Bill Boxer, Sr.Vice President Apollo Sprayers International, Inc
So, here we are at the end of another year and certainly an interesting one at that. The biggest event to me was the celebration of Apollo’s 50th year in business as an independent company designing, innovating, manufacturing and selling HVLP turbospray paint spray systems.
To celebrate 50 years we offered many specials through our distribution network all on the theme of “50”. This month we’ve taken each months individual specials and offered them all through this final month of celebration.
Our other good news this month was the granting of a patent on one of newest turbospray models. More about this in January 2017.
I know you’ve seen me write in the past how I personally enjoy reading the articles our experts write for us. I always learn something. This month I was blown away by a totally different topic by our writer who is an expert Luthier who designs, builds and finishes the musical instruments he creates. Rather than talk about the process of building his musical instruments, he chose to write about his experience of receiving a new HVLP spray system for his workshop. The article came as a surprise as we did not suggest a specific topic. Rather than say more, I’ll let you read this month’s article.
Let me close 2016 by wishing all our readers a very happy, healthy and safe holiday season and new year.
We are celebrating the Grand Finale of
Our Golden Anniversary, the Holidays &
Welcoming 2017.
So we are repeating all the
Special Offers from our 50th Year.
Plus Free Shipping on orders over $100.
CLICK HERE TO FIND OUR DISTRIBUTORS
Featured Article by Luthier Josh Stotler
I have owned and employed many types of spray systems since I started woodworking in 1996. I started off where most novice finishers do, with a rattle can. I then moved up to a compressor system and then on to an HVLP or high volume, low pressure system. I have had great results with the system I had, but knew it was lacking in many different aspects. Recently I became the proud owner of a new Apollo Sprayers Power-3 system and I must say, this is leaps and bounds above any similar system on the market.
I was fortunate enough to be awarded one of the “Best Finish” prizes by Apollo Sprayers at the 2016 San Diego Fair Design in Wood Show. I put my prize money toward a new spray system and was generously upgraded by the great staff at Apollo Sprayers in Vista CA. I came away with a Power-3 HVLP system, and I couldn’t be happier.
As I unboxed the unit, I could tell right away that this was a whole new level of machine, one of which I am not used to (but I’m getting there quickly). The gun came in its own carrying case, which also holds all of the spare parts and wrench. The hose is long and the fittings are easy to use. The motor itself is well made and looks industrial and heavy duty. I’ll get into the specifics of my favorite qualities as we move on.
I am a Luthier and owner of Oak Creek Guitars. A Luthier is someone who makes and repairs guitars and stringed musical instruments. I am a small, one man shop in San Diego, CA. and my wood working is part time, mostly because I like food and want to continue to afford eating, so alas, I must have a real job until the guitars can pay the bills. I have a need for a very high quality finishing machine, but I didn’t necessarily need a machine that needs to hang in there and run all day long every day. I chose the Power-3 system. It is a very durable system with ultra fine spray and flow control, easy to clean and hardy. I tend to be very hard on tools.
I took this system for a test drive the other day and was VERY pleased with its performance. Right out of the box this system was simple to assemble, and I was spraying in about 10 minutes.
The directions are simple and clear and there are easy to follow step-by-step instructions for set up, as well as cleaning and maintenance
I started out with water, to test out the pressure settings as well as the volume andspray pattern adjustments. This gun is powerful! I was impressed with the level of fine tuning I can achieve with the dials on the gun. After I got familiar with the functionality and basics, I loaded up a nitrocellulose lacquer, my preferred finish for guitars. There was little to no change in how this gun applied water to how it handled the thicker Nitrocellulose.
There was no bogging down and the metal screen on the suction tube assured that no grime will be sprayed onto my instruments. Easy control and beautiful application is what this system delivers. I look forward to using this on every project I finish.
There are several little comforts on the Apollo Sprayers that make their systems even more a cut above the rest. Each machine comes with a quick release gun mount on the motor housing, a life saver for anyone who has knocked over their gun while setting up their project.
The easy to remove filters assure the machine is being fed clean air and the hose from the machine to the gun is long, with a section right at he gun that is more playable, for ease of use.
A consistent high quality spray and a quality built system, This is what Apollo Sprayers offer. All in all, this system is truly one of the best tools in my shop. If you are in the market, I would highly recommend an Apollo Sprayer
To see Josh’s guitars, click here.
Questions & Answers
Q: I still need to brush my water-based finishes. Is there a brush that works best?
A: Split end brushes (the technical term is flagged) are best for water-based coatings
It’s good to buy the very best synthetic brush you can find. Nour AquaGlide Plus Nylon Fine Bristle Brushes are hand made and have wooden handles. High quality brushes work best for water based coatings because they won’t shed, they pick up the coating easily and you can clean them. It’s a good idea to start with a brush that has been dipped in water and then shake it out. Work quickly and when you are finished, go away for a while, and when you return the coating will have flattened out. Clean your brush with a brush cleaner and it will last a long time.
Q: I am having trouble getting the sheen I want. It’s always duller than what I expect.
A: The second coat of finish you apply to a project, after you have sanded the first coat smooth, is the most important coat because it provides the depth and sheen. Sometimes you can improve the depth with additional coats, but nothing equals the difference obtained from the first to the second.
Most important in this instruction is that you must sand the first coat smooth to obtain the full effect. If you don’t sand this coat smooth, the roughness will telegraph through the second coat and reduce the depth and lower the sheen.
The surface will also feel rough. A further point to emphasize is that you can’t ever achieve the full effect of a finish with just one coat, no matter how thick you apply it. This rule holds true for all finishes – even oil finishes.
Take a Break and Have Some Fun!
See how many words you can find. Look for words horizontally and vertically. You can print this page, including the puzzle, work offline and then highlight words as you find them.