I may not have the answer, but I’ll find it.
I may not have the time, but I’ll make it”.

- unknown -

The post #1 in Customer Care! appeared first on Fuji Spray Australia.

A carpenter never leaves home without his hammer/nail gun and his nails. A handy man never leaves home without his tool box. Not only do they carry their necessities, but they also carry spare tools and extras just in case.

Whether you are a hobbyist or in the spray finishing profession you should also have spare parts and accessories on hand.

For some having an extra spray gun is a necessity.  Some prefer two of the same spray gun (2 siphon feed or 2 gravity spray guns).  Others prefer one of each. Whatever your preference, always remember that you should have extra wearable parts for these spray guns on hand at all times.

Wearable Parts:

Fuji Spray’s Cup Parts Kits is the extra accessory you need for any job…big or small. Combining a cup parts kit with a couple of extra “go to” accessories will give you that added comfort of knowing you have all you need in case an issue comes your way.

 Wearable Parts check list:

• Pressure tubes with check valves
• Gaskets
• Diaphragms (For siphon feed spray guns)
• Paint strainers (For siphon feed spray guns)
• Filters for your turbine

#2039 Bottom Feed Cup Parts Kit:

3 each of the pressure tubes, cup gaskets and diaphragms. These are ‘wearable’ parts that you should have on hand.

#2030 400cc Gravity Cup Parts Kit  or #2060 600cc/1000cc  Gravity Cup Parts Kit:  

5 each of the long pressure tubes, including check valves and cup gaskets. These are ‘wearable’ parts that you should have on hand.

Filters:

#5029 Q-Filter – Fits all Q3 & Q4 and newer PRO & GOLD Models.

#4009-2 Mini-Mite Filters – Fits the Mini-Mite, Semi PRO & Hobby PRO turbine cases.

9044-5 Nylon Paint Strainer:

Available in a 5-pack. Fits at the end of the metal fluid tube.

Not everything lasts for a lifetime so always keep in mind that the parts listed above should be periodically cleaned or replaced.

Fuji Fact!

• 90% of spray gun related  issues we deal with on a daily basis is all about maintenance and wearable parts.

Fuji Tips:

• Simple daily maintenance should be done once you have finished spraying for the day.
• A thorough cleaning (dis-assembly and assembly of the spray gun) should be done weekly or when you are ready to store your spray gun for an extended period of time.
• Do an inspection of the pressure tube and check valve. Make sure that there is no material inside that could dry causing an obstruction to the air flow. If necessary, replace this wearable part and ensure that the nipple attachments to the pressure tube are always clean.

Every 5,000km you should bring your car in for an oil change in order for it to perform at its best. Do we ever argue that theory…No! Your spray gun should be treated the same way. Check it periodically!

Your Turn:

What are the “go to” items you never leave behind?

Share your thoughts and questions in the comments section below, and don’t forget to share this post if you found it useful!

Be sure to check us out and Like our Facebook Page

The post Never Leave Home Without It – Wearable Parts! appeared first on Fuji Spray Australia.

There is no quick answer but a thorough cleaning of your system should be done periodically. As mentioned in a previous blog, it’s a good habit to clean your spray system at the end of each work session or project completion. It only takes a few minutes and in the end will ensure that your turbine lasts you a long time. When it comes to the filters, it is also good to clean them after a few uses and especially before you pack the system into storage.

 Clean Filter(s) are a Must!

Clean filters are critical to good performance and turbine durability.

Fuji Spray turbine units are built with a durable metal powder coated case that needs virtually no maintenance. Periodically the turbine filters should be examined to see if they need to be cleaned or replaced.

Dirty filters will reduce the power blown through the motor. Overtime, this may cause the turbine to overheat reducing the life of the motor.

Dirty filters also play a huge role in spray performance and quality.

 Cleaning your filters…

First and foremost, always unplug your Fuji Spray turbine system when cleaning.

Try to use pressurized air to blow out the excess dust and dirt found within them.

Soak the filters in warm water for a few minutes, and then rinse them out in clean water.

Before placing the filters back into the turbine case, please ensure that they are completely dry.

Fuji Tip…Always have a second or third set of extra filters on hand. This will eliminate you having to wait for your filters to dry before completing or starting a new project.

Time for new filters!

If you can’t clean them any longer and the dust and dirt can’t be removed, it’s time to retire the filters and replace them with new ones. Don’t push the issue, remember that good performance is connected to the quality you aim to spray with.

