Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Airbrush

2451 views
17 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Airbrush
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, July 25, 2005 6:47 PM
I got 250 buck and I wanna get an air brush and compressor that I can use all the time does anyone have some suggestions
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, July 26, 2005 10:14 AM
Paasche and Badger always rank high in user satisfaction. Testors/Aztec also make good airbrushes. With $250 you should be able to get everything you need.

Andrew
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, July 26, 2005 10:19 AM
http://www.dixieart.com/Badger_155_Anthem_General_Purpose_Airbrush.html
  • Member since
    July 2004
  • 785 posts
Posted by Leon Silverman on Tuesday, July 26, 2005 12:43 PM
Cannot comment on air brushes but for the cost of a typical hobby air compressor, you can purchase a general purpose air tool compressor. The 125 or 150 psi pressure can be regulated down to the 10-35 psi you need for the airbrush but you still have a power source for any other pneumatic tool you might want to use. Previous responses in this forum recommend purchasing a unit with wheels since even the smallest one horsepower units can be pretty heavy to lug around.
  • Member since
    January 2002
  • From: Philadelphia Area
  • 46 posts
Posted by joeh19012 on Tuesday, July 26, 2005 3:18 PM
I agree with Leon. Find a decent compressor with a tank that can be used to fill tires and run some air tools--it doesn't have to be the biggest or most expensive. Typically, they have about an 8-15 gallon tank and are rated 1.0 - 2.0 horsepower. They're available from Sears, Lowe's, Home Depot, and other sources, and should cost around $100. I own a single action Paasche air brush, but I suggest you check out the various brands and styles. Most are available in a set or kit, which means they come with extra bottles, tips, and a hose (about $70). You may also want to invest in some air fittings so that you can pop your air brush or hose onto the compressor without hassling with screwing it on. A set of fittings should be between $5-$10. The only other addition I would make would be a blow gun kit. This is usually a device with a squeeze handle and some interchangeable tips that could be useful in blowing dust off a model, or in forcing paint to dry quicker. Simple ones go for around $5-$10, with more elaborate sets that include a coiled hose for around $20-$30.

Enjoy your new tools.

Joe from the Philly 'burbs Disclaimer: Any mention of any type of commercial or retail enterprise is presented for informational purposes only, and does not represent an endorsement. I have no significant financial interest in any of the named companies.

  • Member since
    February 2001
  • From: Poconos, PA
  • 3,948 posts
Posted by TomDiehl on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 5:42 AM
I agree with the compressor comments above. I bought a Sears 2 gallon compressor for $90 (for the same reasons listed above) and haven't regretted it. Add a water separator and some quick disconnect fittings and you also can inflate tires and run small air tools with it. It comes with a pressure regulator and some simple items like coiled hose, blow gun and tire valve. Plus, I like the fact that it's NOT pulsing air, like some of the small (and expensive) compressors. The Sears tool catalogue even has a chart to tell you which ones it will run.

A very important addition to the comments, make sure you use good ventilation and wear the proper respirator for the type paints you are using.
Smile, it makes people wonder what you're up to. Chief of Sanitation; Clowntown
  • Member since
    January 2001
  • From: US
  • 131 posts
Posted by scole100 on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 8:49 AM
I have a compressor in my garage for tires tools etc. For my airbrush I have an airtank with a pressure regulator. It is silent and very steady with the pressure. It is a cheap alternative. I had the airtank for several years before I got the compressor. I just would fill it up at the gas station for free about once a month.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 10:34 AM
Would this tank/compressor work?
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00915200000

or this one?
http://huskytools.com/husky/Category95781/Category95782/Product7.html
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 5:59 PM
You would need a regulator and water seperator for the tank. The compressor is the one I am trying to talk my better half into.
  • Member since
    February 2001
  • From: Poconos, PA
  • 3,948 posts
Posted by TomDiehl on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 6:18 PM
That link is just a pressure tank, not a compressor. A 5 gallon size should do a car or two in HO scale, I also used one for several years before getting my own compressor as stated above. And I agree with the need for a water separator and regulator, too. Most gas stations don't have a separator in their lines, especially the free air line.
Smile, it makes people wonder what you're up to. Chief of Sanitation; Clowntown
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 8:13 PM
So the one in the second link would work fine?
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 8:35 PM
I think it would. The description does not say that there is a pressure regulator but looking at the illistration there are two pressure guages and one of them looks like it has a knob. If so it must be a regulator. You would still need a water seperator and / or filter. That is why I am trying to talk my Better Half into going to Home Depot this weekend to look at it.

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 10:11 PM
Oh ok, something like this?
http://huskytools.com/husky/Category95781/Category100796/Product3.html
Sorry but I am pretty much a noob when it comes to air compressors.
  • Member since
    July 2004
  • 785 posts
Posted by Leon Silverman on Thursday, July 28, 2005 10:56 AM
Chillalbino:
That filter looks like it was meant to go on the compressor air intake, not the supply line. What you need is a filter/moisture sepator that is meant to go on the high pressure (outlet) side.
Bukwrm:
Ask your wife if she would like to shop at Target. They have a compressor with wheels that lists for $120 but sometimes is put on sale for $89. This comes with a nailer and other attachments. Just make sure you lubricate the section where the brads are inserted.
  • Member since
    February 2004
  • 394 posts
Posted by ham99 on Thursday, July 28, 2005 8:34 PM
I have a shop air compressor, but I also have a Paasche air compressor for my Paasche VLS airbrush. It came with a pressure regulator and moisture trap on it. I gave about $100 for both of them in like new condition. Many people buy an airbrush and never use it. It takes a little time to learn to use it and more time to clean it, so used ones are rather plentiful. The little Paasche compressor is light and can be placed on my layout; the shop compressor -- even on wheels -- is too heavy to carry to the basement. Consider where you plan to use your airbrush.
  • Member since
    March 2004
  • 1 posts
Posted by L Paul on Thursday, July 28, 2005 8:58 PM
You might check out these guys- http://www.airbrush-depot.com - for the hardware where the paint meets the pressurized air...they also sell the mositure trapes - at least in the Paasche line. I just replaced an airbrush lost in a move and their prices and service were good.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, July 29, 2005 1:27 PM
Go to Home Depot. they sell a compressor/nail gun kit with compressor and two nail guns for about 250. Then spen about 40 bucks on a good air brush. You'll have two good nail guns too if you ever need um.

QUOTE: Originally posted by Nicknero

I got 250 buck and I wanna get an air brush and compressor that I can use all the time does anyone have some suggestions
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, August 1, 2005 1:14 PM
Well, when I needed an airbrush, I just went to the Testor's section in Wal-Mart and bought an airbrush w/compressor for $60. Haven't used it yet, but looks fine to me. Testor's also sells an airbru***hat runns on arisol cans of air, but the cans cost about $9 apiece, and the airbrush is $40, so use 3 cans and you'll have the brush w/compressor more than paid off.

Whatever you buy, make sure to buy thinner if you need it (Testors makes some in the same place they sell their airbrushes. Look for it amongst the paints in glass bottles there).

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!