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Hello Arcee
The 4″ wide topic bothers me. It should easily produce a 6″ line.
Have you contacted Kelly? Xenia OH. 1-800 number?
I’d get the type of gun and tip info ready.
Next…I use around 25-40 lbs on the paint and 40-50 on the air.
Are you getting good atomization? ( Is it a good spray…or slobbery? )
And remember…paint is thicker than water.
No…it’s the Binks 2001. ( I’m not sure if it has anything to do with the year. )
Next…hoses…I had 15′..?..once. But…they draped all over the handle bars…in my way…kinda.
I also had 6′ hoses. AND…every time I sprayed a stencil…I had to move the machine. Too short.
I think I now have 8′? 10′?
Next…Titan vs. Graco. I have a letter from Graco explaining that they have 90 Engineers compared to their competitor’s assumed 5…( I forget the rest of the email ). It sounded like overhead. That said…there are loyal Graco followers. And…I tried to become a Graco Distributor…twice. And…I own a Graco, I would still become a Distributor if “all the stars lined up”…etc…etc…but…I also have many people loving their Titan. Keep this in mind… you won’t outgrow the Titan 2800 or the Graco 3400. Neither will become a boat anchor. You decide. Either decision is fine.
Next…all Titans…and I’m guessing ALL Gracos get shipped from the plant. Unless the Distributor has one in stock.
(But, then you may have to pay sales tax if you’re in that state…and his shipping to get it there…to him…maybe. Check me on that.)
So…it kinda depends on where you are from the MFG plant…WI or MN…not the distributor…unless again he or she has one in stock. Either state is still close to you.
Next…as odd as this sounds…I refer my sales to another guy. I don’t mind being a Distributor for someone but, then I’d like them to be a Distributor for me. Many times it’s not a two way road. And that’s ok. Anyhow…He owns a big site. He sells a lot of stuff. And maybe he’ll throw in a stencil.
And…even at 25 below, South Dakota sounds too cool. ( No pun intended. ) You have the Badlands, right?…and MT. Rushmore. It’s beautiful country.
Keep in touch.
DanHello Arcee
I did see this post come into my email account. I’m sorry I waited to answer. I thought someone else may have an idea or two.
Anyhow…I have a few things to offer…
I almost sold my Conventional. I use it…but…I also use my Airless machine so much…I just get into a groove.
Selling my Conventional may still happen. ( Now that I’ve cleaned and played with it…I kinda like it again. We’ll see. )But…when my Titan broke…I would’ve been down to just my Graco…if I didn’t have the Conventional. For me…that was a bit scary.
Having a “back up” or “second” machine is alway a good idea.
When I first started…like you…I had a few jobs, here and there. One machine was fine. AND…these were “Retail” jobs. SO…I could schedule whenever I wanted…such as…malls in the middle of the night…or…a Bank on Saturday. Now however, I also have “Commercial” work…where I follow a paving crew…and I’m on their schedule. I must be there. So…one machine for me…now…isn’t cool.
When I started all I had was the Conventional. I switched back and forth from Oil Based Paint to Latex in 5 minutes. It didn’t bother me. And now…with different plumbing…it’s even easier.
Here’s something though…if I’m striping a Latex job “Over Seal”. I cannot use both machines. The Airless give a very distinct line…differing from the Conventional. BUT…maybe I could stencil with the Conventional and stripe with the Airless. I just want you to know that the lines are different.
Last…here’s the hard part…I know you got a nice deal on your Conventional. DON’T be sorry you bought it.
a) There is always a market to Re-sell.
b) It’s a great machine. You may end up lovin’ it. I still love mine…but hardly use it…but that’s me.
I just feel more comfortable recommending an Airless to a “start up, first time, new striper”.
Again…it’s not an easy choice.
Here’s what I can recommend.
1) On a nice day…go put water in the machine and spray on your driveway. Practice. See how it feels.
2) Always know that the Titans are 2900.00 and the comparable Graco is 3400.00. No tax…because you’re buying from out of state. And…Free shipping. Those deals are always there. You can always get those. So…if money is tight and a new venture is just around the corner…no one can blame you if you wanted to wait and see.
I’m a Titan Distributor…that Titan deal is always there. It may vary 100.00. But it’s there.
Next…I use a Binks 2001 Gun to stencil. I have two…in case on fails or needs rebuilt. But, I had just one for my first few years. And…it sprayed both Latex and Oil…no problem. BUT…tell the seller what you’re spraying. There are different Air nozzles, needles and Fluid nozzles to match up.
Keep in mind…the Airless uses the same gun to stripe and spray stencils. You won’t have the extra cost of buying a second, different gun.
