Customer Reviews Mini-Mite 5 T70 System and Phelps Refinishing Customer Service

2022 Customer Review Praises Customer Service and Fuji Spray 2905-T70-Mini-Mite 5 Platinum HVLP Spray System

Email from Travis Duke, Sept. 8, 2022

Roger,

I bought the mini mite 5 w/ T70 about 7-8 months ago from your site. I couldn’t be happier.

I had some issues early on with my T70 spindle valve and I have to say, Fuji customer service was so wonderful to work with getting it replaced. I had a new part in a week.

I am almost done with a full kitchen cabinet build that we opted to spray with BM Advance in a satin sheen. I also laid down a Benjamin Moore waterbourne primer with the T70. Everything worked great and the finish is coming out wonderful.

Thanks again, feel free to post up the review and check out our website to see all the things we’re making with the Fuji sprayer.

Travis Duke

See photos of cabinet before and after Fuji Sprayer use, on Travis Dukes’ Instagram page.

Fuji Mini-Mite 4 Success with Automotive Paint

First photo - Prime coat - applied with Fuji Spray HVLP Mini-Mite 4

First photo - Prime coat - applied with Fuji Spray HVLP Mini-Mite 4

Happy to receive an email October 11, 2020 praising the Mini-Mite 4 for its ability to spray automotive paint. Scott DeFreece, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, writes:

Hi Roger,

I wanted to share these photos of the Mini Mite 4 used for automotive paint.

Great results with primer and paint.

Thanks for your help in selecting and supplying this fine unit.

I can’t wait to see what Fuji comes up with next.

The Fuji Mini-Mite 4 looks tiny (on the floor on the right) - Look what it’s able to do with auto paint!

The Fuji Mini-Mite 4 looks tiny (on the floor on the right) - Look what it’s able to do with auto paint!

Test in Japan

Testing a Fuji Spray HVLP spray system in Japan

Testing a Fuji Spray HVLP spray system in Japan

From  Japan

I ended a test and returned to my office
The ability of spray gun was evaluated highly, and he (wearing yellow) said he had never before seen the gun that was that good for atomization.
Temperature of air was lower and drying time was longer than we thought.
This cause will be because we used a domestic hose.
This domestic hose is full of flexibility and light in comparison with your hose.
However, we may test it with your hose.
In addition, I inform you more detail next week.

Best regards,
Hisato 

Evaluating the Fuji spray fun atomization

Evaluating the Fuji spray fun atomization

Testing the finish in Japan

Testing the finish in Japan

Closeup of Fuji spray gun used in tests in Japan

Closeup of Fuji spray gun used in tests in Japan

Setup for the test of Fuji Spray system in Japan

Setup for the test of Fuji Spray system in Japan

Feedback from France

Email from Customer in France: 

Bonjour roger,

J'ai essay� mon systeme Q4 PRO sp�cial �dition pour repeindre ma voiture et je suis tr�s content du r�sultat surtout pour une premi�re utilisation.
je suis pleinement satisfait de mon achat : livraison dans les d�lais, prix satisfaisant, silence de la turbine, qualit� du travail r�alis�, pi�ves d�tach�es faciles � se procurer.

Merci

English Translation:
   
Hello Roger,

I tried my system Q4 PRO special edition to repaint my car and I am very pleased with the outcome especially for a first use.
I am fully satisfied with my purchase: Delivery on time, good prices, silence of the turbine, quality of work, pi�ves detached easy to obtain.

Thank you

Fuji Q4 compared with two earlier purchases

Hi Roger,

I just wanted to tell you how satisfied I am with the Q4 system I purchased from you not long ago. I am also grateful for the expedient and personalized sales experience. I had attempted on two previous occasions to enter the world of HVLP finishing by purchasing the Turbinaire 1235 and 1245, only to sell both of them after only using them separately for a short time. (Turbinaire 1235/around 2/2008 and Turbinaire 1245/around 4/2011. They were a nightmare from the beginning to the end. Let's not talk about the quality in comparison to the Fuji Q4. From the cost of the most simple replacement parts, to the quality of their spray, they are in the dark ages when compared to the Fuji. One last thing regarding the spray guns; they cost twice what the G-XPC and XPC cost ($599.95 last time I looked and they have only one to choose from. Literally, I've seen spray guns at Home Depot and Lowes for $49.95 with cosmetics not much different then the Turbinaire.

