Air Brush - which to buy?

[Anonymous]

I am interested in learning how to air brush and would like your advise on what to look for in an air brush? And in particular the names of some of the better known devices on the market ?
From what I see in the posts in this forum there is tremendous body of helpful and knowledgeable modelers our there. This is such a wonderful source of information and even a novice is made to feel welcome.
Thanks in advance !!
Phil [:)]

[SpaceMouse]

Tell me too. I want to know.

[Anonymous]

I am not an air brush expert by any means, but I really like the Testors Aztek (sp?) because it easier to clean. That and my Paasche D500 air compressor have served me quite well over the last 10 years.

[mondotrains]

Hey Phil,
Look through the prior posts regarding airbrushes and I think you'll find all the info you need. I myself wrote a rather lengthy response as to which airbrush I have and made several suggestions on which paints to use etc.

Hope you find in the prior post what you're looking for. Certainly, if after you've read through the prior postings and come up with specific questions, I and I'm sure others would be glad to answer them.

Regards,
Mondo

[Anonymous]

Check the Layout forum here too; lots of airbrush discussions in the past there as well. As for me, I have a Badger single action (Model 200, if memory serves) that does the job quite well for me.

[trolleyboy]

Hey Phil [#welcome] I too use the badger 200 it's easy to clean and for fifteen years has given me no reason to complain. As your learning to usse one stick with a simple single action less moving parts and less things to clean. There are several good books out there to show you techniques check Kalmbach online and even the fine scal modeler web sight, they usually have quite a few airbrushing ideas as well. I've also used the aztec brushes as well their interchangable tips are a time saver they would also be a good first brush, do yourself a favour and grab several tips for whichever brush you go with most are sold initially with a large or medium tip which depending on the scale that you are into may be to heavy. Happy painting TB Also make sur that you have a well lit and well ventilated area to spray in there have been alot off good articles on how to build spray booths oveer the years as well.

[Anonymous]

I got a Testor's airbrush at Wal-Mart for under $50.00. It may have been the Aztek, anyway it's dual action and has worked really well. I don't think you can beat it for the price.

[GMO Fan]

Do some research on the net (look to model builder sites and airbrush related sites), and I think you will find the Badger 155 Anthem to be one of the most recommended brushes out there today. Others would be the Paasche VL, Badger 150, and the expensive Iwata airbrushes. Check out this supplier for the cheapest prices you will find. Excellent service too !
[urlhttp://www.dixieart.com/][/url]

[Anonymous]

Check out the Paasche VL Set, its a great Double action airbrush. I picked mine up at Dixie Art Supplies for $59.95, no tax, no shipping. Looks as if the price went up a few bucks Jan 1

http://www.dixieart.com/PaascheVL.html

Bob

[Anonymous]

I like the Badger brushes because I can get parts at craft stores like AC Moore. I;ve had my 150 for years.

[jwar]

[#ditto][#welcome]
Welcome to the forum Phil.

After searching the forum perhaps a little research in your own area for parts availability. Check Hobbie shops, art stores and such. I was luckey as a friend has several types and models of air brushes of various brands. I personaly settled for a dual action, internal airbrush. I found that my LHS sold Badger and caried all the parts for it. After losing a small seal I was glad to say the least I bought that particular brands brush. The med tip is used mostley for hobbiest. However I decieded to go with the fine, med and course tips. Its a matter of preference and most air brush brands are great.

The next thing you should consider is a air compressor, most small inexpensive compressors will work fine and in the long run cheaper then those air cans.

Good luck on your quest....John

[randybc2003]

My decision to purchase an airbrush was made under the desire for a decent paint job on a certain model. It was guided by the very simple condition of $$$

A a local, reputable discount store I purchased, 5-10 years ago, what I think was a Badger 200 or 250 airbursh. It is single action, exterior mix. It is simple to use, and clean, even if it gets gummed up. The bursh came with a "kit" of brush, 2 mixing bottles (which fit the brush), hose, and "air bottle cap". That and a bottle of canned air cost me less than $20. I have since fabricated a bleeder fitting and connected it to an old, small air compressor I have. No real complaints.

Note: if you are getting in to airbrushing, get extra bottles, and fill one with (relatively) cheap paint solvent. Clean the brush by spraying until paint is washed out by the spraying solvent. The brush can withstand short term storage by being connected to this bottle of solvent.

[locomutt]

[#welcome] to the forums!!!!
All the above advice is great. I've have both the Paasche & Badger
They are both good.
My personal preference would be the Paasche.(H series)
Mine has survived about 40 years of use,and is still going strong.
For whatever it counts for,I would suggest a 'single-action' air-brush
to start off with.

Now the "air compresser" is another story.
Make sure you get one with a 'tank'.[:)]