Had to pick between a $600 spray gun and a $200 one last month

Ended up going with the cheaper Devilbiss model cause I needed cash for a new compressor, figured I'd just deal with orange peel. The gun actually lays down pretty decent with the right tip adjustment but I'm kicking myself for not springing for the Iwata now that I'm spending extra time buffing. Any of you guys used both and think the price difference is actually worth it?

2 comments

2 Comments

alex5241mo ago

Man that brings back memories of when I grabbed a cheap Campbell Hausfeld from a pawn shop for like 50 bucks just to paint my trailer. Worked okay with thick primer but trying to shoot metallic clear through it was a nightmare, ended up with more specs in the finish than a starry night painting. The Devilbiss is probably a solid step up from what I had but still I get that nagging feeling every time you see a run or a dry spot you gotta sand out. Sometimes spending the extra cash upfront saves you a whole lot of elbow grease later on, but then again a compressor eats money too so I can see why you picked what you did.

linda6581mo ago

That thing about "elbow grease later on" - I get where you're coming from, but I've been using a $150 gun for three years now and the finish quality is more about the painter than the tool. Sure, the fancy guns make it easier to avoid problems, but a lot of guys spend big money thinking it'll fix bad prep or technique. I've seen people lay down perfect coats with a Harbor Freight special because they knew exactly how to set the fluid knob and trigger control. The Devilbiss is a solid middle ground, not a mistake. If the OP gets his compressor situation sorted and dials in his settings, he'll probably stop noticing the difference real quick.