Fuji, Apollo, Graco, or Titan

[mreza Salav]

I'm still considering different options for a HVLP spray system (to spray water based stains/lacquer for woodworking projects). i don't plan to spray paint
but if I can do so with a sprayer that's a bonus. I have narrowed down my search to the following:

- Fuji MM4 (which is a 4 stage turbine)
- Apollo 1035 (which is a 4-stage turbine)
- Graco FinishPro 9.5 which is a 5-stage turbine: http://www.graco.com/us/en/products/contractor/finishpro-hvlp-sprayers.html
- Titan Canspray 105 (which is a 5-stage turbine); http://www.titantool.com/portal/us_capspray_105_en_titantool,,,352518.html
Canspray 95 model is a 4-stage http://www.titantool.com/portal/us_capspray_95_en_titantool,,,352511.html
and 115 is a 6-stage http://www.titantool.com/portal/us_capspray_115_en_titantool,,,352512.html

I have read good reviews for Fuji and Apollo but cannot find much about the later two. They are a little more expensive but then they are 5 (or 6) stage and
come with more tips included in the package.

Is anybody familiar with Titan or Graco models? I can get all (except Apollo) locally. I will most likely buy a system within the next month as I want to
use it for the project I am working on.

TIA

[Chris Fournier]

I have an Apollo three stage (plenty for a one man shop, four stage is overkill and not necessary unless you're running multiple guns at once) and it has proven to be a work horse capable of anything; of course I ponied up for the pressure pot! Spray set ups are pretty straight forward, big budgets get you good set ups, budget set ups get you limitations. I've never scrimped on spray equipment and I've never been burned, the gear has always earned its keep. And then some. Be sure to purchase a spares and maintenance kit - it will pay dividends.

[Bob Wingard]

Bunches of great choices you are lining up ... I bought a 3 stage APOLLO 800 several years ago, and never regretted it.

They are all basically large vacuum cleaner motors in a fancy box with a nice gun. I bought the APOLLO partly based on the fact that it was the first gun I found that they could make for me that used a turbine or high pressure "conversion", simply depending on which port I used. I imagine they all can probably do that these days ... maybe not ... but, it sure is nice to have the option of using a compressor OR a turbine as an air source. On occasion, the turbine heats the air a bit too much for the material being sprayed, and I can simply cap off the turbine air input, and stick on a standard compressed air line. Not something I use very often at all, but, it's nice to have added options/flexibility.

[mreza Salav]

Thanks for the comments.
On the issue of hot air, I've read one can use a longer hose (which allows air to cool down a little bit). Doesn't that cause a drop in pressure?
I suppose not with those higher PSI units (like 5 or 6-stage) but will that work with a 4-stage, say Fuji MM4? Or is this a non-issue and rarely comes up?

[David Hawxhurst]

i upgraded to the apollo 1035 from an earlex. of the units you've selected i think you would be happy with any of them. you'll need to figure out which fits you needs and still have room to grow into. i would probably go with one that has local tech/parts support. something to be said about being able to go around the corner and get the parts/advice needed to fix a problem. haven't really had a problem with the air getting to warm, i haven't really done any really large projects that require me to be spraying for more than 30 mins or so.

[Geoffrey Frey]

FWIW I have an older 3 stage Fuji that I bought used. I purchased a whip hose and haven't noticed any drop in pressure. There is plenty of air that flows out- even enough to blow the project off after sanding. So I would say its a non issue. JMO.