This document is an owner's manual for an H.V.L.P. (High Volume Low Pressure) Gravity Feed Spray Gun, Stock Number M707, manufactured by Performance Tool®. It provides essential information for safe operation, technical specifications, usage instructions, and maintenance.
Function Description:
The H.V.L.P. Gravity Feed Spray Gun is designed for applying paints, lacquers, thinners, and base coats. Its gravity feed system utilizes a cup mounted on top, allowing gravity to assist in feeding the material to the nozzle. The HVLP technology ensures efficient material transfer with less overspray, making it suitable for various painting applications. The gun features adjustable controls for air pressure, spray pattern, and fluid volume, allowing users to fine-tune the spray for optimal results across different materials and conditions.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Air Pressure: 15 - 45 P.S.I.
- Average Air Consumption (CFM): 7-9
- Spray Pattern: 3-7 inches
- Spray Head & Needle Sizes: 1.3, 1.5 & 1.7 MM (indicating versatility for different material viscosities)
- Cup Capacity: 1000 ml (1 liter)
- Fluid Inlet (NPS): 3/8 inch
- Air Inlet (NPS): 1/4 inch
- Hose Size (ID): 3/8 inch
Usage Features:
The manual emphasizes several key usage features to ensure effective and safe operation:
- Work Area Preparation: Users are instructed to keep the work area clean, well-lighted, and free from obstructions. It's crucial to avoid damp or wet locations and the presence of flammable gases or liquids. Children must be kept away from the work area.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): All persons in the work area must wear approved eye and ear protection and approved breathing apparatus when the spray gun is in operation.
- Material Compatibility: The gun is suitable for paints, lacquers, thinners, and base coats. It is explicitly stated that latex or other heavy paints are not recommended. A critical warning highlights that solvents like 1,1,1-Trichloroethane and Methylene Chloride can chemically react with aluminum, creating an explosion hazard, and should NEVER be used. Users must check material labels and data sheets.
- Air Source Connection: The spray gun should be connected to a clean air source. The use of an in-line air filter is highly recommended to prevent contaminants from entering the gun. Quick couplers should not be installed directly on the tool to avoid premature wear on air inlet threads; instead, they should be installed on a short length of air hose.
- Adjustments:
- Inlet Air Pressure Regulation: The inlet air pressure is adjusted using the Pressure Regulator Control Knob, which must be pulled out to unlock and pushed back in to lock. Recommended starting pressure is 20-30 P.S.I., with adjustments possible based on material and environmental factors.
- Air and Fluid Volume Controls: These two controls work in conjunction to adjust the air/fluid (paint) ratio. The Air Volume Control Knob adjusts air volume, while the Fluid Volume Control Knob adjusts fluid volume. Turning the knobs in decreases volume, and turning them out increases volume. A lock nut secures the fluid volume adjustment.
- Spray Pattern Controls: The Pattern Control Knob adjusts the spray shape from a round to a flat pattern. Turning the knob in creates a round pattern, while turning it out flattens it. The Air Nozzle can be rotated to orient the flat or semi-round spray pattern horizontally or vertically. The pattern is perpendicular to the "ears" on the nozzle.
- Safety Precautions: Never aim the spray gun at anyone. Avoid spraying near sparks, open flames, lit cigarettes, pilot lights, or space heaters. Smoking is prohibited in the work area. The gun must always be disconnected from the air source before disassembly. Users are advised not to operate the tool while tired or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Storage: Idle equipment should be stored in a dry, locked location out of reach of children and untrained persons.
Maintenance Features:
Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and performance of the spray gun:
- Cleaning Before First Use: Before initial use, any oils or corrosion-resistant agents applied during shipping must be removed. This involves placing a small amount of appropriate thinner in the paint cup and spraying it through the gun repeatedly, then wiping the exterior, nozzles, and paint cup. For clogged guns, complete disassembly and soaking parts in thinner, followed by cleaning with a wire and brush, is recommended.
- Regular Cleaning: The manual explicitly states, "Warning! Clean gun before and after each use." This prevents material buildup and ensures consistent performance.
- Component Inspection: Regularly inspect the cup filter and replace if worn. Check all fittings and hardware for proper seating and tightness to prevent leaks. Inspect the needle and nozzles for nicks, scratches, or burrs, as these can severely impair performance and require replacement.
- Damaged Parts: Before each use, check for damaged parts, including alignment and binding of moving parts, broken parts, or mounting fixtures. Any damaged part should be repaired or replaced by a qualified technician using original PERFORMANCE TOOLS® replacement parts.
- Troubleshooting: A dedicated troubleshooting section helps diagnose and resolve common issues:
- Half-Moon Shaped Pattern: Usually caused by clogged air holes on the Air Nozzle ears. Solution: Clean holes with wire after soaking in thinner.
- Irregular or Offset Pattern: Can be caused by a dirty or damaged needle tip/fluid nozzle or clogged atomization holes on the Air Nozzle. Solution: Clean or replace the needle/fluid nozzle, or clean the Air Nozzle.
- Spitting: Possible causes include too little material in the cup, a loose fluid nozzle, damaged needle packing, or a dirty/damaged needle & nozzle set. Solutions: Refill cup, tighten nozzle, replace packing, or clean/replace parts.
- Material in cup bubbles or "Boils": Often due to a loose, clogged, or damaged fluid nozzle or air nozzle. Solution: Clean, tighten, or replace the affected components.
- Professional Maintenance: For safety, maintenance should be performed regularly by a qualified technician using original PERFORMANCE TOOLS® replacement parts. Using non-approved parts will void the warranty.
The manual also includes a detailed replacement parts list with corresponding diagrams, stock numbers, descriptions, and quantities, facilitating easy identification and ordering of components. A limited warranty statement outlines the terms for product replacement and repair, emphasizing the importance of sales receipts and proper usage.