I’m ready to buy my first air bru***o do some painting on some structures and eventually some diesel locos. What type would you recomend I start with?
I’d recommend a good single action airbrush. They operate pretty much like a spray can, but you get MUCH better control of the spray, how much, how heavy, how wide, etc. They are much better for painting any models as compared to spray cans or brushing.
Regardless of what most people will try to tell you, there isn’t much difference between the brands. The main features to look for would be the adjustable spray, ease of tear down for cleaning, availability and reasonable price for replacement parts.
Walther’s is having an awesome sale on the Paashe “H” right now. It’s around $56. All yoiu would need is a compresor and spray booth if you prefer and you are off. The H is a single action and great for beginners or vets alike.
Any single-action external mix airbrush will get you rolling and be easy to clean and maintain, though in Badger’s line I definitely recommend the 350 over the 250. I started with a 250 and outgrew it within a couple of years. The 350 that replaced it wasn’t any harder to clean and maintain, and lasted me over a decade. It’s still going strong in another modeller’s workshop. [:)]
Parts supply is a big consideration - if you have a local shop that carries parts for one brand, look hard at that brand. It’s a real drag to be held up on a project waiting for parts to arrive.
Thanks for the tips, I’ll check out the “H” and the Badger 350.
I started with a Badger 200 (single action, internal mix). That same airbrush is still going strong 12 years later. And my LHS stocks Badger parts. The internal mix is a little harder to clean, but provides a finer spray.
Nick
I reccomend the Badger 200 Model. It is nicely shaped. Easy to use. And gives you very fine control of the paint. In a pinch you can substitute it for some Double Action applications the control is so fine. Dad has had his for 30 years. Still going strong. The Reason I bought mine. (My dad models airplanes and ships. Trying to get him into trains though)
Try this place. they sell the “H” for $51. Also a compressor with regulator/moisture trap and attached tank for about $170. Looks like a pretty good deal, and a LOT cheaper than my LHS…
[#ditto]I shudder to think how many jars of paint have gone through my 200 over the past 15 years, and it’s still a dependable performer - in fact, it’s outlived three compressors[:D]
I’m sure the Badger is a fine airbrush but from personal experience I’m going to reccomend the Paasche H… Keep it clean and it’s pretty much bullet proof… I’ve never had to replace parts in one.
Good luck,
Jeff
[swg]
I do not recommend the Aztek. My wife bought me one for Christmas. It lasted about 6 weeks before things started going wrong. I bought more tips and they didn’t do what they were advertised for. Before that I had a Paasche V. Excellent and lasted for many years (20 or so). Unfortunately I tripped over the air hose and propelled it at high speed into the floor. The trigger mechanism broke inside beyond repair.
I’ve also used the really simple (and cheap) Badger basic, and generic one ($9.95)from Harbor Tools. They actually work quite well with the thicker acrylic paints. But I would never try to do any detailing work or pin striping with them.
A thing to note is that every double action brush I’ve used can work just like a single action. It just depends on how one pushes the button down. I really like the double action, because it allows me to control the volume of paint flowing.
Another feature I like is a brush with both gravity and venturi feeds. This makes it easier to adjust to more and different types and viscocities of paint.
I bought a Paasche H model a while back and just started using it the other day. It’s very easy to use and produces good results. I suspect the results will get better when the operator gets better ;). I can’t imagine using a dual action brush as my entry unit. Too many moving parts to work with when you’re learning.
-Tom
What place are you talking about? I think you forgot the link.
How big of a compressor is reccomended?
Any size compressor, short of the 12 volt automobile tire compressors will do. Hobby airbrushes typically run on 10 to 25 psi air, so you want to have a regulator on the compressor (or air tank filled up at a gas station that some people use). Having an in-line moisture filter would be useful in humid climates. If you compressor is oil lubricated, that filter should be capable of removing oil from the air, also.
Be prepared to spend about $100 and get a good air compressor with a reservoir tank from Sears, Home Depot, or one of the big box stores. You’ll be much happier in the long run. The hobby-type compressors like Badger sells aren’t worth taking home…they have a life expectancy about that of a Tootsie-Roll Pop.
Watch Home Depot and Lowes for “sales” (e.g., special advertisements). I got a nice 4 gallon compressor for around $100. Make sure it’s oilless for easy maintenance and don’t forget the water trap/filter. Something similar to this:
-Tom