On Thursday, March 15, 2018 at 9:50:15 AM UTC-5, wrote:
Jeff, here are a few tid-bits I have picked up over the years, small compressors that are working hard are going to give you water drops spitting out at the gun. We have had success using a large desiccant dryer in line and a mini desiccant dryer at the gun, but we're using a large compressor with 50 gallon tank. Keep an eye on the balls.........when your blue balls turn red, stop emediatly and let things cool off.......yes, we're still talking about painting! Never spray dope when it's raining......or you will trap "blush" on the surface and it will never go away. I use a cheap HVLP gun from Home Depot and throw it away after a few jobs. If the gun starts spitting, turn the air pressure down..........these guns want no more than 40 psi. Feel free to email me with any issues, may be able to sort things out.
Have fun,
JJ

Thanks, John. First time I've heard that blue balls is a good thing! ;-)

When you say "dope" are you speaking in generalities? I'm using the Poly-Fiber system, and so are the other folks at TSA who are working on recovering/refurbishing gliders. I may experiment with the Stewart System in the future, as I have an ultralight project ongoing, as well.

Also, the compressor we have in our shop/paint booth is a large volume one (stands vertically about 6 feet tall--is that 50 gallons?) While the line has two filters, there are still moisture issues, based on the finish that the other person who is refurbishing an old glider is getting. When I go to the shop, I regularly open the urge valve at the bottom and let the water spray out.

These issues really have me leaning toward buying an HVLP system. You mentioned that you buy a cheap one and toss it after a few uses, which is kinda the Harbor Freight approach, but I have read that the cheap guns do not have a consistent pattern. Apparently, your experience is different? I'm aware that you've been doing this kind of work for a very long time (you're a legend! I once owned a Libelle you repaired long before I owned it), so I'm not questioning your judgement or skill. I'm willing to spend up to about $500 on a system if it will do a better job for me. In the overall scheme of things, that's pretty cheap. All-in-all, I want to end up with a good looking, durable, long lasting finish, and I'll pay the extra $$ necessary. I like to save money where I can, but often, you get what you pay for.

Sorry, I guess I rambled a bit, but thanks for the info.

Jeff