Newbie spray gun query

[astro_al]

Hi folks, total newbie spraying question here - I bought a crappy gun ages ago and have never used it - I think its 'Am-tech' or 'Am-tool' or something, must have been from machine mart or screwfix or something, instructions disappeared in the workshop move.

Anyway, I wanted to use it the other day, but not having a clue about it, I put some water in the paint tank (underneath the handle) and connected the air, just to see if it would spray water so I could figure out how it works.

Couldn't get a damn drop out of it - air, but no liquid. Is it to do with the viscosity of water, or should I be seeing a nice fine spray out of it?

Where do I start?! help!

Al.

 

[Chipper]

It should spray the corporation pop but try thinners. What size tip setup has it got, and is it a mini-gun or a fullsize job? Bigger one, try 50psi, smaller one 35-40 or so. Unless it's HVLP, wants a lower pressure then, sometimes they have HVLP in big shouty letters on them.

Also you probs have a control on the gun for tamping down pressure, that might be choking it all off. Might find that at the bottom of the handle near the air inlet though it's not always there.

 

[eil]

Check that the little breathing hole is clear in the top of the part you attach the cup to, and of course open the fluid needle. if it still doesn't suck up the water put the gun on the bench and unscrew the pot lift the gun up a bit and place your finger over the nozzle and give it a quick squeeze you will then have air going down the pick up tube if clear, mind you don't wet yourself then try spraying again.

 

[astro_al]

Thanks, I think its this one - its not, but its similar anyway:
http://www.screwfix.com/prods/39424/Power-Tools/Air-Tools/General-Purpose-Spray-Gun

I tried all psi's as I emptied the compressor tank through it!

It has a plastic tube going down into the tank from the nozzle area which I can't see on the one in the pick - some kind of overflow return or something?

Cheers, Al.

 

[eil]

No thats the paint pick up tube the paint is supposed to be sucked up that tube when you depress the trigger. check the little breathing hole in the black bit on your pic as you will be pulling a vacuum if not and you wont get anything out.

 

[astro_al]

Hmm, there is a central tube going straight down into the bottom of the paint pot - made of metal. There is a curly metal tube, also inside the paint pot that only sticks down an inch or two - presumably to pressurise the pot. Additionally, there is an external plastic pipe with an adjustable screw/valve on the side of the 'head' part which goes back down into the pot.

Cheers, Al.

 

[pedrobedro]

Turn all the knobs out as far as they will go without falling off and then try it. It may just be the trigger stop only opening as far as the first stage which will only allow air through.

 

[Chipper]

Central metal one is the pickup, reaching down near the bottom of the pot. Not sure of the others, but sounds like an elaborate non-spill breather tube. Maybe. If that's closed up it won't be able to squirt anything as air can't get in to replace used paint o'course.
Also as a quick test take the pot off, and poke the pickup tube into thinners or tap juice, it should spray that. Eliminates the breather from enquiries.

 

[jaykay]

that is a anti drip tube.if its pulling air around the needle packing it will not spray.
that anti drip tube should be clear,blow through it.
can you post a closeup pic of this gun???

 

[graffian]

Look at the needle and pull the trigger, you should be able to see how you can be opening the air valve but not moving the needle, then as the trigger comes back a bit more the needle is pulled back. If the needle isn't coming back you need to back the fluid needle out some more.

Take the pot off and put your finger over the fluid tube, you should be able to feel the vacuum.

The other control is fan air, I wind it in then back it off till I have a decent pattern.