Thank you!

Thank you for your loyalty and for taking time to read this blog. In the spirit of the holiday season, please send us your name, address and turbine system (ex. Mini-Mite 3, Q4, etc) to info@fujispray.com.au and Fuji Spray will send you complimentary filter(s) for your spray system.

Only one per customer please. Offer valid until December 22, 2014. Please use “2014filter” in the subject line.

Your Turn!

What are some of your tips on keeping your Fuji turbine in tip top shape…?

Share your thoughts and questions in the comments section below, and don’t forget to share this post if you found it useful!

Be sure to check us out and Like our Facebook Page

The post Clean Filters = Good Performance! appeared first on Fuji Spray Australia.

Entering is as easy as 1, 2, 3!

In 50 words or less, tell us how you will make your community a better place with a Fuji!

If writing isn’t your thing, send us a short video or a video montage of photos illustrating the difference you want to make in your community.

Rules:

• Entries must be submitted by December 7^th, 2014 at Midnight EST.
• All entries must contain your contact information (full name, address, phone number and email address).
• The judge’s panel will select the 3 top finalists from the entries received. (Judges decision are final).
• Fuji Spray will request a reference (eg. The school co-ordinator where the project will be performed).
• Fuji Spray may contact the reference person at the establishment where you want to make a difference as per your entry. (eg. church, school, park, shelter, community center, nursing home, day care, etc.).
• Winner will be announced on December 15th, 2014.
• When the winner receives their prize of the Mini-Mite 3™ T-70, Fuji Spray expects the winner to complete the task. This is your promise.

Send us your short story or video clip to contest@fujispray.com

Deadline: December 7^th, 2014 at Midnight EST.

Winner will be announced on December 15^th, 2014

The post Win a Mini-Mite 3™ T70! appeared first on Fuji Spray Australia.

In the October 2014 issue of Fine Woodworking magazine © 2014 by the Taunton Press author Teri Masaschi (a finishing pro with 45 years of experience) reviewed 14 different HVLP spray systems available in the United States, with stationary turbines that connect to the spray gun with a hose. The Tool Test required that each spray system be compatible with both water- and solvent based lacquer. The evaluation consisted of the adjustability of the spray gun controls, ease of loading and cleaning, and how comfortable each spray gun handle was to hold while spraying. The Fuji Spray system rose to the top and was awarded with the Authors Best Overall and Authors Best Value stamp!

Best Overall

Fuji Spray Mini-Mite 3™ T-70 Model excelled in the spraying test, the comfort test (easy grip stay cool handle) and the easy adjustability of the spray gun (exclusive side pattern control knob).

Awarded Best Overall, the Mini-Mite 3™ T-70 Model without a doubt was able to produce a superior quality spray, it contained a very comfortable handle and was easy-to-use due to the ergonomic adjustment knobs that adjust the spray pattern very easily and nicely.

Best Value

With all its great features, power, finishing results and overall evaluation it is no surprise the Mini-Mite 3™ T-70 Model would be awarded Best Value! No other system on the market could give you all these bonuses at a price you would be happy to pay!

The Mini-Mite 3™ T-70 Model is the perfect system to spray cabinets, furniture, autos or pianos – in fact, anything wood or metal. A powerful, portable system for all fine-finishing!

Please Click Here to read the entire article “Spray for Less” by www.FineWoodworking.com

The post Best In Class appeared first on Fuji Spray Australia.

Nine out of ten times I write this blog in a very technical way or as an announcement regarding a product, events and upcoming news.

This month’s blog is all about taking trash and making it a treasure…A DIY project I decided to take on personally.

When you think of summer you think of BBQ’s, patios and appreciating the beautiful weather while it lasts. Not to mention enjoying lazy summer days hanging out with family and friends by the pool and on the deck.

Nothing is more rewarding than enjoying the great outdoors on beautiful, comfortable and budget friendly furniture created by you!!!

I first saw this idea posted on Facebook then again on Pinterest and decided to put the idea to the test using a Fuji Spray Q4™ system.

Keep in mind you can use any of the great quality FUJI spray systems to recreate this project.

We chose to use the Q4™ for its powerful 4 stage HVLP Turbine that develops approximately 9psi, allowing for less thinning of paints. Not to mention getting the job done in a quiet environment (residential area) at a quicker pace.

Simple DIY instructions…

This project is pretty straight forward and an easy weekend project for anyone wanting the extra seating at a budget.

