Author Topic: Thoughts on an Apollo sprayer (Read 1814 times)

PeterJJames13 · « **on:** August 14, 2019, 08:13 AM »

Hey everyone. I've been wanting an HVLP for a while now.

Woodpeckers currently has a good price on the Apollo Precision 5 sprayers. I know lots of people use Fuji sprayers here and like them. Graco seems to be better with their airless sprayers rather than HVLP.

I'm a "buy once cry once" kind of person. Does anyone have any thoughts on the Apollo? I definitely will get a pressure pot as well for whatever sprayer I buy. Before I pull the trigger, I'd love to hear good, bad, and ugly about these. You all have been doing this MUCH longer than I have and have probably forgotten more than I even know lol.

Thanks in advance for any insight you can provide!

threesixright · « **Reply #1 on:** August 14, 2019, 10:03 AM »

Thoughts (on HVLP)?

PeterJJames13 · « **Reply #2 on:** August 14, 2019, 10:20 AM »

Quote from: threesixright on August 14, 2019, 10:03 AM

Thoughts (on HVLP)?

Thanks for this. I think I get the jist of what he's saying. However my shop, nor does any job site I'm on have a compressor large enough to run a sprayer. I figured an HVLP would help with portability rather than invest in a larger compressor. Unless I'm missing something here? I appreciate the viewpoint though!

tdwilli1 · « **Reply #3 on:** August 14, 2019, 10:32 AM »

This spray gun only requires 3.5 to 3.9 CFM @ 30 PSI. I bought it and it will spray SW premium paint out of a little Bostich compressor. It works great in my CA 10G compressor also. Of course the smaller the compressor the more you have to wait for it to recycle. So if you have bigger jobs that need to get done fast you would need a larger compressor.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008FDMXRW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

PeterJJames13 · « **Reply #4 on:** August 14, 2019, 10:42 AM »

Quote from: tdwilli1 on August 14, 2019, 10:32 AM

This spray gun only requires 3.5 to 3.9 CFM @ 30 PSI. I bought it and it will spray SW premium paint out of a little Bostich compressor. It works great in my CA 10G compressor also. Of course the smaller the compressor the more you have to wait for it to recycle. So if you have bigger jobs that need to get done fast you would need a larger compressor.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008FDMXRW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thanks for this. I'm pretty much sold on an HVLP system for now and am looking for feedback on HVLP systems at this point, rather than alternatives.

JD2720 · « **Reply #5 on:** August 14, 2019, 10:54 AM »

I have been using Apollo HVLP systems for about 27 years. My first Apollo system was an 1100 turbine with 5000 spray guns.
A few years ago, I purchased a 1050VR turbine and 7500 atomizer guns. The only complaint I have had with any of the systems is with the 7500 guns. I spray different types of finishes, but I spray mostly oil base polyurethane. I had problems with finish backing up from the cup up into the cup pressure supply line. This is because the 7500 guns are non bleeder guns. Air only come out of the gun when you pull the tripper. This also turns of the pressure air supply to the cup allowing pressure in the cup & finish to back up into the pressure supply line. They have check valves to prevent this, but they did not work for me. I solved this by relocating the cup pressure supply line to a location to give constant pressure to the cup. No problems since. I have never read about anyone else having this issue, so it may just be the way I am using the guns.

The 7500 guns spray much better than the 5000 guns. I have never wished I had a different system.

jobsworth · « **Reply #6 on:** August 14, 2019, 11:03 AM »

I have a Apollo ECO 4 HVLP. Prior to that I had a Accuspry conversion gun (used with a small 4 gallon compressor) The Accuspray was awesome but they got bought by 3m and they are no longer made and the spare parts are unavailable.

Dont know where you live but if your in So Cal I highly recommend taking the finishing class at Woodrepair products in Orange. They run you through the different types of spray guns and stains and finishes. They specialize in products for staining finishing and repairing furniture.

I took the class and was interested in buying the finish line spray gun. Talking to their finishing guy (who mixes the stains to custom colors and will match existing finishes almost exactly) He recommended the Apollo ECO 4.
He said it will spray 95% of everything they sell. Ive had mine for a couple of years now. I have yet to find something it won't spray with the proper N&N and air cap.
Their gun is a bit tricky as you can only adj spray pattern and fluid amount.