Bottom line…I don’t think it matters which way you go.
Practice with your Conventional. If two months go by and you have more work…by the Airless…then.
Sell the Kelly. Or keep it. There’s a market for them. Buy two Titans…blahblah. You can’t make a bad decision here.
God I hope I helped. I know you’re struggling. I’ve been there.
Keep in touch.
Dan
P.S. I’ll be wandering around the Nashville Show, coming in February. If we meet, I’ll show you the Titan and Graco. We’ll visit their booths. ( And if you buy a Graco…we’ll still be friends! Hell, I’ll encourage you. Keep in touch. You’ll do fine…no matter what your decision. I’ll help.)Hello ByHisStripes
How are you?
…you’re not alone.
I’ve also manufactured a “reverse” type stencil…for someone else.
He lays it right where the line gets striped. Then…when he stripes over it…his company and number doesn’t get paint.
And…he’s a Sealcoater too. So…it’s a Yellow Line (or White) with a nice black sealcoated surface underneath that displays his info…in 3″ lettering.
Also…a buddy in TN has a piece of plastic that has his info on it too.
He just chooses a place to spray it.
One place could be just anywhere. The piece of plastic is “stand alone”…about 6″ x 8” wide.
OR…after the Blue Block is painted…he can also lay that 6″ x 8″ stencil near the corner and spray it then…within the Blue area.
Again…apparently great minds think alike.
Let me know if I can help. It’s just a matter of dropping the info into my Laptop…and cutting the stencil.
DanHey George
How are you?
…no worries…
I’m interested. I’m always interested.
Keep me informed on the TrueLine. Also…if you’re in Nashville…look me up.
AND…take 10% off any stencil on my site.
I make good stencils.
George…thanks again.
DanHey Arcee
How are you?
I see this post…but I’m not the guy.
Here’s what I’d say though…
1) It sounds like everything you speculate…is right…I think.
…but…it still sounds like a cheap price to pay.
2) If each state is different…just call each state. It sounds like you may be on hold for a while…but…if you’re interested in warmer weather…striping…why not? I wouldn’t blame you for, at least, finding out. Then decide.
I’m sorry I can’t help beyond that.
Maybe it’s a simple as filing for a Vendor’s license. Again…I’m not the expert on taxing for different states.
…South Texas sounds nice though…doesn’t it?
DanHello gbran
…click on the EDIT button, just below your post, and tell us what state you’re in and about how much you’d take for the machine…and goodies.
Thanks.
DanOK…I have had a talk with one person. Again…just one person.
I “heard” the Red Metal Curtains…that you’ll see if the Videos, Promo…etc…drip…when you’re traveling from one line to another. But…that’s it.
Here’s my thought…”can you pop a wheelie and wipe them off…?”
Here’s why I say that…( My Conventional also has “Air Curtains”. )
Here’s what they are…on my Conventional.
1) The Exhaust Muffler…which is a small box that measures about 4″ x 4″ x 4″…was removed…from the Honda Engine.
2) A metal, flex tube, about 3′ long, was installed in its place.
3) The other end of the metal flex tube, ( which now carries the exhaust gases )…or fumes…or whatever you want to call them……(again…) …the metal flex tube carries the exhaust gases…to two “outlets”…right next to where the paint comes out…right at the tip.
These “outlets” produce a “Curtain” of “Air”…on both sides of the spray. Again…they’re “Air Curtains”. This helps “sharpen” up the “fuzzy” edges…of the spray. It’s that simple.
Bottom line…The exhaust from the engine is re-routed to become curtains of air.
Next…sometimes I have to wipe them off. It’s not a big deal to me. And…it’s only ONE thing.
BUT…I don’t know if you can easily wipe off the Red Box on the Trueline…or even raise it off the pavement a little to help lessen the amount of “over spray paint” that it collects.
Here’s the reason I say all this…when you visit the site for Trueline…you’ll see a Red Metal Box…that travels down at the line…right where the spray tip is. It serves to …sharpen up any “fuzzy edges”…and also to keep any wind from effecting your line. ( Or is it…”Affecting”…?…Effecting?…Affecting?. NO…it’s Effecting. ) Anyhow…
1) I emailed Trusco…they emailed right back…gave me the name of who to contact. (I haven’t yet. But, they were quick. )
2) The site is actually http://www.truscomfg.com
3) Even if these do drip…from the build up of paint hitting the inside of the red box…you decide…Price vs. Application…for yourself.
4) That said…( here comes a shameless promotion…) …it would be fine on Turf…or Grass…which certain videos show.
…and I manufacture and sell Athletic Field Stencils. I’ll put that Stencil Kit on my site in the next few days…along with others.