1 – Calculate the amount of skids you will need, keeping in mind that you will need to double it for the seating area and then calculate what you need to cover the linear feet for your back rest.

- Now you may ask yourself…where can I get some skids?  Check your local businesses and job sites. Most managers, owners and jobsite project supervisors are throwing these skids out and would be more than happy to have you take them away instead. It never hurts to ask!

2 – Once you have all your skids, lay them out to see what needs to be modified and adjusted so that the seating area is leveled.

3 – Sand any surfaces needing the extra touch.

4 – Begin Spraying!

Be sure to check out our July 17th Blog on “Spray Finishing – Tips for Getting Started”

- Remember to prep your area and to thin your paint anywhere from 15-20%
- You may also want to start with a primer before spraying with paint.
- Most importantly before your start spraying familiarize yourself with your equipment – Know what the knobs and adjustments do on your spray gun while you’re practicing on scrap material so that when the time comes, you’ll be able to adjust appropriately and apply a proper coat.

5 – Assemble! Make sure you adjoin the skids to each other and attach the skids being used as back rest to your seating as well…this allows for the entire unit to be one without any shifting when you sit on it.

6 – Add either custom made outdoor pillows or purchase outdoor pillows/cushions (like I did) from a store and have them modified to fit the desired area.

Tip: Towards the end of July and within the month of August most outdoor pillow/cushions are on sale. Make sure you adjust your seating measurements to accommodate ready-made outdoor seating cushions.

Adding Your Own Personal Touches

I know all about being on a budget and finding the deals, so this project was perfect for us yet stylish at the same time. I grew up surrounded by carpenters and also developed a creative eye for design therefore we modified the initial idea slightly.

We decided to add plywood on top of the seating area for that extra support and also added 4×4 posts as arm rests. When constructing the arm rests, we made sure to sand the edges and top portions before applying a non-textured wood paint so that it’s nice and smooth to the touch. We also wanted to give it a more finished look and framed the bottom with 2×8 boards.

Cost

Most patio furniture sets can cost a few hundred  for a very simple set that may seat 3-4 people to thousands of dollars for an extravagant set.  This project cost us roughly $264 for a 10’ by 6’ seating area (seating for 6-8 people).

The skids were of course free and without calculating the cost of the Fuji System we spent $164 on paint and supplies and $100 on store bought cushions (seating cushions, back rest cushions as well as accent pillows with alterations).

First Timers

I’m not a woodworker or a hobbyist and this is my first time ever working with a HVLP sprayer. When you hear that anyone can feel like a pro with this system… it’s the truth.

As first timers, we made a couple phone calls to the very helpful technical department and also watched several videos online,  each step taking us closer to a very rewarding ending…Turning something Old to into something Beautiful.

Yes there is a learning curve but with the right system and the right help you can turn trash into treasure over a weekend.

Simple, beautiful, practical for a small or medium size backyard on a budget …It’s that easy! Click here to view “Turning Trash into Treasure” video.

You can do the same or create your own backyard lounge area with your own finishing touches, and don’t forget to use a Fuji HVLP Spray System… It’s the “Go To” system for those who simply want the best!

I know I wanted the best and got it…You will too! Happy Spraying!

The post Trash into Treasure appeared first on Fuji Spray Australia.

Whether you are a beginner or have done this for years and years, one or more of these tips and tricks are sure to help you make that woodworking project a little bit easier.

Spray Finishing – Tips for Getting Started by Rob Brown

Before you spray

• Maintain a temperature of 17–25°C and don’t spray if the humidity is very high.

• Use ample lighting and have it come from a number of directions. For best colour rendition, use daylight-balanced tubes in your fluorescent fixtures.

• Spraying outdoors – because there is little overspray with HVLP spray units, working outdoors might be a good option, if weather permits. Spraying outside is also more appropriate when spraying low VOC materials.

• Indoors – best to work in an enclosed area – booth, room or draped-off area. Sweep and clean the area well before spraying.

• Cover tools, machinery, etc. with drop cloths before spraying.

• Use a turntable and keep the piece at a comfortable height while spraying.

• If you’re spraying smaller pieces or furniture parts, use a number of riser blocks to hold the piece off the main turntable surface.

• Spraying furniture sub-assemblies is much easier than finished pieces of furniture; even if you are able to remove the back from a cabinet, your finishing job will go much smoother.

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for spray equipment and finishing materials.

• Heaters – don’t spray flammable material around heaters, furnaces, etc. that have an open flame; you can turn the heat source off until overspray clears the area, and remember pilot lights too.

