New Base/Clear gun recommendations for the DIYers in the $200-$400 range

Well not sure if my opinion is worth allot because of my limited experience but when I painted my chopper in 2005 I went out and bought the Devilbiss GFG-670. It sprayed as good as I could ever have hoped for, my universal clear layer down so well that I honestly only partially buffed a few pieces on the bike.
I used HOK candy bases and everything was very even, and this was all done in my garage, I am sure their are better guns but for 300.00 I could not be happier

http://www.amazon.com/DeVilbiss-GFG670-Efficiency-Gravity-Spray/dp/B0002SQYB4
 
I'm about to buy the Tekna ProLite to use for base and clear. #703567 which includes1.2/1.3/1.4 and air caps TE10 (High efficiency 9CFM), and TE20 (HE 12CFM). I will be spraying in a home made booth with a 60 gallon 17 cfm compressor. Their matrix shows air caps based on humidity, wet to dry coat, and droplet size. I will be spraying in summer 85-95 degrees, and fairly dry climate. Check out the brochure link at this page:
http://www.autorefinishdevilbiss.co...ite-premium-spray-gun.aspx#1172283-literature

I will be spraying a few different projects. One will be SPI black base, and UV clear. Another will be silver metallic with UV clear. Just want to make sure this is the model I should get, and not the one with the HVLP30 cap. It looks like the Tekna copper also uses the HE caps.
 
I bought a Tekna Pro, the difference with the prolite is just the handle shape. I paid 450 Can. I bought it because I had a chance to try it when they first came out. It's a great gun, good price, and it comes with 2 air caps, 3 nozzles and a digital regulator. It came uncupped, it was that part number my jobber had in special. I love the feel of it, cleans easily and wouldn't be scared to compare it to the other big name guns. Nice wide fan.
 
its not the gun, its the painter. You can spray a nice basecoat with the 3M accspray 16570 and the fan is really nice and 12" wide, atomizing clear is a bit lax, but dumping primer and basecoat they do a beauty job for a little money, take off the air cap and put a new one on when it sprays funny.

We got a tekna and was not impressed unless you are *not following the specs and thinning your clear. Found a 20 year old SATA that someone took real good care of too.
 
A well taken care of used Sata will out perform any of these cheaper guns. Heck on Ebay there is a seller in Europe that will sell you a brand new unopened Sata 5000 RP for around $425.00 + $45 shipping. (or a HVLP if you prefer) Get a Sata Aluminum cup for 85.00 and you have the best Clearcoat gun available. Even if you are just gonna use it for one or two things, you can turn around and Ebay it when you are doe and probably come close to getting your money back.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/PAINT-SPRAY...NG-BODY-CAR-/251796640723?hash=item3aa03fd3d3
 
I use a Tekna Copper 1.3 for base and sealer, and for base it works better than any of my Iwatas did, no matter the air cap. I can't explain why that is. But for clear, it's my trusty LPH400, but cranked up to a pressure I probably ought not mention in public, haha.
 
crashtech said:
I use a Tekna Copper 1.3 for base and sealer, and for base it works better than any of my Iwatas did, no matter the air cap. I can't explain why that is. But for clear, it's my trusty LPH400, but cranked up to a pressure I probably ought not mention in public, haha.
I just got a hold of the new Tekna base coat gun.
Got the uncupped kit with 1.2 and 1.3 needle and nozzles. Comes with the HV20 air cap. Sprays a bit on the course side and I used the 1.2 for a finer finish and easier blending.

Sprayed a Dodge Ram PS2 silver and didn't have to fight any mottling or stripping, it's a dedicated base gun so I won't even bother spraying clear with it.

Highly recommended for metallics.
 
Tekna pro-lite here for base only and I like it. 1.3 with TE20 air cap. It also shoots base better than my Iwatas.

Shot UV clear through it once and it didn't do well. Needs a 1.4 or maybe 1.5. Never tried to dial it in as I know my Iwatas for clear and their wasn't a need to experiment other than curiosity.
 
I can't justify 2 guns, only buying one for now. Both ProLite's come with a 1.4. Sounds like the 1.3 / TE20 cap will likely be what I would use for base. But, how about the HVLP30 or the TE10. When/what would those be used for? Which of the 3 air caps would be better suited for clear?
 
MX442;n82553 said:
I can't justify 2 guns, only buying one for now. Both ProLite's come with a 1.4. Sounds like the 1.3 / TE20 cap will likely be what I would use for base. But, how about the HVLP30 or the TE10. When/what would those be used for? Which of the 3 air caps would be better suited for clear?

I've read on a different forum that the HVLP30 works great for basecoat, supposedly saves material as well.

I know a painter that uses the Tekna with the TE20 and gets good finishes with the 5100-1 clear. A bit on the wavy side of things but perfect for collision work.

Most of the shops I deal with is either SATA or Iwata for clear guns. Three other painters get great results with the older Devilbiss GTI gun, the chrome looking ones.
 
I still maintain a brand new factory sealed Sata 5000 RP for $470.00 shipped is a killer deal. The 5000 series Sata's are amazing guns.
 