5) There are several models and price points:
A) One model is Electric powered
B) One model is powered by Honda engine.
C) One model is Battery powered
D) One model is filled with Compressed Air from your air compressor…on site.
E) One model is filled with …( I think Nitrogen…check me on that…) that is filled at almost any welding shop.
F) One model is filled by a hand pump…kinda like a deck sprayer.
Next…the compressors actually come off the first two models. That’s cool.
BUT…I already have a “Pancake” Compressor that looks almost identical to the Electric model…so…?…buy the Compressed Air Model…and just fill it…with your compressor. That’ s cool too.
Next…we all need the Stencil Gun…and…it’s mentioned with the Electric, Engine and “Compressed Air”…models.
You check if it’s extra…or comes with it…etc.
Last…I did notice a model that has the Rear Tire Swivel. Whenever I spray circles or curves…( I also have a Titan and a Graco )…I have to swing the Gun around to spray from near the rear tire. This Rear Tire Swivel may be a nice little option.
OK…that’s your primer. Look around…I’ll email Trusco that I posted this. I hope I’m being fair… Let me know.
Dan
P.S. I’ll bet this company will be at the Nashville Pavement Expo…this February…with Demos. ( I’m not sure…but I’ll bet. Ask ’em. )
And…Full Disclosure…I’ve never personally seen one of these in operation, …and I am not being paid and I’m not a Distributor.
I’m offering what I’ve found…because I have a number of inquiries. I hope I helped.
See ya.Hey Mad Striper
…see if I can help here…
I don’t know…but only in terms of…I’ve never used one or seen one. Maybe I’ll get to, at the upcoming Nashville Show.
That said…I’ve been asked this by many people…here’s what I think:
1) I see the Videos. They look good. It’s that simple.
2) I’ve seen the prices. They are about half of what everyone else uses…but…
3) That means…I’ve never seen a Striper use one.
In my town…everyone’s a striper. Oh well. And…everyone either has ALL Titans…or…ALL Gracos.
If…and again…IF…that’s a statement…we’ll try to either read into it…or try not to read into it.
Next…I would want to see it work.
A) I would want to know how to fill the tank.
B) I would need to know…where in my town…I could fill it… ( the tank ).
C) How much it is…to fill.
D) How far it will go.
Simple questions…and I’m sure a phone call to the MFG is all it takes to find out.
Next…I see the Testimonials…it seems like…again…seems like…the Testimonials come from individuals who stripe their own place of work. Maybe I’m wrong. If I am…does it really matter? If it does a great job for them at their place of business…wouldn’t it also do a great job for you…if you’re looking to start a side business? I think the answer is yes.
So…can we keep in touch? Let me know what else you find out…and…I’m going to Nashville this February…I’ll look them up. We’ll figure it out.
I hope this all helps.
Let me know.
Dan
P.S. You know what…? I just watched the Video again. It looks easier than I thought.
Now I’m more than curious.Hey Mark…you know what…?
If anyone wants Fast Dry…it’s me. I’d love to try it.
Don’t you also MFG and sell in Colorado?
AND…tell me what Industry Mag you’re in…I’d like to read your articles.
DanHey Mark
We’re only a few hours from each other…we’ve talked a few times…but I don’t think we’ve ever met.
I’ll keep your booth number in mind…1307. I’ll look you up in Nashville.
DanHey Hawaii
I never thought I’d text “OMG”…but that’s a great video link.
Thanks.
Good luck on the job. Take your time.
Keep in touch.
DanHawaii
I just got back. I’ve followed a large paving crew for 17 years. I stripe for them. They have multiple crews…millions in machinery…etc. We’ve done too many Malls, Parks, Streets…etc…to remember. Anyhow…they’re qualified.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
1) The owner of the company said…”92%? That’s not much. He should be fine. If it’s a Vibratory Roller…he’ll definitely be fine”.
2) Two of his engineers were also there. One replied; “I agree. 92% isn’t hard to achieve”.
3) BUT…they both said…”He won’t be able to get too much production, though”.
Hawaii…this is what I think they meant…you can’t put too much asphalt down…and by that I mean a lift…and then try to roll it. In other words…put a little down…roll it…get your compaction and then move along.
I think their concern was this…don’t allow the paving crew to start pulling away from the Roller. Asphalt may start to set up before he’s finished getting compaction…and then there may be troubles.
I hope that helps. It sounds like what the other Post was getting at when he replied…”The hotter the weather…the better”. In other words…the asphalt won’t cool too fast…and that would allow the smaller Roller to keep up.
Bottom line…You should be fine…if you can take your time.
But if production demands a certain amount of tonnage be applied per day…Hawaii…I’ll let that decision up to you.