• Have a fire extinguisher rated for flammable liquids nearby.

• Use an appropriate respirator.

A Good Foot to Stand On – Attach a lazy Susan bearing to the underside of a piece of scrap material and you have a great surface for spraying smaller parts. I also use some Bench Cookie Cones to help keep the work-piece away from any overspray on the turntable.

Follow Orders – Make sure to follow all the manufacturers’ recommendations regarding their products. Both spray equipment and finishing materials will only work well if you use them appropriately. A cup to check a material’s viscosity is a good place to start.

Familiarize Yourself – Understand what the knobs and adjustments do while you’re practicing on scrap material so that, when the time comes, you’ll be able to adapt to the situation and apply an appropriate coat. Though there’s generally not much to adjust, each gun is slightly different.

As you spray

• Keep tip about 6″ from the surface that you’re spraying. Don’t arc the gun in any direction; make straight, even passes, moving your arm, not your wrist.

• Overlap each pass 50 percent with the previous pass.

• Practise on flat cardboard and boxes, wood scraps, old furniture items that are heading to the garbage, etc. to get an idea of how much material is being applied, the necessary motions and the order of operations. Practice is the only way to quickly get well acquainted with how the spray equipment performs.

• Don’t be afraid to adjust the width of the spray pattern as you work, depending on what part of the piece you’re finishing.

• Also feel free to rotate the air cap so the spray pattern is appropriate for the work you’re doing.

• If you get a drip or run on a horizontal surface, or near a corner, wipe it with your finger, removing much of the run, then quickly continue spraying.

Protect Your Lungs – A proper respirator is a must. Get one that will protect you from organic and paint vapours. (Photo by 3MTM TEKK ProtectionTM Brand)

We would like to thank Rob Brown and the Canadian Woodworking and Home Improvement for allowing us to post this blog on our website. To read the original blog please click here.  Thank you

The post Spray Finishing – Tips for Getting Started appeared first on Fuji Spray Australia.

Kingston Woodworkers Association did just that last April and Fuji Spray was a big part of this event.

A 2 Day Event

The KWA’s Finishing Symposium 2014 was a two-day event with 35 participants, several volunteer instructors, five sponsors and over thousands of dollars in prizes. The event focused on both hand-applied and spray finishing techniques available to the home-based and professional crafts person.

The 2 day event touched on a few great tips and techniques from wood surface preparations to spraying finishes to staining and dying plus many more incredible practices.

To view the entire 2 day Agenda & Presenters’ lists please click here

Demonstrations

Attendees were even invited to try their hands at finishing using the Fuji Semi-PRO 2 system, a Mini-Mite 3 system, and a Q4 Gold system under the guidance of Marty Schlosser, KWA President.

What a treat! Nothing is better than having KWA’s President and a frequent author at Canadian Woodworking showing you the ropes.

Marty comes with over 30 years in designing and making custom furniture for residences, commercial establishments and charitable organizations.

Here are a few photos of the hands on practices attendees were able to experience at the KWA’s Finishing Symposium 2014.

Knowledge is Power

You may think that you know all the “ins and outs” to finishing but even our customer service/technical staff were taught a thing or 2 in just a couple of days.

Here are a few of their thoughts about the Finishing Symposium 2014…

“I liked that a lot woodworking professionals came together and presented the different ways to work with wood and demonstrated the diverse ways of creating beautiful finishes. I got to appreciate the industry and workmanship involved in a handmade piece of furniture. What I’m taking from this is a great deal of knowledge and experience taught from those who have done this all of their lives. It’s a humbling experience having them to have shared this knowledge with us”.  -JB

“Not all wood finishers are created equal. Getting that professional finish has as much to do with the person behind the gun, as it does to the type of equipment they are using. The most surprising thing that I learned during the seminar is that sometimes you have to ignore what you know and experiment a little…”- DL

In the end we can all learn from each other and that is why attending seminars and networking with other in the same trade as you is a benefit. Why not try to attend at least one seminar a year.

Spray with Confidence!

Your Turn…

What are some of the best seminars or courses you have attended lately?

Share your thoughts and questions in the comments section below, and don’t forget to share this post if you found it useful!

Be sure to check us out and Like our Facebook Page

The post Knowledge is Power! KWA’s Finishing Symposium 2014 appeared first on Fuji Spray Australia.

How is this done?