After I got used to the gun, I really do like the system and the gun. It does a excellent job. The way they described the ECO compared to the Precision Apollo turbine (both use the same gun) is the Eco is for the guy who sprays in his home shop and for finishing projects etc. The Precsion is for te finishing shop where one sprays everyday all day. However with the Precsion you can adjust the pressure. I havent found it necessary to do that yet.
I would recommend the ECO 5 which is a 5 stage turbine that will give you all you need. I hae the ECO 4 a 4 stage turbine which as I said up to now I have not found anyting I couldnt spray that I wanted to spray.

Now my jobby caveat ,
I havent used my sprayer for the last few jobs. Ive found I can wipe the stain on and brush the finish on faster on smaller jobs then take the time to set up the sprayer (filtering the finish) and afterwards cleaning up the finish and cleaning the gun etc.
However on larger jobs/projects I like the spraying option.

jobsworth · « **Reply #7 on:** August 14, 2019, 11:06 AM »

@JD2720

I had that issue once. the fluid backed up to where it blocked the nipple on the gun where the tube from the cup to the gun goes. Once I cleaned it got the dried up fluid out cleaned up the opening I havent had the problem again.

PeterJJames13 · « **Reply #8 on:** August 14, 2019, 12:10 PM »

Thanks, @jobsworth ! I appreciate the feedback a LOT! Unfortunately, I couldn't be any further from So Cal - I'm in NY State. I'm fortunate enough to live real close (less than 10 minutes) to Tool Nut which is dangerous, but I don't know of too many finishing shops around here. I'm actually a Benjamin Moore dealer and have a SW store 10 minutes in the other direction (from Tool Nut) from my house. But HVLP systems are hard to find locally.

Tom Gensmer · « **Reply #9 on:** August 14, 2019, 03:00 PM »

You can also check out the Titan Capspray line of HVLP. I recently bought a Capspray 115, which is a 6-stage turbine. Yesterday I used it to shoot a bunch of passage doors with Benjamin Moore Advance latex paint with no issues, just a matter of dialing in the correct tip, material feed and nozzle position.....

PeterJJames13 · « **Reply #10 on:** August 14, 2019, 03:55 PM »

Quote from: Tom Gensmer on August 14, 2019, 03:00 PM

You can also check out the Titan Capspray line of HVLP. I recently bought a Capspray 115, which is a 6-stage turbine. Yesterday I used it to shoot a bunch of passage doors with Benjamin Moore Advance latex paint with no issues, just a matter of dialing in the correct tip, material feed and nozzle position.....

Thanks, Tom! Your posts both here and on the MUf have been really helpful for me. I appreciate all your contributions. I looked at the Titan as well. I just, for some reason, can't get the fact that Wagner owns them out of my head when I think of Titan. It certainly seems to have the most power (on paper, anyway) of what I've been looking at (Fuji, Apollo, Titan).

Tom Gensmer · « **Reply #11 on:** August 15, 2019, 12:21 PM »

Quote from: PeterJJames13 on August 14, 2019, 03:55 PM

Quote from: Tom Gensmer on August 14, 2019, 03:00 PM
You can also check out the Titan Capspray line of HVLP. I recently bought a Capspray 115, which is a 6-stage turbine. Yesterday I used it to shoot a bunch of passage doors with Benjamin Moore Advance latex paint with no issues, just a matter of dialing in the correct tip, material feed and nozzle position.....

Thanks, Tom! Your posts both here and on the MUf have been really helpful for me. I appreciate all your contributions. I looked at the Titan as well. I just, for some reason, can't get the fact that Wagner owns them out of my head when I think of Titan. It certainly seems to have the most power (on paper, anyway) of what I've been looking at (Fuji, Apollo, Titan).

Happy to offer my $0.02

I selected the Titan primarily because I live ~15 minutes away from their headquarters, so service and support are easy, and I had the opportunity to try it out in a local guild meeting and was impressed. I'm sure there are other competitive units out there, but thus far with my limited experience I have had a positive experience with the Titan.

