Popular Woodworking 2001-12 № 125, страница 59

^Editor's Choicer

Lex-Aire LX 30C

The U.S.-made Lex-Aire unit is essentially priced the same as the Wagner and Fuji models, making it the most expensive two-stage model. Housed in a steel case that is almost identical to the Lemmer, it uses the same large pleated filter but offers an all-metal and better quality gun (in patriotic colors, too).The fluid knob has a location mark on it that helps you accurately adjust the fluid output.To protect your hands from the heat from the turbine, Lex-Aire provides a plastic handle cover (but it requires some effort and overnight soaking in thinner to allow enough flexibility to attach it).The instructions were similar to those on the Lemmer, adding a nice exploded view of the unit, but providing less information on maintenance and troubleshooting. Overall the unit performed well.The gun felt substantial in our hands and is well made.The two-stage turbine had enough umph to atomize the water-base lacquer.We did notice some fluid leakage around the cup seal, which may have been due to a faulty (but easily replaceable) seal in our test unit.

efit for reducing heat transference); its very flexible hose, 3-stage turbine performance, non-bleeder gun and overall feel during use. Oh, and it laid down a very nice finish as well. Priced at $499 it ties as the most expensive of the units tested.

For a little less money, there are some good guns here to choose from, including the Campbell-Hausfeld and the Lemmer units. We give a slight edge to the lower priced Lemmer because of its better quality gun, though it might be possible to make a case for the superior three-stage system and upgrading the gun on the Campbell-Hausfeld unit down the road. PW

Wagner 2600

When we opened the box for the Wagner, we were disappointed at first.The unit is $500, but the case for the three-stage turbine is plastic (everyone else's is metal). Plus the turbine seemed on the small side.After looking at all the systems, our opinion of the U.S.-made Wagner went up.The turbines in all the systems are small — they're just packed into larger cases.And when we started using the system, we were pretty impressed.The all-metal gun has a smooth trigger and nice balance. Unlike all the other guns, it's a "non-bleeder,"which means air isn't gushing out the front constantly — only when you pull the trigger.Another advantage this gun has over all the others is it's the only one that allows you to change the air flow with a control on the gun.All the others have the control on the hose. Plus the hose was the most flexible of all those tested.The turbine has a sealed rocker switch (which can be a little awkward to use but it keeps the dust out), external fuse access and open-cell foam filters.The instruction manual fell short on information about the turbine, but it provided adequate directions on using the gun and spraying. The three-stage atomization was excellent and provided a nice finish.The power cord is much too short, requiring an extension cord for most applications.

Key:Al=aluminum, Pl=plastic, R=rubber; features listed in red indicate this tool has the most desirable characteristic in that category.

82 Popular Woodworking December 2001