The 3M PPS system consists of a reusable plastic cup with disposable liners and lids. When the spray gun is connected to the 3M PPS system then attached to the turbine hose, and the turbine is turned on, the plastic cup is pressurized forcing the liner on the inside the H/O cup to start to collapse. This will push the finish in the liner into the spray gun no matter the orientation of the spray gun. Spray ceilings with ease, inside cabinets or crown moldings.

Other advantages of the 3M PPS system are:

• Eliminates the need for traditional mixing cups and paint strainers
• The self contained filter, filters the finish as you spray
• The liner, lid and built-in filter are all disposable, leaving only the adapter and spray gun to be cleaned
• The PPS™ system is therefore a cleaner, faster system, safe from outside contamination and offers considerable time and solvent savings in regards to gun cleaning
• Enables painters to mix less paint and drastically reduces the amount of solvent and technician time required for gun cleaning, improving operator efficiency by as much as 15%
• Liners and lids can be used more than once, some users report as many as 5-6 uses per liner
• Each H/O pressure cup comes with a Mix Ratio Insert that helps in mixing finishes

3M PPS & Fuji Spray Guns…

The 3M PPS system must be used with the 3M PPS H/O cups with Fuji spray guns, (or any other turbine spray guns). The difference between the H/O cups and the standard 3M PPS cups is that the H/O cups have a plastic pressure tube that is similar to the pressure tube that comes with the T75G spray gun, except that there is no one way valve in the pressure tube. The finish is then contained in the liner and there is no chance of it backing up into the spray gun. The standard 3M PPS cup that works with a high pressure system uses the suction aspect of high pressure systems to collapse the liner.

The H/O cups come in only 2 sizes. The large H/O cup will accommodate 28oz, or 32oz liners which is excellent for large jobs:

The Mini H/O cup will accommodate either an 8oz, or 3oz liner. The 3oz liner is most commonly used in the bumper auto touch-up industry since it satisfies federal regulations for spraying out of doors.

Getting started with a T75G™ Fuji Spray Gun…

The 3M PPS parts necessary to get started with a Fuji T75G™ are:

• #18 PPS adapter (reusable)
• Large or Mini H/O cup (reusable)
• Appropriate size liners and lids (disposable lids come with built in strainer)

These same parts will work with the Fuji T70™ bottom feed spray gun.

Fuji Spray would like to thank spraying expert Roger Phelps for writing this blog.  Mr. Phelps welcomes your comments and can be reached at roger@phelpsrefinishing.com or www.hvlpsales.com

The post 3M PPS System appeared first on Fuji Spray Australia.

When you think of February the first thought that comes to mind is Valentine’s Day. What is always connected to Valentine’s Day? Loads and loads of flowers, love and chocolates! Better yet the LOVE for Chocolate!
Would you have every thought that owning a Fuji Spray system could make regular chocolate molds look too good to eat? Well it can! As for being too good to eat, who are we kidding its delicious chocolates!!!

How….

We consulted an expert chocolatier to find out “How To” in chocolate land. The Chocolate Doctor uses a Quiet 4-stage HVLP Fuji Sprayer and gravity spray gun equipped with a larger air cap set such as a 2.2mm-2.5mm. One of the greatest benefits of using an HVLP Turbine System is less over-spray and larger savings.  Other chocolatiers use brushes, fingers, Q-tips etc. to apply the color to the chocolate molds. This creates a totally different effect and takes a significantly longer time.

Can owning a Fuji Spray System make it easier…

Of course!! Without a doubt owning a Fuji Spray 4-stage system makes spraying color onto chocolate a lot easier and allows them to spray multiple molds in a fraction of the time it takes with a small airbrush system or by hand.

One Neat Effect….

The “Jackson Pollack in Chocolate” effect is a definite winner with this chocolatier.  In the words of the Chocolate Doctor…All you need to do is turn down the air control valve until the colored cocoa butter sputters. Within minutes you can splatter a couple of different colors – then back with a proper layer of color, creating that perfect splatter effect.

Where can you find these delicious looking chocolates…

With Valentine’s Day in a few days and Easter just around the corner why not think of a delicious looking gift - one sprayed using a Fuji Spray system for your loved ones.
www.thechocolatedoctor.ca
www.chocolot.com
www.curiouskumquat.com

Your Turn…

Do you use your Fuji Spray system in a unique way?
Let us know we’d LOVE to hear from you!

The post Fuji Spray & Spraying Chocolate appeared first on Fuji Spray Australia.