Earlex SprayStation 5500

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Your Earlex SprayStation

5500 comes equipped with a Viscosity Cup (26), which will help you determine the thickness

of the paint. To test a liquids viscosity, dip the viscosity cup into the material and fill up to the top, lift free and time how

long it takes for the paint to empty the viscosity cup. Stop when the continuous flow ends from the bottom of the cup.

The time determines the material viscosity and the need for the paint to be thinned before being sprayed (Fig.1).

If the paint requires thinning, start with a 10% dilution of the paint. To do this, fill a quart container with the required

paint. The viscosity cup supplied with the unit holds 1/10 of a quart. Block the hole in the viscosity cup and fill up with

the required thinners. Add the thinners to the paint and stir well.

If the paint requires further thinning, dilute the paint by another 5% (5% will be equal to half a viscosity cup) with the

required thinners and measure the viscosity. If the paint is not at its recommended viscosity, repeat the above step.

Follow the manufacturer’s guide for thinning in conjunction with a spray gun. If in doubt please contact the manufacturer

of the paint. The viscosity cup will help you determine the correct thickness of the paint. Paint is “thinned” by adding

the substance which the paint is based upon. If a water-based paint then water is added, if oil-based then mineral

spirit.

As some paints, wood preservatives and other sprayable materials contain particles that have differing qualities, please

ensure that, when filling the paint container of the spray gun, the paint is filtered through either a funnel with a filter on

it or through nylon tights or stockings. This will ensure that no large particles enter the paint container, so preventing

blockages and providing you with trouble-free spraying. Ensure that suitable ear protection, face mask, gloves and

goggles are worn at all times when spraying.

To put the unit together, place the top section with the handle on top of the turbine and secure.

Fill the paint container with the material to be sprayed. Take care not to overfill. Stir well. For a better finish always stir

coating. Use of a paint stirrer/mixer/paddle with a drill is reccommended.

Take the spray gun unit and with the Clamp Lever (22) turned fully anticlockwise, locate the spray gun unit into the

Paint Container (17). Rotate the paint container until the 2 pins locate into the recesses in the Yoke (23). Now turn the

Clamp Lever (22) clockwise to secure the container to the Lid (20). Do not over-tighten.

Place the motor unit onto a clean and level floor space, free from any loose debris, liquids or dust sheets that could

block the motor inlet. Uncoil the Air Hose (29) and attach it to the back of the spray gun and the other end to the Earlex

SprayStation

5500. Uncoil the supply cord from the base of the unit and plug in.

ALWAYS KEEP THE MOTOR UNIT AS FAR AWAY FROM THE SPRAYING AREA AS POSSIBLE TO PREVENT

PAINT CONTAMINATING THE MOTOR. MASK ANY AREA YOU DO NOT WISH TO SPRAY.

Once you have set up and are ready to spray, switch on the unit. No paint will be sprayed from the gun until the spray

gun Trigger (25) is pulled.

Before spraying objects we suggest you spend time practicing on cardboard or newspaper until you have got used to

OPERATION

SPRAY PATTERNS

The gun has 3 different spray patterns – Horizontal, Vertical and Round (Fig.2). The horizontal and vertical spray patterns

are recommended for large surfaces. The round spray is used for small objects or for areas - such as corners – that

are difficult to reach. To change the spray patterns simply rotate Air Cap (2) until it clicks into the positions as shown in

(Fig.2). The overall size of the selected spray pattern can be varied by turning Air Cap Ring (1). When viewed from the

front, rotate it anticlockwise to increase the pattern size, or clockwise to reduce the pattern size (Fig.8).

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Fig.8

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Summary

Operation and Spray Patterns

Spray Pattern Adjustment

Explains how to adjust spray patterns (Horizontal, Vertical, Round) and pattern size using the Air Cap and Air Cap Ring.

Paint Volume and Spraying Technique

Adjusting Paint Volume

Details on how to adjust the paint volume using the Fluid Adjusting Screw for optimal spray output.

Spraying Technique Fundamentals

Guidance on maintaining an even spray by keeping the gun level and using arm movements.

Fluid Tips and Needles for Viscosity

Information on selecting appropriate fluid tips and needles based on material viscosity for best results.

Helpful Spraying Hints

Tips for controlling coat thickness, applying multiple coats, spraying small/large areas, and edge coverage.

Spray Gun Cleaning Instructions

Step-by-step guide for flushing the spray gun with thinners and disassembling for thorough cleaning.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Periodic Maintenance

Instructions for lubricating gland washers and checking gland nut tightness to prevent air leaks.

Turbine Unit Maintenance

Guidance on cleaning the turbine filter element and general cleaning of the unit.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Identifies common issues like paint runs, thin/irregular spray, or no paint, with causes and required actions.

The Earlex SprayStation™ 5500 is a versatile spray system designed for applying various coatings with precision and ease. It features a turbine unit that supplies air to the spray gun, allowing for efficient and consistent paint application.

