Tools For Cabinetmaking

Put down the brush and start spraying on your finishes!  Here’s my take on HVLP spray systems. There are many well known and reputable companies that produce high quality HVLP Spray Equipment that will produce a fine cabinet grade finish on your projects.

One of the tools for cabinetmaking I realized was essential, if I wanted my projects to standout, was a quality finish that looked professional. Back in the mid ninety’s when High Volume Low Pressure systems were starting to be used more regularly by small cabinet shops I decided to make the switch from high pressure conventional spray to HVLP. At the same time, I also chose to switch to waterborne

Fuji Industrial Spray Equipment

lacquers, stains, and paints. Today I have both HVLP and Air-Assisted-Airless spray systems. I use the HVLP primarily to apply paints and stains and the Air Assist for my clear waterborne top coats. However, the HVLP system can be used for all finishing applications provided you use the proper fluid, needle, and tip combination’s.

The HVLP systems, because of their reduced waste and softer spray, are becoming the most popular spray system on the market for small cabinet shops. Choosing your HVLP spray system is pretty straight forward. Basically you have three choices: (1) Suction Feed, (2)Gravity Feed, or (3) Pressure Pot. Your decision will come down to cost and if you need portability. Turbine supplied guns are easily portable because the whole unit is small and fairly light. This would be an ideal setup if you need to spray on the job or have limited space available. The system costs a little less then a compressor and gun.

If you already have an air compressor a combination compressor/HVLP gun may be the way to go. For larger volume output I would suggest that you use a separate pressure pot which is pressurized by an air compressor.The advantage of this is having several gallons of material available so you won’t have to change or refill your cup gun as much. Another thing about using a pressure pot

Apollo 1025 4-Stage HVLP Turbine System

is that you eliminate the weight of the fluid cup as you spray and the possibility of hitting a surface by accident with the cup. Prolonged spraying causes fatigue as well. This configuration also allows you to get into those tight corners and inside of cabinets better. There is one drawback, however, and that’s cleaning. If you only spray one or two objects every day or so this may not be economical. You will have to clean the hose out and disassemble the gun for complete cleaning.

Gravity feed requires less air because the cup does not need to be pressurized. Car finisher’s prefer this type because, they say, it produces less over-spray. I don’t think there’s a difference.

Brand choice. Today there are more than a dozen excellent choices. The key feature you look for is quality of atomization. This comes with a price. The better gun systems like those from Fuji , Turbinaire, or Campbell Hausfeld are quality HVLP systems and should be considered when making a final decision. These manufacturer’s provide good tech support and parts availability.

Spray Booth. Even though these HVLP systems produce much smaller amounts of over-spray, but, your doing significant amounts of finishing and you want good results you must consider the necessity of a spray booth or a separate well lite and clean spray area.  What ever stage of finishing your at a finishing area is a must. I recommend you research spray booths and decide what best fits your needs.

Having the equipment is only the beginning. Developing the skills and techniques of finishing takes patience, practice, and study. Join woodworking forums. Read articles from wood magazines related to wood finishing and problem solving methods. Best of luck to you as you venture further into cabinetmaking.