Old Advice Remembered

I was reminded of advice that we used to give with regularity and needs to be restated. We had a machine that came to be repacked. The owner stated that he was going to convert the machine from all latex paints to a solvent only machine. We cleaned the machine, repacked the fluid section, flushed the lines and gun with solvent and replaced the filters. What we didn't do and should have done is to replace the siphon set complete. The owner charged the system and sprayed all morning. He noticed allot of junk in the filters at noon. The machine sat until the next morning. The solvent had loosened all of the latex material that has collected in the siphon set. The machine clogged. The pressure was turned up in an effort to blow out the junk. It packed it REALLY solid. The machine had to come back in for a new set. Because we didn't recommend the new siphon, we only charged for the siphon parts that needed to be replaced.
This was a reminder to us to recommend a new siphon set to all customers that are making a change like this. We haven't had a change from latex to solvent for quite sometime, so it slipped by us. The siphon set costs $196.00, so it isn't something that we would just add on automatically. So if you are making this kind of a change, remember to really check out the siphon from pump to screen. The hose and pipe are almost impossible to completely clean out. It is always better to replace them.

Airless Spray Center: Incredible cleaning products!

Airless Spray Center: Incredible cleaning products!

Incredible cleaning products!

I have had a couple of machines in the back that needed to be cleaned up and sold or rented. Both of these machines had been covered by asphalt products. 1 was only used for 2 months, so wasn't a severe case. It just was sticky and looked bad. The other machine is a couple of years old and none of the original colors or decals on the machine were visible. In a later post, I will include before and after photos.
I have had a few cleaning products for sale for 3-4 years. I have had no personal experience with them and have had to rely on any feedback that I could get regarding their performance.
You won't believe how well they work. "Liquid dynamite" started cutting through the tar and paint immediately. It softened all of the coatings and didn't even touch the original paint or decals. There is hardly any odor and it doesn't seem to bother any of our skin. This is the stuff that most of our customers should use to clean off the exterior of their equipment.
When we got to the really bad machine, it was working, but slowly. I hauled out the "Sledge Hammer" bottle. Oh man! This stuff cuts through 1/4" thick material. Still doesn't hurt the chrome or paint. Some scraping is still required, but only because the material is so thick. It does have a strong odor and will cause a "soap burn" if it contacts your skin. It is biodegradable though, so water instantly cuts it and neutralizes it's strength. We wore gloves and just rinses off any contact that was made. More info will be posted when the "after" pictures are in.