Air Brushes

[Anonymous]

Hello Everyone,

I'm looking to purchase an airbrush. My problem is that Badger puts out so many different models with so many different types of needles. I don't have a air compresser. So does that limit the type of air brush that I can purchase?
So if anyone can tell me what is a good model to get and with what type of needle to use I would deeply apreciate it very much.
Thank you all in advance for your time and opinion.

Louie

[BentnoseWillie]

Any airbrush can be used with or without a compressor - without, you'll have to use propellant cans (available at the hobby shop) or set up some kind of a tank.

For beginners I recommend single-action airbrushes: the trigger controls air only, with a separate adjustment for paint flow. On a double-action, pushing the trigger controls airflow, rocking it back and forth controls paint flow. These offer greater control, but it's best to learn one thing at a time.

External-mix are simpler to maintain and clean, but they don't deliver quite as fine a spray. That said, I used an external-mix Badger 350 for fifteen years before I upgraded to an internal-mix Badger 200. The 350 is a good, reliable airbru***hat's a snap to maintain. The medium tip that usually comes with it served me well for all my modelling work.

Paashce and Testors both make similar single-action external mix airbrushes which would work as well.

[Anonymous]

The Testor's, also known as Aztecs are the easiest brushes of all to clean. Trust me on this, in 45 seconds you can clean an Aztec or Testor's, not so with Paasche, Badgers and the like. You might not think that is a big deal, but trust me it is.

Also the Aztec has a High Flow tip that can be used with ordinary household paint, or just about any paint out there, this isn't true with other manufactures tips. I have used my Aztec brush on car touch ups, on walls and trim in my house, and on fascia and legs on my layout. Be warned, there is another tip that is High Flow, but it isn't this one.

I have an internal 320 Aztec I think it is and I'm happy with it. You don't need a double action brush in model railroading at all. So far I have used mine to paint engines, freight cars, for weathering, painting track, painting fascia, etc. Not once have I heard myself think - "oh this would be so much better if I had a double action brush."

[dand200]

I bought an airbrush last year and I don't know how I ever got along without it before. I also believe that a single action brush is adequate for model railroading, especially for a beginner. If you decide you like the results of an airbrush paint job and use it often, I would definitely suggest a compressor. The initial expense will pan out in the long run and it can be a frustrating experience to run out in the middle of a job, or not have enough air left for clean up. Keeping an airbrush clean will keep it working well. Good luck with your decision and remember, practice makes perfect. dan

[Anonymous]

I own a double action Paasche and have never had a problem with it. I tried a few others, Aztec, single action, external mix, and was not impressed. I like the control, especially fine control a double action gives you. This action really comes in handy when weathering in really tight places like steps, couplers etc. A single action brush is too hard to control in tight places.

As for compressors, get the biggest one (horsepower wise) you can aford. I bought a 1/2 HP and found it really undersized. I upgraded to a 4HP with a 3 gallon tank.

[Anonymous]

I own several airbrushes and use them for various detailing work. The brush I use most is the old Badger 350 I have had for years. A simple brush like the 350 will serve you well for years and would be a good choice is you are just starting.

If you can't purchase a compressor right now, I would suggest you get a copy of an article in MR from several years ago. The article showed how to use a garden sprayer, the type you pump up, as a an air source for airbrushing. The article was very complete. I build one for my own use and still use it today for items I cannot bring to the spray booth. It is a good alternative for those who cannot lay out the cash for a compressor and do not like the cost of using propellant in cans.

Tom

[Anonymous]

I've had an Iwata Eclipse (double action) for some time and have been very pleased. Easy to work with, versatile, well made. Try dixieart.com for a look.

smyers

[dano99a]

I have an Iwata HP -B and an Eclipse, an Aztec and a Badger they all work really well I use the Iwata's the most.

Though do remember, Iwata's can be expensive depending on what one you buy.

[Anonymous]

When I bought my air brush, I spent so much money on the bru***hat I didn't have enough left over to buy a compressor. After many weeks of using a spare tire and driving to the service station, I went to a pawn shop and bought a small compressor for little of nothing. Finding out that I got tired of the dang thing cycling on and off, I found a 30 gallon tank and hooked it in and it cut down on the cycling. The pawn shop worked so well that when I got ready to upgrade I went back and bought a 5 HP sitting on a 60 gal tank.

[MudHen_462]

Yeah, The Badger 350 is a good little air brush. I have one, and love it. It's a "straight-forward", easy-to-use unit. Try it, you'll like it !