likes an Gilmour sprayer set up for sandblasting, and it has
worked well for me, except that I get a lot of glaze in the landscape, to
use Hank's description.

The Geil, an HVLP sprayer, like the Gilmour sand blaster, needs a separate
compressor. The Geil looks to be an excellent design for glazes, since it is
gravity fed.

I've never used any of the Paasch models.

Bonnie

----- Original Message -----
From: "Hank Murrow"
To:
Sent: Thursday, December 15, 2005 4:05 PM
Subject: Re: Air brush and sprayer recommendations


> On Dec 15, 2005, at 9:43 AM, Ruth Ballou wrote:
>
>> I'm looking to refine my glaze spraying set up while I'm in the US. I
>> have a general use sprayer that does a fairly good job of coverage on
>> the pot (and the fence, driveway and bushes). I'd like something with
>> more control for accent and with less overspray. A standard size
>> container with a standard screw attachment would also be an
>> improvement. I've read the archives and narrowed it down to the
>> Paasche L sprayer, the Paasche 62 Spray gun and/or the Paasch H
>> single action air brush. What's the difference between the L sprayer
>> and the 62 spray pattern? Obviously, the airbrush is going to give
>> the finest control, but do either of the others have any ability to
>> adjust the spray pattern?
>
> Dear Ruth;
>
> People say the High Volume Low Pressure sprayers work best for pottery
> as they put the glaze on the pot rather than the landscape. The Geil
> model has received good press here, as well as the Harbor Freight
> model.
>
> Cheers, Hank
> www.murrow.biz/hank
>
> ______________________________________________________________________________
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
> melpots@pclink.com.

Brenda Funk on thu 26 jan 06


I also am interested in learning to spray. I like the fact that the
"Critter" uses standard Mason jars - any opinions? I have read positive
comments about the Geil, but I haven't been able to find a distributor. The
Geil kiln website lists distributors, but then none of them show the
spraygun on their website (well, I didn't check the ones on the west coast)
and I haven't picked up the phone yet, because I'm not sure if that's what I
want. Can the spray pattern be changed from circular to flat (fan-shaped)?
Is that something I will need? There's also a technique video that's
available from Geil, will that be enough instruction to get me started?
Thanks for any info.

Brenda, in Cleveland



People say the High Volume Low Pressure sprayers work best for pottery as
they put the glaze on the pot rather than the landscape. The Geil model has
received good press here, as well as the Harbor Freight model.

Cheers, Hank
www.murrow.biz/hank

____________________________________________________________________________
__
Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org

You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/

Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.

Dot Burnworth on fri 27 jan 06


Brenda,
Here is a subject I feel justified to respond to...not because I'm an
expert, but because I've gone through intense frustration before
coming to at least a PASSABLE solution...
First--I started with the Critter sprayer, for the same reason you did.
HATED IT. The Mason Jar idea seemed perfect to me. The sprayer was
rotten. (No offense to Critter reps.) Clogged, didn't spray evenly,
didn't have much control. Maybe it was me...but in my opinion, steer
way clear of that one.
I now have a Geil, which I am much happier with. I still don't find
it problem-free, but at least I'm getting my work sprayed!
I bought it straight from Geil. Just called up the number in their ad
in Cer. Monthly and they sent it out. They've been pretty good at
responding to my two tech. help calls, as well. And what I've learned
is: read thoroughly and adhere to the cleaning advice given in their
little brochure that comes with the sprayer. The biggest problem that
I had came from being one of those folks who doesn't read directions
(maybe I have too more testosterone than the average lady potter)
Anyway, after months of not cleaning, the nozzle was cemented on to
the sprayer with glaze build-up. And even my increased testosterone
couldn't help remove it!
But I digress... Yes, you can change from circular to flat spray
patterns. And yes, you might need it. I didn't get the video...maybe
should have...that might have saved me some headache.

Hope that helps.
As I say, I'm no expert, just a newbie sprayer who'd like to save you
from the agony I went through!
--
Dot Burnworth
Sawmill Pottery
www.sawmillpottery.com

Susan Fox Hirschmann on fri 27 jan 06


If you're looking for an airbrush for stains, I highly recommend the
Paasche VL series with the 3 oz bottles--you will have to replace the needle
with a #5, as I think it comes with a #1 needle that is designed for acrylics
and watercolors and will clog with stains. ...of course the stains will have
to be sieved, but my Paasche, with my little Badger compresser, has served me
well for many years.
I also got one incredible Paasche booth made for my new studio, and boy, does
it ever SUCK the airbornes from the place! I still wear a mask and goggles
sometimes, but there is a noticeable difference in how the studio smells and
feels with the airbrush booth in place.
Best of luck with your choice!
Sincerely
Susan
Annandale, VA