OK, I've beat them up enough. Thanks you for your web site and the thorough insite you provide. Thank you for selling Fuji .
Looking forward to my next order,

Steven

Used Mini-Mite 4 to Paint House

Roger,

I just wanted to take a few minutes and send you my feedback regarding my purchase of the MM4 (and accessories) from you. Please know that I�m very pleased with the equipment as well as your assistance through the entire process.

I do however want to share with you about my first project with the equipment. I know you were hesitant in your guidance towards the major painting project of painting my house, but please know that the results were both professional looking, and cost/time effective. My friends and neighbors thought I was crazy by attempting this with a 1 quart canister, but immediately saw how much time could actually be save by not pulling out a roller or brush for the entire Job. I was able use the airbrushing setting to do all my trimming needs. It was Awesome. I quickly found my recipe mix and just went to town enjoying myself all the way.

Thank you again for your assistance and wealth of information. I know that you probably don’t need this, but if you ever need a reference, or have someone interested in talking about my experiences with large latex painting project, please do not hesitate to send them on my way.

Thanks Again,
Anthony
P.S. please know that sometime in the future, I plan on refinishing my kitchen cabinets. I know you are the expert, so I will be coming to you for guidance when that time arises. Keep up the good work.

"Finished a very large bookcase in no time"

Hi Roger,

I'm pretty much stoked with the Fuji HVLP system. I just finished a very large bookcase in no time. Finish was satin poly and came out smooth as glass and the coats built up in no time.

I have a question regarding thinning my poly. Some brands are pretty much ready to spray out of the can and others are quite viscous and need thinning. My question is this: Are there any thinners I can add that will decrease the drying time? I thinned the poly I used with mineral spirits. Is there a better thinner to use?

Thanks very much!
Michael

Lots of brief appreciation

Hi Roger
My Fuji parts arrived this morning.
I want to thank you for taking my call on a Sunday and getting these
parts out so quickly. You really saved my butt.
We'll do this again, during regular business hours
Thanks alot
Roger

Hi, my name is Mark. I just received my new Q4 system the other day and I wanted to let you know how much I am enjoying this sprayer. I had been using an old Lemmer 2 stage system with a bleeder gun, and I must say the difference is night and day. Amazing!

Items arrived.  Thank you for your prompt and great customer service.  A pleasure doing business with you.
N.S.

Hi Roger, 

Just wanted to let you know how pleased I am with the system.  Received it in two business days and sprayed a latex job with it — absolutely wonderful.  I had been using an old Wagner Finecoat for years —what a leap forward!!!! 

Thanks for your prompt service!

Dan

Many thanks, Roger.  Terrific Customer Service on such a small order!!!!
Regards,
Al

Roger, Roger, Roger!!!
I can not believe how nice you are!!!
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
Paul

Hi Roger:
The Fuji works great and have used it three times now with very good results.......

Thanks Brian.

Roger,
Just rec'd the Fuji Q4 from UPS. Immediately unpacked it and started practicing with water. Albeit a novice, this is an incredible unit and tons of fun. Thanks for your help and advice. Jim

Roger
I ordered from you a Fuji Q4 "better deal #2" system  that you shipped to a friend of mine in California who then brought it down to New Zealand for me. It arrived all in great shape and with all the accessories I ordered. Thank you for the tremendous service you  provided me in purchasing this unit....

regards
Rob

Hey Roger I received my q4 last week and have used it three times already I really think its great! I have sprayed latex,primer and deck stain,all with no problem. Im amazed how fine a finish you can achieve with the q4! Just want to thank you , you said they are quality machines and now I believe you. thanks...john

Good Morning Roger.