PeterJJames13 · « **Reply #12 on:** August 15, 2019, 01:11 PM »

@JD2720 And @jobsworth Have any of you tried the newer 7700 guns from Apollo? Any feedback? I know @JD2720 didn't have much luck with the 7500 gun, I wonder if the 7700 improved on it.

PeterJJames13 · « **Reply #13 on:** August 15, 2019, 01:16 PM »

Quote from: Tom Gensmer on August 15, 2019, 12:21 PM

Quote from: PeterJJames13 on August 14, 2019, 03:55 PM
Quote from: Tom Gensmer on August 14, 2019, 03:00 PM
You can also check out the Titan Capspray line of HVLP. I recently bought a Capspray 115, which is a 6-stage turbine. Yesterday I used it to shoot a bunch of passage doors with Benjamin Moore Advance latex paint with no issues, just a matter of dialing in the correct tip, material feed and nozzle position.....

Thanks, Tom! Your posts both here and on the MUf have been really helpful for me. I appreciate all your contributions. I looked at the Titan as well. I just, for some reason, can't get the fact that Wagner owns them out of my head when I think of Titan. It certainly seems to have the most power (on paper, anyway) of what I've been looking at (Fuji, Apollo, Titan).

Happy to offer my $0.02 I selected the Titan primarily because I live ~15 minutes away from their headquarters, so service and support are easy, and I had the opportunity to try it out in a local guild meeting and was impressed. I'm sure there are other competitive units out there, but thus far with my limited experience I have had a positive experience with the Titan.

Thanks again Tom. Have you had any issues with the pressure settings on the turbine only being "high" and "low"? Or does it not matter because you can dial in the gun properly?

kcufstoidi · « **Reply #14 on:** August 15, 2019, 06:18 PM »

Ever notice that they keep adding more and more stages to these turbine units (don't care what make) and they still barely perform as well as a mediocre HVLP compressor gun. People try and praise them because they been suckered into the concept. Its a lot of money to spend for questionable performance. My first setup 12 years ago consisted of a Devilbiss Transtech gun and an Omega 8 CFM 20 gallon portable air compressor. This setup was portable and worked great on all but the very large panels spraying WB.

jobsworth · « **Reply #15 on:** August 15, 2019, 07:45 PM »

@PeterJJames13

No I havent tried the 7700. I wonder what the changes were.

Paul G · « **Reply #16 on:** August 16, 2019, 02:20 AM »

I’ve got a 1050vr with whatever gun it came with standard, and I couldn’t be happier with its performance for my needs. I’ve only used it with waterbased products, typically general finishes paints and clears as well as the occasional latex.I’ve not used other brand hvlp’s so can’t compare but I have no regrets.

PeterJJames13 · « **Reply #17 on:** August 16, 2019, 07:27 AM »

Quote from: jobsworth on August 15, 2019, 07:45 PM

@PeterJJames13

No I havent tried the 7700. I wonder what the changes were.

@jobsworth it seems like a lot of marketing went into the new 7700 gun. The only real difference I can see is it can be bleeding or non bleeding vs the 7500 which is non bleeding. This, of course, is from an amateur perspective. I may be missing something.

PeterJJames13 · « **Reply #18 on:** August 16, 2019, 07:32 AM »

Thanks all - I think I'm going to go with the Apollo unit.

It was a toss up between the Capspray 115 and the Apollo, but I read (on the internet so it must be true) that Capsprays tend to lose their max pressure over time, and can also run really warm because of all the pressure it puts out. I really haven't heard anything bad said about the Apollo (which says something in itself).

I'm realistic in my expectations with it as well - not looking to shoot miles of trim or paint fences or houses with it. When the time comes and if I get more jobs calling for that I'll look into the Graco airless models for that. Just like most people won't use plunge cut saws for narrow ripping and still use a tablesaw, it's another tool to have in the coral so to say.

jobsworth · « **Reply #19 on:** August 16, 2019, 12:48 PM »

@PeterJJames13

Which model did you decide to go with?

