For what it is worth:
As with most hobbies requiring tools, there are “tool junkies” those who include the value of having and working with the best as part of the enjoyment of the hobby. At the other end, there are the “make do” hobbyists who will look for cost efficient barely adequate deals. Tool junkies will want to budget at least $300.00 in brush, compressor and accessories. Make-do hobbyist can get away with about $40.00. I am somewhere in between, and owning a 2 gallon tank shop-compressor already, ordered by single action, siphon feed, internal mix Badger with cup, jars and caps plus a good hose and moisture trap for less than $80.00 including shipping.
Thanks to all who helped me through this purchase.
Crews
I used double-action internal-mix airbrushes in the $80-110 range (c.1990) until acrylic paint came along. Acrylics like to gum up the internal mix airbrushes, at least that was my experience. I ended up going to bottom-of-the-line Testors and Badger external mix units for $15-20 and have been very happy with the results.
p.s. I think Aztec is actually more a model name than manufacturer name, I think they're a line of airbrushes made by Testors??
wjstix-That's good to know about the acrylics clogging up an internal. I was thinking about upgrading from my Paache H to an internal, but I'm using a lot of craft paint on structures lately. I was even thinking about one of these.http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=95810
Can't go wrong for the $$$.
What's the recommended way to deal with your paint after airbrushing? Do you store you paint in the bottle with a solid cap on it, removing the airbrush cap? Do you soak the airbrush cap in cleaner or water so it doesn't get clogged?
My main issue has always been the "after painting" session and what to do with the bottles of paint I used. I always end up not being able to get paint out the bottle the next time around because something is probably clogged.
Shaun