I did a search on this topic and came up with some past discussions on airless sprayers that help quite a bit.
I’ve got the equivalent of 265 sheets of drywall to spray and roller PVA primer and then finish paint over 3 floors of walls and ceilings. No trim of any type up yet.
Seems the Graco at least .4GPM is popular for residential, and I was looking at the Graco ST for about $700…which seems a bit steep.
So off I go to e-bay, and found a used Spray Tech with a Sherwin Williams logo on the front of it, with a number SW 419. The unit’s specs look good, and from the picture, seems like a pretty well built unit. Current bid is $350…and although the reserve hasn’t been met, this ir more in my price range.
Anyone have any experience with this sprayer?
And what the %*&#! difference is there between a ‘4’ finger gun and a ‘2’ finger gun…except the number of fingers you can use to pull the trigger?
And finally, is it better to go with the piston style gun or diaphram?
Thanks
BruceM
Replies
Not sure about that model no.
Spray Tech is good stuff.
Sher Will very good support.
2 finger vs. 4 finger is just personal preference - comfort.
Do NOT get a diaphram style pump.
I have a Campbell-Hausfield airless - the one where you put the suction tube in a 5 gallon pail. Had it for ten years now and it has held up well. Just some basic maintenance and proper cleaning after using. They can be purchased for less than $400 (and probably less than $300)
The factory sometimes also has reconditioned units which would be even less. I don't use it professionally. But I do apartments and have done a couple of jobs of the size you're looking at, with good results.
If you'd like the model # or factory 800 # just let me know.
Personally, I would used a piston pump for paint, and I still prefer a diaphram pump for lacquer work. My second thought is to be careful on buying a pump on Ebay unless it is a reconditioned pump with a warrenty AND a seller with excellent feedback of similar products. Also make sure the pump will spray with tips up to 19thousanths or, if possible, 21 thousanths. Also, some spray pumps only spray(pressurize) on the up stoke, but most do sray on the up and down stroke. Just make sure you get the latter of the two
If this is a one time use, consider buying a new one(locally) and selling after. You might be able to post it on the board at the dealer you bought it from. When I bought my last pump, I had a warranty/service problem where a part had been seized shut in the factory. Had a new one the next day. Can't do that on Ebay or mailorder/online
Bruce, if you're only spraying the one job, rent a professional quality sprayer. Probably will be a Graco or a Titan. Clean it as they specify ,return it, and forget about it.
BUT, if you figure the job will take you long enough to justify the expense of buying a sprayer (a rental will run you $75 a day), AND/OR you intend to use your sprayer more than once a year or so, by all means, buy one. I did, and for the same reasons.
Here's what you need to know if you buy one: You get what you pay for... First, I'd advise you go to your local PROFESSIONAL paint store and talk to them. Most will have new and USED sprayers for sale. Get their advice on which model will suit your needs. The most basic decent (electric) sprayer will start at about $1000 new. Here's what you are paying for: A good piston pump. Cheap sprayers have cheap pumps. Ask the paint store guys how much they charge to rebuild a pump ( a cheap pump may only spray 50 gallons or so before it fails). Not cost effective.
Bottom line: the cheapest pump I'd buy is a Graco 395 or equivalent. It should spray at least .5 gal/minute. It should handle tip sizes of at least .21. A new one can be found online (if you're diligent) for about 900 clams. They retail for about 1400 at the paint store. Used--unreconditioned--is iffy (how used IS it?). Try Ebay. If you can't afford this, then rent one.
If you buy a cheap sprayer and intend to USE it, you'll be throwing your money in the trash. Cheap sprayers may work for small, once a year jobs, but they're basically disposable units. When they fail, the cost of a rebuild aint worth it. Plus, they usually can't handle the capacity you're after.
Rent a good sprayer for a day. See how they can throw paint. Then go to HD and buy/borrow one of their DIY jobbies. Experience the difference. Then bring the POS back and get a refund.
PS: I chose the Graco 395 Ultra. Got it factory direct from Graco (free shipping). Got the new gun/tip system with it AND they threw in the little onboard computer for free. I paid 900. It's the most expensive tool I've ever bought. It friggin HURT to shell it out. But.. Then I painted an investment house with it. Sprayed 60 gallons or so in about 3 days (primer, ceilings, 4 different wall colors, trim and doors). Fast. Beautiful finish. Easy to clean. Saved me DAYS of time and labor... I LOVE that machine. And that's from a guy who hates to paint. Nuff said.