The All New Fuji D6 Six Stage Turbine Paint Sprayer
Long Awaited & Much Anticipated.
The new Fuji D6 sprayer has arrived, touting new benefits previously unheard of for turbine-based HVLP systems. With a turbine system, the more stages (fans) it has, the more pressure it can develop. The totally redesigned D6 now has 6 stages, produces 11.5psi, and is unlike any system before it. So, what are the added features and fresh capabilities of this new sprayer? Read on to find out.
Choose Your Spray Gun.
An introductory kit is being offered with lots of accessories, and you can choose the gun that works best for you. Choose a T70 bottom feed, G-XPC compact gravity feed, or T75G midsize gravity feed spray gun to round out your kit.
I would recommend the T70 for big jobs, due to the large 900cc fluid cup. The G-XPC has a 400cc side-mounted gravity cup, keeping weight to a minimum, and excels at smaller jobs. It also features a clever kickstand so it stands upright on your bench! Or pick the venerable T75G for a standard size 600cc top mounted gravity cup.
Luckily, all three options feature pressure assist for continuous positive pressure when spraying.
Plug It in and Flip Out.
Add the detachable power cord and flip out the retractable gun holder. That’s a handy feature for gravity feed guns that would otherwise require a separate stand. Many of Fuji’s current turbine models have a fixed gun holder, but the flip-out version on the D6 is a nice refinement in the design. Plus, the overall form is now more sleek and ergonomic, with a large comfortable grip for easy transport to the job site.
It’s the Little Things.
On my Q5 I would sometimes remove the gun holder if it was in the way. No such problem on the D6, as it flips conveniently away into a recess in the sprayer housing. When everything is designed to make the spraying experience more enjoyable, your workflow and productivity can only improve.
Small in Size, Massive in Function.
I have long recommended the use of a remote to control a turbine style paint sprayer. On previous models, a remote was available, but sold separately. It also required the power cord of the sprayer to be plugged into the remote receiver. The D6 actually comes equipped with a compact remote, and everything needed is nicely integrated into the shell of the unit.
Another thing you’ll notice when comparing the Q5 with the D6 is the way you adjust air pressure. The Q5 is infinitely adjustable with a dial, while the D6 has 6 distinct stages that you select with a panel of buttons. While the dial on the Q5 is nice, and has never let me down, repeatability is a big topic with professional spray contractors and the serious DIY crowd. Once you achieve stellar results, you want to duplicate that exactly on the next session. For that reason, the distinct stages may have a slight advantage.
You’ll Love this Feature.
Spraying with an old-fashioned air compressor-based gun, I could never imagine how useful a remote would be. After all, the quick couplings were pretty easy to release to stop the airflow. On the negative side, those traditional guns usually had a lot of overspray, creating a big mess and wasting material too.
A remote on a turbine-based system is critical, because releasing the gun from the hose doesn’t stop the air from flowing. So having a remote control in your pocket is a perfect solution. Plus – these modern pressure-assisted guns operate at low pressure and really minimize overspray.
Extra Heavy-Duty.
The hose and threaded fitting on the D6 air outlet have toughened up for life in a pickup truck. The first section of the hose is black with extra heat resistance to deal with the additional output of a 6 stage turbine. Just thread the hose in place and add a blue flexible whip as desired. I always spray with the whip attached, because it’s easier to maneuver the gun in tight spaces.
Tough as Nails.
The improvements continue as the black hose transitions into a sleek and durable gray air hose. From there, thread on a flexible whip and optional inline air valve. To be honest, I usually skip the air valve on my Q5 and D6 systems, because they already offer variable output from the turbine. However, the inline valve can be handy on systems without variable speed, like the MiniMite 4.
Remember, there’s no paint to clean from this hose like an airless sprayer – it only carries warm, clean air. And unlike an air compressor, a professional turbine doesn’t generate water and contaminates in the line.
The Big Advantage.
But why upgrade to a 6-stage turbine if you already have a spray rig? The answer is simple—the D6 will spray unthinned paint, right out of the can. I’m talking about latex and urethane paints that look like yogurt. Yes, those paints you already have in your garage will spray just fine with the D6 and the proper aircap set.
Of course, shop temperature and coating viscosity are important factors to consider, but this white latex sprayed nicely with no thinning whatsoever. I never thought that would be possible with a turbine-style sprayer. For thick paints, I recommend a minimum of a 1.5mm aircap set, and I’ll often jump to a 1.8mm set for even more output.
Always wear PPE, including a respirator approved for organic vapors, and spray in a well-ventilated area.
Easy Access.
To get at the filters, just twist off the cover on either end of the unit. Inside you’ll find a pre-filter on both ends, a pleated filter on one side, and a soft filter on the other. Luckily the kit comes with extra filters and pre-filters to keep you going with urgent projects in your shop.
Upgraded Filters.
The pleated unit offers unmatched filtering to keep the internal components of your turbine clean. Contained inside a metal frame, the filter unit simply snaps in place. Add a foam pre-filter to the end cap, and twist it in place to continue spraying. By the way, with any Fuji sprayer, it’s recommended to place the turbine on the floor 15-20 feet from the spray area.
Added Value.
Instead of a basic sprayer, you get the advanced D6 turbine, plus an extra heavy-duty hose and a flexible whip. On top of that, there are added accessories like the remote control, extra filters, a #4 Ford viscosity cup, and a 20-piece gun cleaning kit with lubricant.
Then there’s one of my favorite add-ons—an additional aircap set in the 1.8mm size. That’s perfect for spraying thicker materials like latex and urethane paints and primers.
Is it really possible to spray undiluted paint right from the can with a turbine-style HVLP sprayer? With the D6, it’s possible.
