“The year of the Apollo spacecraft was 1966, and, in fact, our first sprayer looked like the Apollo spacecraft,” says Bill Boxer, vice president of sales for Apollo Sprayers, International. “That’s how our company got its name.”

Apollo’s founder, John B. Darroch Sr., had previous affiliation with a company that began manufacturing turbospray systems in Birmingham, England. When the Englishman immigrated his family to California in the late 1970s and set up shop, John Sr. established Apollo Sprayers in Vista, California, where the company is still headquartered today. Now, 50 years later, Apollo makes some 15 different models of award-winning HVLP spray systems for hobbyists and pro woodworking shops, plus custom and private label systems for OEM.

Up until 1999, John Sr. ran the company, then his son John A. Darroch Jr. took over the day-to-day operations of Apollo, as company president and CEO. He’s headed it ever since.

Boxer says John Jr. has never been a stranger to the family business. “He’s worked every aspect around the factory since he was 13, and he still does!”

Among those many responsibilities, John leads Apollo Sprayer’s in-house research and development, with the assistance of additional independent engineering consultants — some of whom have been associated with Apollo for 35 years. Apollo also maintains close ties with various paint and coating manufacturers and other industries that are involved with turbospray technology.

While the 60s space race is the stuff of history now, HVLP technology continues to be a competitive business, and Apollo is a leader in the 21st-century “sprayer race.” Apollo’s current product line is the pedigree of numerous industry firsts. Among them:

• Apollo designed and manufactured the first turbospray system for professional and industrial use.

• Apollo was the first to seek independent laboratory testing to validate transfer efficiency of its spray systems for paint savings.

• The company introduced turbospray technology to California’s South Coast Air Quality Management District, which lead to the acronym “HVLP” and the establishment of spray finishing codes for environmental protection.

Other Apollo milestones on the HVLP front have included larger turbine motors to handle higher viscosity coatings; a patented dual-turbine motor unit that produces maximum atomizing pressure for high viscosity coatings and small production capability; and the first dual-capable HVLP spray gun that works either on a turbospray system or an air compressor as HVLP.

“We introduced the first HVLP spray gun with high-grade stainless steel fluid passages to accommodate water base coatings,” Boxer adds. “And, with our Atomizer 7500 model, we were the first to provide an HVLP gun with multiple cup configurations — bottom cup, gravity cup or production with no cup and fluid hose to pressure pot.”

If you’ve shopped for an HVLP system for your shop, you’re probably familiar with Apollo’s ECO series, which includes three-, four- and five-stage models. Boxer says the ECO line is ideal for small-shop finishers and hobbyists. In terms of quality, ECO spray systems use the same professional turbospray motors as the company’s professional POWER and PRECISION series units do.

“Our ECO options are designed to provide the serious amateur finisher as well as the occasional or semi-professional finisher with an affordable option without sacrificing performance.”

But maybe you’ve only considered HVLP spray finishing at this point. Many woodworkers are reluctant to take the plunge because spraying seems too complex. Boxer says, it’s not as hard as we newbies might think.

“It’s like using a brush, except you have a spray gun in hand. You’re brushing with a spray gun.”

The easiest way to learn the knack, Boxer suggests, is to start by just spraying water on a large piece of cardboard. With no actual project, there’s no risk of mistakes. Then, try spraying a horizontal surface with actual finish in the gun, and work your way to more complex angles and surfaces from there. If you fear the mess and overspray even more than drips and sags, low-pressure turbospraying resolves those shortcomings, too.

“A little practice will wipe away longstanding apprehension and fear,” Boxer reassures.

If you’re ready to invest in one of Apollo’s HVLP spray systems, this year could be the ideal time to do it. In celebration of its 50th anniversary, the company is offering a 50-themed special each month of 2016. For example, one month Apollo offered $50 off the advertised price of a spray system or spray gun, or a $50 package of accessories valued at substantially higher price. There are more surprise deals planned for the remaining months of this year, through December.

“Starting around July 1, we’re offering a limited edition gold spray gun to commemorate 50 years in business,” Boxer adds.

And, as Apollo sets its sights on the next half century, Boxer says the horizon is always changing in the spray finishing business. It might be a new motor technology to explore, product development for an industry not yet served, a new spray gun or some new equipment design. Whatever it might be, Apollo Sprayers is passionate about fulfilling its customers’ needs.

“With Apollo, you can always be certain that there will be something new, interesting and exciting! We’re always thinking ahead.”

Learn more about the ECO line of HVLP spray systems, and other Apollo products, by clicking here.

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Integrated zipper pockets along the wrap provide easy storage for larger sized tools, such as batteries and loose accessories, while 30 additional pockets give you the convenience to store a wide assortment of hand tools and materials.

Constructed of 1680D ballistic material, the wrap can stand up to even the toughest jobsite conditions. For added benefit, it also comes with a bucket handle wrap for comfortable carrying. Milwaukee’s new Bucket Organizer Wrap sells for $24.99 through Milwaukee distributors and online retailers.

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The GOP40-30 has a 4.0 amp motor with reinforced metal gearing for optimal power transmission. Constant Response Circuitry also helps the tool maintain operating speed under load, and you can adjust its speed between 8,000 and 20,000 oscillations per minute, depending on your application. Its three-degree oscillating arc utilizes cutting, scraping and sanding attachments more efficiently, which should increase productivity.

This multi-tool has an ergonomic design with a small grip diameter that makes it more comfortable to hold. The tool weighs just 3.3 lbs. And, built-in LED lighting helps illuminate dark work areas, such as sink bases, crawlspaces or shadows between joists.

Bosch’s new GOP40-30 StarlockPlus Oscillating Multi-Tool is available now. It’s priced between $179 and $199, depending on the included kit accessories and carry case.

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Chris Marshall: Many years ago, I was in your shoes. My first “hardcore” woodworking machine was a table saw, then a router, and slowly other things. The thickness planer was several buys down the list. They are expensive on the front end — starting at around $300 new for a 12-1/2- or 13-in.-capacity model. But, to answer your question: no, a belt sander won’t replace a planer for thicknessing stock. And other “common” tools like hand planes won’t do this job as efficiently or accurately, either, without a lot of practice. A thickness planer serves three unique purposes that other tools do not: 1) It makes the second face of a board parallel to the other face; 2) It smooths rough stock; and 3) It reduces stock down to the exact thickness you need.

Here’s some advice: save up for one. If you really want to get into woodworking, a thickness planer is worth the cost. Once you have it, you’ll never regret the expenditure, because you’ll be in control of your stock thickness like never before. Pair it up with a jointer some day, and every board you use can be arrow-straight, flat and any thickness you desire. It’s a wonderful step forward! Chances are, you can find a used thickness planer for a great price by checking Craigslist (or similar services) in your area. Or, try eBay. These benchtop planers have been around for a long time, and I’ll bet someone within reasonable driving distance is selling one in great shape for $150 to $200. Maybe even less. If that’s still cost-prohibitive, see if there’s a woodworking guild in your town or city, and join it. A fellow member might be willing to thickness-plane some stock for you for little or nothing. And, you’ll have a social network to start sharing information with, too.

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– Jacob Lisac
North Palm Beach, FL

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