Just curious

PeterJJames13 · « **Reply #20 on:** August 16, 2019, 03:43 PM »

Quote from: jobsworth on August 16, 2019, 12:48 PM

@PeterJJames13

Which model did you decide to go with?

Just curious

@jobsworth Not ordered yet just because work has been crazy busy the past 24 hours, but this weekend I'll be ordering the Apollo Precision 5 from Woodpeckers. Unless someone has a better source. I'm out of town next week so I'm in no rush to ship it. Looking forward to seeing what it can do though.

ProCarpenterRVA · « **Reply #21 on:** August 16, 2019, 07:05 PM »

I have been using the Apollo 1000 with the 5011 bleeder gun and a Precision 5000 with the 7500 gun. The check valves on the 7500 guns are going to get gummed up but the better you clean the longer they last.

I spray General Finishes High Performance Top Coat using @1.0 to 1.3 tip at about 4.7 psi. Amazing results and low stress.

You'll be glad you ordered the Precision, it's a great piece of equipment.

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

Blues · « **Reply #22 on:** October 15, 2019, 10:13 PM »

It was a long time requirement and i finally decided to get an hvlp. After a lot of research finally decided to get the apollo precision 5 pro limited turbine unit. For marginally more you get a lot more goodies (read 2 needles & nozzle.. measuring cup.. universal cleaning brushes.. etc) so they give you some thing more. What you have now is a great deal.

Very happy with the unit. The fit and finish is awesome. Completely made in the USA..(absolutely support that). I agree when ppl call it the rolls royce of hvlps. The unit itself, the hoses, the 7700 gun, the fittings and attachments.. just top notch. Noting cheap and plastic about anything. Sheer class and a joy to use.

For hvlps more stages means more psi.. which means you can spray thicker coatings undiluted.
This apollo unit will output 10 psi sealed pressure..( which means the hose output@unit is blocked and the bleed port is blocked..) you will also see the least drop in pressure when you pull the trigger. This is because of the internal design of the turbine fins and the closed loop control system that drives the unit. The design of the bleed port and the idle mode protects the unit. For the user this means steady .. warm.. constant good quality air for the gun. The 7700 is one of the most versatile guns in the market and is a precision device. With the right needle nozzle and aircap.. you can spray anything.

Has a 5 yr warranty.
Customer service is just fantastic. You get individual attention. And when you call....no you will not get a machine .. ..a human will pick up the phone..( usually its Sally.. and she is great). I had technical questions and John their ceo called to discuss. Really great service.

For any one on the fence about this unit... you will not go wrong. Just go ahead and get this unit. It might seem expensive.. but it's fantastic quality.. and you are encouraging a US small business manufacturer.
happy to help with any questions.. if you message me. Also can provide the cheapest source.

PeterJJames13 · « **Reply #23 on:** October 16, 2019, 10:10 AM »

@Blues - what size nozzles and caps do you recommend to get started shooting waterborne? I had a senior moment and forgot to get larger tips - looking for an assortment, really. Feel free to PM me if that's easier. And I couldn't agree more - Sally @ Apollo is really nice. Thanks.

Blues · « **Reply #24 on:** October 16, 2019, 10:46 PM »

Hi Peter,
The 1.0 needle nozzle and b cap comes standard with the 7700.
If you want any other size you can request it. If you get the pro le unit then you will get the 1.0 needle, nozzle and b cap. You get an additional 1.3 needle and nozzle and 1.5 needle and nozzle with other goodies.

Unless your want to spray latex.. this should hold you good for most woodworking stuff including waterborne. Shooting with a smaller nozzle and higher psi will produce a better finish.

But if you want to spray latex.. then get the contractor set A7549.. it would give you 1.8 needle and nozzle and 2.5 needle and nozzle with d cap. With a5 stage turbine you can spray literally anything.
Hope this helps.

PeterJJames13 · « **Reply #25 on:** October 22, 2019, 11:58 AM »

@Blues - thanks for the info! And my apologies - somehow I missed your message. I just replied a few minutes ago. I definitely need to pick up the A7549 along with the 1.3 and 1.5 needle later this month!