Thank you for the invoice. I put the Mini-mite to work this weekend and WOW � I am impressed. I averaged 230 sq ft an hour and it laid down a beautiful coat to my cedar fence. Thanks again�great machine.

John

Praise for the Fuji Q4 Pro system with gravity cup -- "OUTSTANDING!"

I just wanted to let you know that the Q4 Pro system w/gravity cup that I purchased from you approximately a month ago is OUTSTANDING!  I would have contacted you sooner, but I am presently without internet access, so I waited until I could get to a computer to tell you how pleased I am with the results.  So far I have used it to spray out a large set of kitchen cabinets, some windows, door jambs, baseboards, crown moulding, etc with Sherwin-Williams Pro-Classic waterborne enamel.  I have also sprayed SWm's bonding primer, as well as BullsEye primer with excellent results. 

I am a residential painter with over 30 years experience, and I demand excellence from myself and my assistants/employees, as we cater mainly to the high end/upscale residential market.  In the past I have used Graco three and four stage units, as well as Capspray systems and compressor driven HVLP's.  In my opinion, the Fuji Q4 Pro performs equally or better than those competitor's systems costing hundreds of dollars more. 

Roger, I will definitely recommend to my peers that they purchase one of your Fuji systems when they are in the market for a new HVLP sprayer.  Also, I was very impressed when you told me I could purchase my Q4 at the old price ($739.00) when I mentioned to you that the price increased on the very day I planned to order my sprayer.  Thank You!  I will certainly be doing more business with you in the future.  Tom


Woodworker Praises the Mini-Mite 4

Good evening Roger 

I have been an avid wood worker for several years.  Fine woods have gotten progressively harder to find and more expensive so I started using the more expensive wood in combination with ply and/or less costly woods hoping to unify some projects at lower cost with complementary finishes. Brushing just wouldn’t do it. 

I purchased the Mini-Mite 4, experimented with sealers and blending finish stain coats, mostly water borne, occasionally top coating with a urethane. It usually takes several light applications. Cleanup is easy and quick. Incidentally a length of flexible sump pump hose fits nicely over the hose closest to the gun should there be any overspray.  My equipment still looks factory fresh and I have had it for almost a year and lots of use. My next purchase is the GT-X2 gun. 

Thanks 
Walt

Appreciation from California

Roger,

I just wanted to say thanks for all of the information you provided on your website.It was the definitely the deciding factor on my purchase.Your website is informative and from what I can see provides the best choice in combinations for anyone that is in the market for a decent HVLP system. Having lived in Northern California for 50 years I find it interesting that nobody here seems to stock or even indicate an availability for any worthwhile HVLP turbine systems. After using an older 2 stage Campbell Hausfield turbine system with a pretty crappy gun I am hoping the Fuji will provide great results on my finishing work.

Sincerely,

Frank 

Using a Mini-Mite 4 to spray a mantel and rescue a cell phone

Hi Roger,

I purchased a MM4 G3 package from you last month and used it to finish a fireplace mantel I built. Although I am not an experienced finisher, I was able to get excellent results-- so thank you for a great product and for the fast shipping.

Also, I have to thank you for your video about cell phone restoration. My LG cell phone became waterlogged when a water bottle spilled open inside a sea bag I carried the phone in. Following your instructions, I dried out the dead phone the next day using the MM4, recharged it and it now works perfectly. I figure you and the MM4 saved me another $100.00...

-Eric

Comparing Q4 Gold HVLP with compresor-driven HVLP guns

Hi Roger,

I purchased a Q4 Gold system from you a few months ago after speaking with you. I’ve used
compressor driven HVLP guns in the past with decent results after much trial and error. I suppose, with
much more practice with that type of system I would become more comfortable using it. The problem
is time is money and spending all that time figuring out the gun was costing me. Additionally, to drive a
compressor driven gun takes a decent sized compressor which reduces portability.