Chris_Hamilton;n82558 said:
I still maintain a brand new factory sealed Sata 5000 RP for $470.00 shipped is a killer deal. The 5000 series Sata's are amazing guns.

I was following the other threads on this gun. It sounded like it may be too much for a novice. How well does it do on base? Or is it a clear only gun?
 
You can use it for base although it's a bit of a hoser. The link I posted earlier, the seller also offers the 5000 HVLP for the same price. You could also find a nice used SATA on ebay something like a Sata 4000HVLP, terrific base gun. Once you are finished you could always Ebay the guns and probably get very close to what you had in them. If I was a hobbyist/home restorer looking for a gun I would get the best basecoat gun I could afford and shoot my clear with one of these cheaper guns seeing how you are probably gonna cut and buff anyways.

Oh and the SATA's for $470? They will run you $700+ here in the US. Current issue of AutoBody Toolmart's catalog list them for $713.99.
 
I am trying to be a DIY and maybe only for this one project. My compressor is a 5hp, 60 gallon. I do not think it could keep up with the CFM requirements of many of the guns being discussed in this thread. For that reason I purchased the Eastwood Concurs gun with three tips. It is advertised to operate on less CFM and my air setup can keep up with it.

I probably would have gone with another gun if I was set up better air wise. I have gotten quite a bit better with laying done a decent coat of paint. Of course I love and use SPI epoxy primer. Everything has been taken to bare metal and built up from there. I also appreciate the help forum members have given me. When I use the techniques offered things usually turn out well.

Charlie D.
 
Chris_Hamilton;n82568 said:
You can use it for base although it's a bit of a hoser. The link I posted earlier, the seller also offers the 5000 HVLP for the same price. You could also find a nice used SATA on ebay something like a Sata 4000HVLP, terrific base gun. Once you are finished you could always Ebay the guns and probably get very close to what you had in them. If I was a hobbyist/home restorer looking for a gun I would get the best basecoat gun I could afford and shoot my clear with one of these cheaper guns seeing how you are probably gonna cut and buff anyways.

Oh and the SATA's for $470? They will run you $700+ here in the US. Current issue of AutoBody Toolmart's catalog list them for $713.99.

Chris, I respect your opinion on the Sata. I think it is a good deal. But, I don't think I'm ready for it. What's the difference between RP and HVLP? Like you said, I'm leaning towards a good base gun and cut/buff clear. For under $400, the Tekna fits the bill. Later I may upgrade to the 5000RP or Iwata for clear, and stay with the Tekna for base.
 
SATA makes the best base guns around IMO.Only thing that even comes close are the Anest-Iwatas. Any of the HVLP models are awesome for basecoat. The difference in the RP and HVLP is the RP stands for reduced pressure. It's not an HVLP gun but still legal in regulated areas. It's a great gun for Clear. The HVLP's work better for Basecoat. They will shoot any color any metallic etc. I would spend the money to get a good basecoat gun and then shoot my clear with a cheaper gun. You can always cut and buff the clear.

Like I said earlier shop around for a good used one (ebay) and you can have SATA quality for what a cheaper gun would cost. It's very possible to find barely used guns on Ebay for a good deal. Sata 2000, Sata 3000, Sata 4000, any of the HVLP would be great basecoat guns 1.3 or 1.4 nozzle and tip. I can only speak for the Sata 2000 RP's and the Sata 5000 RP's as to how they shoot clear. Both are excellent. The 2000RP was my favorite clear gun until I got a 5000RP which is an absolutely amazing gun. The best gun for clear I've ever used.
 
Chris, no disrespect. I can see that you are passionate about SATA. This is beginning to sound like a Ford vs Chevy debate. lol.
 
SATAs let you move faster and are probably better for all-over jobs, not only that but they produce an excellent finish at that rapid pace. They are definitely the high end. The knock against them is not only the initial price but also the price of repair parts. But the reason this thread exists is that some guys are just not gonna pay the price for a SATA.

If I was a guy just painting one car, I'd probably try to find a Tekna Prolite or Copper but in a 1.4, choking it down a bit for base and opening it up for clear. The Iwatas have proven too temperamental for certain base colors to recommend as an all-around gun, imo, but they are excellent guns for clear, single stage, and solid color bases. Just my 2c.
 
None taken.:) I'm just trying to convey the fact that they are superior to almost everything out there.Worth spending a little more.
 
Joe 73;n71998 said:
If I remember correctly there are three tekna models. The pro-lite, easy clean, both of which are black in color and the copper which is copper in color.


consider i want to spray base metallics and the SPI UV high solids clear with just one gun

my eye is on the Tekna Pro lite with two options to choose from. I need help on which version to choose. both versions are uncupped at summit for only $383.97 free shipping

TEKNA® ProLite Uncupped Gun 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 tip High efficiency caps of TE10 and TE20 (703567) OR

TEKNA® ProLite Uncupped Gun 1.3 & 1.4 tips, TE20 cap (High efficiency cap) & HV30 cap (HVLP CAP) 703517

should i go with the TE10 and TE20 caps or go with the TE20 and HV30 HVLP caps combo?
 
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