Affordable HVLP sprayer for novice woodworker

[Matthew Curtis]

Could you all give me some recommendations for a HVLP sprayer for a novice woodworker? I would probably only spray a dozen or two projects a year. It needs to be affordable since I will not be using it on a regular basis.

Thanks

[Tim Johnson]

Do you have a compressor? If so, a lot of folks like the HVLP guns from harbor freight. If you do not have a compressor, you might want to look at the Earlex turbine unit. What finishes do you want to use ? Many great finishes only take a rag and the ability to wipe it on, which for only a few pieces per year, I would personally stick to that method, unless you have the "need" to buy more equipment.

[Nick Mastropietro]

I purchased the Earlex 5000 HVLP system this past October but haven't had a chance to use it yet. I don't have a spray booth and its been too cold to spray outdoors. When purchased I paid $299.99, this place has it on sale now for $269.99. Here's the link check it out it may be just what you need. http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/e...vlpsystem.aspx

You may want to check out this video review;
http://thewoodwhisperer.com/episode-...-to-my-earlex/

[gary butcher]

I was a bit horrified at prices of some of these things and think I'm going to go the airbrush route as my projects are generally small in scale. Still, small compressors are only about $100 so not too bad if you go the pick'n'mix way.

[John Pratt]

+1 on the Earlex 5000. Great unit, easy to use, great results.

[Casey Gooding]

This is a decent place to start.
http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=10469
They also sell the same unit @ Woocraft & HF. So just look for wherever it's cheapest.

[Curt Harms]

Did you see this thread? It talks about the new Milwaukee offering:

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=133451

[Brad Wood]

I've got the Earlex 3000.... one step down from the 5000 already mentioned. I've only used it once, but it seemed pretty good for the price ($130). I have absolutely no spray experience to draw my opinion on

It had good reviews from all the various sites I researched. The one Rockler has is the same exact model Harbor Freight has (visually at least)... both of which seem to get decent reviews.

I'm sure the hard core finishers around here and other places will "poo poo" the 3000 (probably the 5000 too). I don' think they are intended for professional use. I'm a "couple projects a year" sort of hobbyist, so I think it is a good fit.