My FLG-3 primer gun finally gave up it's ghost. Tie for a new one. I don't need the most expensive, but I want a high quality one. The choices today, are so confusing! I watched the "Gunman" and his recommendations, and the FLG-5 seems to fit my budget and quality requirements, but then I read that the GPG has replaced it? And the choices for picking a GPG are even more confusing, with the different air caps, besides the choice of sizes (1.8, 2.0, 3.0??)
I've been switching over to Tamco's DTM hi-build primer, which is pretty darn thick. Used to use HOK's KP-2 and the FLG-3 was perfect for that, with a 1.8 tip. But maybe not big enough for the Tamco primer.
Any suggestions? Iwata Gunsa? FLG-5, IF I can get one? GPG, what size, and cap?

I bought the Air Gunsa HTE 2 ( Mine has the 2.0 tip) and am very pleased with it.
29 PSI and 8 CFM with a 13" fan

They have the same thing in HVLP but it requires 30 PSI and 12 CFM.

AZ3 HTE $130 plus shipping - I had great luck with these guys

I think that mine is a 2.0

https://spraygunsdirect.co.uk/product/i ... rrency=USD

AZ3 HTE2
Pros
Simple but effective
Does not need seals in front part of gun
Good size, comfortable to use, not heavy
Good fan at 300mm
Low/moderate air consumption at 205 l/min
Near indestructible
Excellent air breather in cap - never drips
Super easy to clean and maintain
Great pricing
Is available in up to 3.5mm

Cons
Parts are expensive - cheaper to buy a new gun
Akulon cup is a bit hard to keep clean
Atomisation is good but not superfine. Improves with a bit more pressure.
Can be a little temperamental if not cleaned thoroughly
No retainer for aircap in retaining ring - not a deal breaker, but sometimes annoying when it falls out
Sprayguns Direct only seem to have up to 2.0mm



Devilbiss GPG
Pros
Devilbiss quality
Excellent parts availability
Light and comfortable to use
Good fan at 300mm
Excellent atomisation
Moderate air use at 340 l/min
Available in up to 2.5mm
Good value when compared to the Pro Lite (which it is, just without the nice colours)
Huge range of aircaps, fluid tips and needles to suit almost any application

Cons
Slightly complex design needs seal behind air spreader
Not difficult but not the easiest gun to clean
Like all Devilbiss guns can get a build-up inside the paint inlet - just keep it clean
A bit more expensive than the AZ3



Recommendations

AZ3 HTE2 - with 1.8mm or 2.0mm setup will make an excellent primer gun or with 2.5mm tip for spray bog. With 1.3mm tip is more than acceptable as everyday base/clear gun (but not in the Devilbiss GPG with 7E7 league).

Devilbiss GPG - with 1.8mm or 2.0mm tip and PR10 aircap - for when you want super smooth primer application or non-sanding primer/sealer. With 1.2mm, 1.3mm or 1.4mm tips and 7E7 aircap is near as good as it gets for base, 2K DG and clear.

Steer clear of HVLP in both guns. In the AZ3 it's like throwing spoonfuls of paint at the panel.

Value for money? The AZ3 HTE2 is a clear winner.
Best gun (regardless of price)? The GPG wins.

Thanks guys! And Chris, that's exactly the information I need to make an informed decision! I don't mind spending a bit more for better quality, so GPG it is! And I'm already familiar with Devilbiss construction, so cleaning isn't a problem.
You guys are the best!

Chop
I am curious whats wrong with the FLG-3 ?

I have same gun I had a problem with mine witch found me wanting to throw it out throw on floor jump up and down on it never did.....

I cleaned it and resealed it repeatedly with all new seals and it still sprayed stupid.
I stopped and inspected fluid tip air cap and needle CLOSELY under strong magnification turned out their was a TINY speck of Paint stuck to the needle on the very tip screwing up the spray pattern.

Mind you I had soaked the parts in LAQ thinner overnight many times spot remained It was only after scrubbing the needle tip with red scotch bright that corrected it.
Works great to this day.

Dennis, I've had the gun for over 20 years, using it quite often, as it is my only primer gun. It's got several issues, so replacing it with a new 200$+ gun is worth it! The needle sticks a lot, even after readjusting the packing, and lubing it. Drops of primer on a surface can be problems! The cap is getting hard to get the threads started, putting it on. Probably just rough treatment, as I let a couple of my guys use it. I have 2 friends who come in on weekends to either help me, or play with their own cars. They are pretty rough on my equipment. I won't let them touch a "real" paint gun, though! Couple other small issues that are more annoying, than reap problems, too.
I'm sure it's serviceable with some TLC, but I can't spend a whole day, AND cost of a rebuild kit, cleaning solvents, fooling around with it!

Chop
I get what your saying just wondered if it was a weird spray pattern.

I too am looking at stepping up my guns. At least Clear guns I like my FLG 670 but I think the newer Sata & Iwata have my attention right now.

I am leaning toward the compliant Iwata super nova as it is faster than the same in a HVLP but slower than the Iwata HVLP. so I have heard. I like to go fast BUT I want to try playing with Candies and I think a little slower gun could be a benefit what do you think?

Dennis, I use an Iwata LPH-400 gun, not sure what specific model, for clearcoat, and for candies. Puts out a much better pattern, and atomization than the Sata Digital, I relegated to base coat duties. I'm usually a fast sprayer, probably due to the amount of paint a Sata puts out. But doing Candy, I slow it down a bit to more of a medium speed. Too slow, and you get a bit shaky, medium is just right to keep steady, and not wear yourself out with the quantity of passes, all having to be very precise, you do with a Candy job.
Don't forget to report back when you give it a try!

chopolds wrote:Dennis, I use an Iwata LPH-400 gun, not sure what specific model, for clearcoat, and for candies. Puts out a much better pattern, and atomization than the Sata Digital, I relegated to base coat duties. I'm usually a fast sprayer, probably due to the amount of paint a Sata puts out. But doing Candy, I slow it down a bit to more of a medium speed. Too slow, and you get a bit shaky, medium is just right to keep steady, and not wear yourself out with the quantity of passes, all having to be very precise, you do with a Candy job.
Don't forget to report back when you give it a try!

Oh well I am still in the study phase much like you did when I get the right gun I will give it a try right now I am still on fence, I know full well I will get a Blotchy effect with the gun I have its just too fast to walk the side of a Big car with it at least for me.