Spray Guns??

[RoadHazard]

Hello I am looking for advice on spray guns. I am having to change profesions (due to federal DOT regulations concerning high blood suger), so ive decided to chase my dream and start painting cars and motorcycles. Im in the begining process of taking classes at the local vocational college, but since I have NO experience I am planing to purchase me a gun and practise on sheet metal. So what I need is what will give me the best bang for the buck, as I mentioned I would like it to be something that I can "grow" into. The $99 dual set offered by Eastwood is an exelant price but some have said that its not the best for profesional use. Also is there specific things I sould look for in a gun (are the best guns gravity fed, ect). Any input or advise would be helpfull. thx

[Ultra Al]

Your compressor is the first thing to consider. HVLP guns take a lot of air. In some areas HVLP guns are all that is allowed. Other states allow conventional. The advantage of an HVLP is you don't waste as much material since you are usling low pressure (less overspray), the down side is they are slow and use a lot of air. For HVLP you will need a compresser capable of (I would reccommend) 16CFM @90psi. You might get by with a little less than that. For guns like the Sata RP, Devilbiss GFG plus and the Iwata LVLP guns (LPH 100, 400) you can get by with about 10 CFM.
Another thing to consider is dedicated guns. You need a bigger tip for primer than you do for base coat for example. It is also good to have a dedicated clear coat gun. I use all of the above brands I mentioned and have a two stage seven HP compressor. The Devilbiss GFG plus is not technically an HVLP but is legal and comes with three tip sizes. It is also slightly cheaper than the Sata and Iwata guns and performs very well. It is widly used by professionals. Devilbiss after all invented the spray gun. Al

[RoadHazard]

Thx for the advice Al. This helps me greatly.