Next…have you considered renting a Roller? Rent a 5-7 Ton. Or…an 8-10. Have it delivered. Then your two Roller Operators can work together. One compacts…the other Finishes.
Hawaii, I hope I helped. Let me know.
AND…then they all asked…with smiles…”you gonna Sub the job to me?”
I told them it was in HI. Remember…we’re in OH. We have a few inches of Snow on the ground.
See ya.
DanHawaii
…so will I. I’m meeting with a large paving company this AM…(EDT, I’m in Ohio).
I’ll ask the question to them.
Dan
P.S. Just to confirm…2500 kg is equal to 5500 pounds? So… 2.75 ton roller?
I’ll be back in a few hours…EDT time.Hello Mr. Bud
Thanks for saying that…about my book. Thanks.
Next…my first thought would be to just buy one more machine. Which one?…you have to decide that. BUT…if you’re looking to go full time…take a look at a Hydraulic Pump. There are two to look at: Graco 200HS and the Titan 4900.
That said…another plan would be…just buy one more machine. Then you’ll have two.
Next… I have a Titan 4000 = the older 4900. I also have a Graco 3900…which has a Mechanical Pump.
1) I wish I had two Hydraulic Pumps.
2) I’ve never used the 3400. As a striper…I had trouble convincing myself to buy the 3900. But…I hear good things from the Graco users…and also from the Titan users…( the 2800M ).
Bottom line here…it all depends on your plans.
Next…I often take just one machine…even if I know there’s a color change. I don’t care. It takes me 5 minutes. And…remember…I work alone. So…it would take me the same time to change as it would to go get the other machine. BUT…and here’s a BIG BUT…I use Latex. If I had to use Alkyd or…Acetone…I would definitely have two set ups. That said…what State are you in? Hot?…or (4) Seasons?
Bottom line here…I’d be surprised if you couldn’t keep up with one 3900. I do. You can too.
Next…(2) things…
1) Let me know which machine you are looking at. I’ll send you to a good store.
2) I manufacture stencils. I’ll cut whatever you need. Take a look at my site. I’ll give you a break. too.
I’d like to help.
DanHello Mr. Bud
Here’s what’s worked for me…then I’ll tell you what others have done.
IF…again…IF it’s going to be a HOT day = dry times are very short…then I tell the MGR…”don’t do anything. I’ll show up at 10 AM…when the Sun is nice and high…and almost everyone has gone to work. I’ll cone off a nice section…just the stalls…and spray away. Dry times will be short and I’ll pull the cones as I move around the lot in a uniform fashion.”
That’s what I do, Mr. Bud. It always works. So…yes…it’s a 2-3 day trip…but it’s middle of the day. SO…I’m out at 4 PM…? That’s when some are returning home. (Just like a City Street job. I’m not allowed in the “Inbound Lane” until after 9AM and I must be out of the “Outbound Lane” by 4. No biggee.)
That said…I’ve passed on some complexes…and I’ve added to my ESTIMATE for others…and on some…I go after them…aggressively. Take a look at the surroundings. Some complexes are conducive to this type of plan. Others aren’t. You decide.
Next…don’t be afraid to talk to the owner about semi-obvious upcoming concerns…like…?…the broken boat trailer…or the abandoned car…You will skip those stripes “and the job will still be considered complete”.
Next…”Others” pass out fliers or send emails to their Tenants. This helps. But…not as much as you think. People still get the kids to school and still leave for work…at the same times…etc. Again…it’s up to you.
Last…I’ve always found cool people. The Ground Maintenance Person will talk to a tenant…the actual tenant will see the cones and ask…”Hey…!…do you want me to move that…!?” AND…your response is always…PLEASE…! AND COULD YOU PULL INTO A STRIPED STALL FOR ME?…or…YES…!…IF YOU’LL JUST PULL BACK…I’LL STRIPE IT AND YOU CAN PULL RIGHT BACK IN…! ( You are going to be viewed as “very welcomed”…even a hero…!)
It always works out.
Bottom line…be fair to yourself. Be honest. Will it take 2 easy trips without anyone being inconvenienced?…or will it be a nightmare 3, 4, 5…? …trips that no one will co-operate?…no MGR…OR…the parking lots are rarely empty?
Again…I give the estimate. I try to be fair…to everyone…even me. And…I’ve passed.
Last…these can be nice fill-in jobs. I’ll knock out what I can…leave at 3…?…4…?…and then go to a Paving Crew that now has something for me to Layout…or I’ll go home…or I’ll work only in the Drive Lane and paint the Stop Bars…if any…etc…
I hope this helps. Let me know.
Dan