I purchased the FUJI system to finish my own cabinets with a water based lacquer. I have to say I am
very pleased with the Q4 Gold system. With about 15 minutes of trial and error I was able to produce a
quality off of the gun finish with a #4 tip set and no thinning of the material. The ease with which to
setup this gun is amazing and very straight forward. Every time I set the gun to spray it only requires
two to three quick test sprays, with adjustments after each spray, to zero the gun in. Additionally, I
can’t be more pleased with the portability of this system. As compared to a compressor driven gun it is
much easier to spray on site. A compressor driven gun would require a fairly expensive gas driven
compressor mounted in the bed of a truck to operate on site.

More recently, I’m doing a siding job with Red Balau material and prefinishing the siding before
installation. The finishing material I used is oil based stain and the manufacturer recommended using a
garden sprayer to apply if not brushing and wiping. I spoke with customer support and they reassured
me a garden sprayer would be the best way to spray on the stain. They said that a HVLP would not
work because it would not spray the solids and foul up. So I tried to spray with a garden sprayer and it
failed miserably. With approximately 3,000 square feet of siding I didn’t want to brush on the stain and
wipe it off. We would have been doing that for at least three weeks. We did a few boards this way and it
was very time consuming. So I decided to give the FUJI spray system a try. I set it up with a #5 needle
set and within 10 minutes we were spraying the stain on as quickly as we could set up the boards in our
onsite spray booth. It took us 5 days to stain all of the material, both sides, and allowed me to maintain
a profit on the job.

I just purchased a #3 needle set and am looking forward to the next finishing job.

Rod

Feedback on spraying water-based finish on 20 kitchen cabinet doors

Hey Roger,

I want to thank you for your words of wisdom as I finish spraying 20 doors for kitchen cabinets. When I lasted e-mailed you, I could not put down a smooth finish with a General Finishes product; the bubbles would not settle out, leaving a rough feel to the cured surface. I switched to ML Campbell's Aqualente. Here is the setup that has worked for me:

1. Warm the finish to about 90F to reduce the viscosity so I can get a thin, wet coat without noticeable orange peel
2. Room and wood temperature at about 70F
3. #3 aircap and needle. Back the needle out about 2.5 turns
3. Keep the gun about 6 inches from the work piece
4. Minimize how much I overlap on each pass. I think this was the biggest change in reducing the amount of bubbles....

After three coats, I will need to sand two doors and spray a fourth coat because of a few blemishes. But overall, I feel good about the end result.
Thanks again.

Jim

Using the Mini-Mite 4 to finish electric guitars: "I could not believe the difference."

I'm using the Fuji Mini Mite 4 to spray Electric Guitars. UPS delivered it at 8:30PM last light. I've been using a 3 stage Titan Capspray unit but I just can't seem to get a good smooth finish. Last night I immediately put the Fuji mini Mite 4 to work. I read the manual cover to cover in a few minutes and got in my booth at around 10PM. I could not wait to see if it would lay down a better finish so I have less level sanding time. I'm using a Water based Clear Gloss by Target Coatings. I ran thinner through the gun first as directed. I then sprayed a test panel to get the settings right. Then sprayed 4 guitar necks.

I could not believe the difference. It went on like glass. I was not able to get anything even close to that with the Capspray unit. I could tell right away that the Atomization was much, much finer.I only did 4 necks which took less than 5 minutes. I wanted to stay out there but is was already too late (neighbors).So far with the quick test I did I am very impressed!

I've seen a lot of negative posts on line (against) HVLP Turbine Systems (in general) usually people that have used conventional for a long time. They say HVLP is not as good. I sprayed and it laid down like glass. Can't do better than that!What more can you ask for? Fuji HVLP Turbine, lightweight, compact, portable, affordable and sprays excellent. Perfect! Not only will I use it for my Guitar Business I can use it for almost anything. Awesome!

Chris

Fuji Spray with both latex and lacquer

Roger

I can't tell you how much I love this new Fugi 4 for now I am still using one of my graco spray guns to spray my Laquer and today I opened up my new gun that came with the system and sprayed some latex on some cabinet doors I just had no ideal that I could spray latex that nice it laid it out beautifully. And the Laquer sprays better also just wished I had got one sooner. Thanks Chris

Email me at Roger@PhelpsRefinishing.com | Call or text me at 800-377-5662