Earlex HV6900 Spray Station- Review
Back in March of 2008, I had a chance to review the Earlex HV5000 Spray Station, and I recently added an update to the review to reflect my current opinion of the unit. You can check that out here: Music to my Earlex
The HV5000 is one of the best bargains out there in HVLP turbine sprayers. Despite the excellent performance of the unit, I did have my questions about motor power, longevity, and overall quality of parts. As someone who used to drag my spraying rig around to job sites, I know the beating these units have to endure. So for those of you who need a little more beef in your turbine, the HV6900 just may fit the bill.
The HV6900 features a 3-stage industrial Ametek motor (5psi), a more durable 13-ft hose (with an optional 30-ft super flex hose), front-loading filters, an improved gun design, and weighs in at under 25 lbs. The turbine itself is exactly what you would expect from a 3-stage unit. You can literally see the power of the airflow in the robustness of the spray pattern. A smooth even fan was achieved with numerous finish types and the unit completely atomized everything I threw at it. Now the one thing I didn’t test was latex paint. Honestly, I never really spray latex so its hard for me to offer an informed opinion. But when I ran some latex through the HV5000 in my previous review, the results seemed decent enough once the paint was thinned. So my assumption would be that with the more powerful 3-stage turbine, latex would be no problem at all.
The gun on the Earlex is very similar to the old model, but features a new hose connector. I am told it was re-tooled for greater longevity but I never really saw a problem with the old one. Regardless, once connected, the hose is secure and doesn’t fall out.
I have sprayed about 5 projects using this system with finishes including lacquer, water-based poly, shellac, and water-based dye. In general, I can safely say that this unit performs every bit as well as my $700 Fuji 3-stage turbine. And the HV6900 retails for $200 less at $499!
So how does it stack up to the other 3-stage turbines on the market? Well, the only unit I have extensive experience with is the Fuji, which I feel is on par with other similar units on the market. And generically-speaking, here are the things your extra money will get you:
- A more durable hose. A rubber hose will generally take a little more of a beating. The HV6900 hose is much improved over the HV5000 and appears to be made of a thicker plastic with a hard rubber coating, but its still not quite as good as a heavy-duty rubber hose. Now there is an optional 30′ super flex hose available for $129. Earlex says this upgraded hose is as strong as a standard rubber hose, with the added benefit of being lighter and more flexible. Pictured below are, from left to right, are hoses from the HV5000, the HV6900, and the Fuji Q3.
- A gun with more settings. The Earlex gun features only two controls: one for fluid and one for fan orientation. On my Fuji gun, I have an additional control for the size of the spray pattern and an air flow valve in the hose itself. I rarely touch either setting so I really don’t miss them on the Earlex.
- A little more psi. The HV6900 is rated at 5 psi, and comparable units (Fuji, Apollo, Campbell Hausfeld) are rated at 5.5 – 6.0 psi.
You’ll need to decide for yourself if the above things are worth the extra money. But if I were in the market for a new 3-stage turbine, I would buy the Earlex HV6900 and spend the extra $200 on things like new tips, cups and maybe even an extra gun.
As with all my reviews, you should always read through the comments section below. Our readers tend to add valuable insights that I either didn’t know about or didn’t think of. After all, I am NOT a professional reviewer. So to really get the full picture on a product, be sure to include these comments in your research.
Using Spray Gun For Small Projects? – Question of the Week
This week’s question comes from Pierre who asks: “In a recent video, you spray paint your clock. This is something I would like to get into. I have everything to do it, but, I wonder…is it worth all the fuss of setting up and cleaning for just three small coats? What’s your procedure?”
And this was my reply: “Hi Pierre, You are right. The cleanup can be a pain. Setup is no big deal though. And I do think its worth it. But if you have doubts, you can always use spray cans on small projects. Its more expensive and a little wasteful, but that’s the trade off for less work. I did two projects in a row so I just kept the finish in the gun and moved on to the next project. But honestly, when you see the results you get from a spray setup, you will agree that it is worth a little extra effort. Loading the gun is simple, you just pour the finish into the can and make sure you are using the right needle/tip size. Clean up consists of putting water into the cut and spraying to clean out the tubes and the chamber (if using water-based finish). Then maybe spray some alcohol though it to further clean it out and get rid of any remaining water. And if any finish dries in the tube, you’ll need to use the cleaning brush to get the gunk out. But that’s about it. Hope that helps.”
Wood Talk Online- Episode 3
Marc mentioned that today is his birthday and tomorrow is Matt’s. 1st email was about HVLP overspray and spray booths. Marc discussed the mess he makes in shop whenever he sprays and gave suggestions for proper ventilation techniques and cautioned against using standard fans with flammable finishes. 2nd email was for Matt about soundproofing his basement shop? Matt suggested placing the shop in a location that would be least likely to transfer sound upstairs. He also mentioned putting soundproof insulation, drywall and accoustic barriers in the floor joists. He also mentioned the use of rubber pads placed under the tools to raise them and eliminate vibrations. Marc then suggests insulation, air spaces and using materials with different densities in order to suppress sound transfer. 2nd part of the email asked for recommendations on CAD programs for design. Marc uses Sketchup. Learning curve is minimal and can be downloaded free at Sketchup.google.com. Marc mentioned a basic SketchUp tutorial he did in The Wood Whisperer Episode 11. He also suggested an instructional DVD from go-2-school.com. Matt said there is a free CAD program at alibre.com.
3rd question was how to get a good finish when routing soft wood edges and what filler to use for repairs? Matt suggested setting the bit for shallow cuts and climb cutting. Matt uses Minwax wood filler for gouges. Marc uses Famowood. Bondo is also a good product which is the same product as Minwax Wood Filler in a different package. 4th question was how to straighten an expensive piece of wood? Marc says he is convinced that when wood wants to curve, that’s the way it wants to go but if you place the board on a morning lawn with the cup facing up, the moisture will soak into the wood and straighten the board out. Once the board is close to flat, bring it in to the shop and sticker and stack it with weights. And if you don’t have a lawn, you can use a spray bottle of water. Marc also says to cut the board down to smaller sizes instead of forcing it into a position it doesn’t want to be in.
5th question was what do you think of the new Sears Carvewright One product? Can be viewed at: carvewright.com. Neither Marc nor Matt see themselves having it in their shop. Looks cool and fun but only if one is into carving. There is a review of it in the Tool review section of Woodcraft magazine this month. Matt discusses his new feature column in Woodcraft magazine where he reviews new websites for woodworkers. Part 2 of 5th question: What are the key power tools both hand and stationary for woodshops. Marc refers folks to The Wood Whisperer Episode 2 “The King and his Castle”. Matt refers them to his podcast episode 3. Marc refers listeners to the Post on The Wood Whisperer “Zero Tools and $1000″. 6th question: How to upgrade a block plane? Matt talks about replacing the irons with new blades. Hock blades vs. blue Japanese steel.
7th question: What options are there to flatten a board when one does not have a jointer or planer? Matt suggests finding a friend with tools! Marc suggests joining local wood working clubs where there is always someone willing to help a friend. Marc refers listeners to TWW The Jointer’s Jumpin episode. Marc describes his Router sled technique. Also be more selective in choosing lumber or having it done at the point of purchase.
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