Spray Tips and Adjustments for a Kremlin Airmix Gun
January 29, 2009
Question
What size tip should I be using to spray faceframes? I'm shooting CV and using the 10:14 pump. Also, I'm not sure the knobs on the back of the gun are working as well as they should. When I turn the fluid knob to open it just enough to start letting fluid out, it lets a lot out, seemingly more that it should. There isn't much easing into it.
The other knob doesn't seem to be having much, if any effect. I had expected to be able to adjust the width of the fan pattern using the two knobs but haven't really been able to. It is a used gun and clearly hasn't been cared for as well as it should have been. This may be factoring in.
Forum Responses
(Finishing Forum)
From contributor T:
I like a 09-092 tips for most items, but a tip size is always a personal preference. You might like an 06 or maybe a bit narrower. On the MX gun what air-cap do you have? Only the BX16 cap allows for fan pattern adjustment on the MX gun. Other caps are made especially to prevent the feature of fan pattern adjustment. Also check that all the seals on the air cap and nozzle of the gun are intact as a damaged seal will result in no fan pattern adjustment. Lastly check that the air adjuster valve/knob is not bent thus preventing fan pattern adjustment.
The larger lower knob on the back is not a fluid control knob. It is a trigger lock. It should be all the way open for spray or closed for trigger safety. With a 10-14 pump I would start with these settings and then adjust to your product and preference.
Red Knob - 30 to 40 PSI which equals 300 to 400 PSI fluid.
Gray Knob - 8-15 PSI until tail are gone.
Adding more air is not a good thing as it adds to the overspray.
From the original questioner:
I generally use an 06 tip, but was thinking of maybe going smaller as most of the frame members on the faceframes I'm spraying are 1 1/2". I didn't realize the larger knob on the rear of the was a trigger lock. I'll make sure its opened all the way when spraying. I'll need to check which aircap is on the gun. If it is the BX16, I'll look into things further to see why fan pattern isn't adjustable.
From contributor T:
You could try a 06-052 tip for the very narrow width.
From the original questioner:
I may, as I have a tendency to go too heavy with my coatings.
From contributor M:
The best way to adjust the fan is to hold your gun tip real close to a piece of cardboard about 5" away. Give the gun a short burst until drips start running down the cardboard. You should have about a 6" oval with the drips running equal across the whole thing. This should be how your gun is always set. What are your air and fluid settings?
From the original questioner:
I'll try that, but a 6" fan seems too large for what I'm looking to spray.
From contributor P:
I have an MX with the BX16 cap, and the fan adjustment isn't that great a feature. As your gun is used, replacing the seals would be a good idea, as would taking the fan adjustment control apart and cleaning out any crud that has accumulated. It's easy and I do this fairly regularly as I use my gun for a variety of finishes. You may also find that the fluid orifice in the tip is worn, and this will affect the fan width adjustment capabilities. I've never used anything less than a 094 width, so I can't help on a narrower patterns.
From contributor M:
Once you get the spray pattern adjusted for 6" you can narrow it some. You will have to move a little faster because it will build quicker. Did you ever solve the problem you had with the specks?
From the original questioner:
The specks were caused by laying down too thick of a coat. I'm still not clear what they actually are. They must be trapped air, but the really don't look like it. I avoid it by spraying lighter coats, though occasionally I get distracted, lay down too thick a coat and they come back to haunt me. It seems I'm walking too fine a line, though, spraying CV, I'd like to know more clearly what's going on.