Function Description

The primary function of the device is to atomize and spray liquid coatings onto surfaces. It utilizes a viscosity cup (26) to help users determine the appropriate thickness of the paint, ensuring optimal spray performance. The system allows for adjustable paint volume and spray patterns, catering to different application needs. The spray gun is equipped with a trigger (25) for controlled paint release and an air cap (2) for pattern adjustment.

Important Technical Specifications

The device includes a viscosity cup (26) for measuring paint thickness. Fluid tip and needle sets are available in various sizes: 0.04" (1.0mm) dia, 0.06" (1.5mm) dia, and 0.10" (2.5mm) dia, to accommodate different paint viscosities. The system operates with an air hose (29) connecting the turbine unit to the spray gun. The turbine unit has a filter (28) (Part No. L0058) to ensure clean air supply.

Usage Features

Viscosity Measurement: The included viscosity cup helps determine if paint needs thinning. Users dip the cup into the material, fill it, lift it, and time how long it takes for the paint to empty. This time indicates the paint's viscosity.
Paint Thinning Guidelines: If thinning is required, users are advised to start with a 10% dilution. The viscosity cup holds 1/10 of a quart, making it easy to measure thinners. Further thinning can be done in 5% increments. Thinning should be done with the substance the paint is based upon (e.g., water for water-based paint, mineral spirit for oil-based paint).
Paint Filtering: For paints, wood preservatives, and other sprayable materials that may contain particles, filtering through a funnel with a filter or nylon tights/stockings is recommended to prevent blockages and ensure trouble-free spraying.
Safety Precautions: Users are advised to wear suitable ear protection, face masks, gloves, and goggles during spraying.
Assembly: The unit is assembled by placing the top section with the handle on top of the turbine. The spray gun unit is located into the paint container (17) and secured with the Clamp Lever (22). The air hose (29) connects the spray gun to the turbine unit.
Paint Volume Adjustment: The paint volume is easily adjustable using the Fluid Adjusting Screw (12). Turning it clockwise reduces paint volume, while turning it anticlockwise increases it.
Spray Patterns: The gun offers three spray patterns: Horizontal, Vertical, and Round (Fig.2). Horizontal and vertical patterns are for large surfaces, while the round pattern is for small objects or hard-to-reach areas. Patterns are changed by rotating the Air Cap (2) until it clicks into position. The overall pattern size can be varied by turning the Air Cap Ring (1) anticlockwise to increase size or clockwise to reduce size (Fig.8).
Spraying Technique:
- Maintain a level spray gun and spray equally from side-to-side or up-or-down to avoid runs.
- Use arm movement rather than wrist movement for even paint distribution.
- Do not tip the spray gun more than a 45° angle when the motor is switched off.
- Control spray gun speed: fast speed for thin coats, slow speed for heavy coats.
- Apply one coat at a time, following manufacturer's drying instructions for multiple coats.
- For small areas, keep the Fluid Adjusting Screw (12) setting low to minimize overspray.
- For large areas, use a criss-cross pattern for maximum coverage. Release the trigger (25) at the end of each spray movement to prevent excessive paint and drips.
- Avoid stopping and starting mid-spray to prevent uneven material application.
- Start spraying just to the side of the area being sprayed to ensure edges are covered.
Troubleshooting: A comprehensive troubleshooting guide is provided for common issues such as paint runs, thin/irregular paint, and no paint being produced, with corresponding causes and actions required.

Maintenance Features

Cleaning After Use: The spray gun must be thoroughly cleaned immediately after each use to prevent paint from drying inside, which can render the gun inoperable and is not covered by warranty.
- Flush out residual paint by removing the paint container (17), pouring out excess paint, wiping the container and lid (20) with thinners, and then spraying clean thinners through the gun until no trace of paint remains.
- Disassemble working parts (Air Cap Ring (1), Air Cap (2), Air Distributor Plate (3), Adjusting Screw (12), Fluid Needle (9), Spring (11), Fluid Tip (4), Fluid Tip Seal (5)) for thorough cleaning.
Lubrication: After cleaning and before re-inserting the needle (9), dip its tip into petroleum jelly to lubricate the Gland Washers (16).
Periodic Maintenance:
- Gland Washers (16): These prevent air leakage. Periodically check the Gland Nut (15) for looseness. Tighten lightly with the special Spanner (27) if necessary, but do not overtighten to avoid wear on the washers.
- Turbine Unit Filter (28): Keep the filter element clean at all times. Disconnect the unit from power, remove the foam material, wash it if necessary, and replace when dry. Replace the filter (Part No. L0058) when needed.
- Turbine Bearings: Sealed and lubricated for life, requiring no maintenance.
- Cleaning Turbine and Hose: Wipe with a damp cloth after use.
- Storage: Coil the hose between the motor housing and hose cover. Wrap the supply cord around the base of the unit and locate the plug in the space at the back.