Airbrush

[Bob Gould]

Having never used one before and knowing absoloutly nothing about them: what is the best airbrush kit for small (inside house) paint jobs on models please? Looking for simple

many thanks

[Robin Hinson]

Hello Bob,

I have always used Iwata because they are made of brass coated in chrome, also they are very easy to strip down and replacement parts are ready available. Other members on the forum will say use other brands and cheaper ones. I have been using mine now for around 5 years now so they do last along time, and havent needed to change. Cleaning is easy too, I just use a glass jar with cellulose thinners and let it soak until I next use it. They are expensive however, thats the down side, but they will as I have said last a long long time. There are of course cheap ones on the market so perhaps try one of these and see how you get on. But for durability I recommend Iwata

Hope this helps

Rob

[Stephen White]

Bob

The good thing is that there are some real experts on the Forum, so you'll get good advice.

I'd support what Rob has said. I've used Iwata wtih complete satisfaction. With airbrushes, I'd say there is no halfway house - cheap and simple doesn't really lead to satisfaction, not that I'm suggesting you necessarily go for professional standards. There are two decisions to make with airbrushing - the air source and the type of action.

- It' a complete waste of time and money to have any other source of air than a compressor. It will frustrate the hell out of you to use air cans and you get disappointing results because you can't regulate the pressure for different applications.

- Airbrushes come in two varieties, single and double action. These refer to supply of air and paint to the nozzle. It sounds attractive to have one control for both but again, you'll soon discover the benefits of having the two seperated. On most double action airbrushes, one level does do both but with two seperate actions, push down for one and pull back for the other. It takes about five minutes to get used to it (well, with a bit of liquid encouragement inside you.....).

As to UK suppliers, there are two leading companies: Airbrushes.com (here: http://www.airbrushes.com/) and Everything Airbrush.com (here: http://www.everythingairbrush.com/). There isn't much between them but I've used Everything Airbrush now for a few years and they are excellent.

There are some very good DVDs out now on techniques, particularly on the AK Interactive website and the Promodeller site has some downloadable vids if you're a member.

You might want to think about fume extraction. Either someome standing behind you with a punka, or a mask or an extractor.....

Regards

Stephen

[Paul Morris]

Hi Bob.

Always used Badger since I got my first one when I was 17 thanks Dad. Apart from the tanks I used them extensively for murals on scooters and bikes and some vans for several years, so from ink all the way to cellulose paints and candy apples etc, and never had any trouble and the first one I got is still going strong.
You can pay more but you can also pay a lot less but for hassle free work its Badger for me.
Just my thoughts.
Cheers Paul

[Bob Gould]

Thank you all so much. Excellent info. So compressor, double action is the prefered?

Can you use in the house for small jobs?

And am i right in thinking you can change air source on them. I.e use aerosol or compressor?

Many Thanks
Bob

[John Fitzsimons]

Get a compressor with a tank.
http://www.everythingairbrush.com/acata ... eries.html

the asa 186 or 189 are good. The tank stores air so when you are airbrushing the motor runs only occasionaly.

They do these as a kit with basic airbrush also. Practice with the cheap type first. I use this compressor in the house. GET A MASK.

The MIG dvd on modulkation technique has a intruductory to airbrushing and some information on pressures ect.

[willie leonard]

Hey Bob,
If your looking for simple and easy to use check out a GREX.