A while back I inherited a paint brush from my uncle. The box has the following on the label: Binks, 59-10003, Set #1 Type A, Wren Airbrush. Here is a picture.
I have no idea if it is worth trying to use, so I thought I would ask the experts.
Was a common model mentioned in model articles in the 50’s and 60’s, should be a decent tool if it was taken care of. Pretty sure all the working parts are metal, so it should be durable and even if there is some dried paint in the nozzle, you should be able to clean it up.
Still made, and parts are avaialble: http://www.binks.com/products/spray-guns/manual-spray-guns/touch-up/wren-airbrush#LiveTabsContent178251-lt
–Randy
The business end looks just like a Paasche model H. I’ll bet you can do some nice work with this brush. Get some white poster board and spend some time practicing making straight lines. You can use a two hand approach and turn the paint adjustment cone (the knurled sleeve) while you paint to get your pattern down very fine.
I suggest straining every drop of color that you put into the cup. Look at Micromark for paint strainers.
Have fun! Ed
Richard,
Binks is a major brand of automotive paint spraying products so their Wren airbrush should be of high quality. It is still available from Grainger for $286. Internet research states that the Wren is an external mix single action airbrush. If you have never used an airbrush before, the single action units are the best place to start as they are simple to use and maintain. If you don’t already own one, you will need an air compressor. Many different air compressor models are available from Harbor Freight Tools at great prices. While they have small (and quiet) airbrush-style compressors available, I would recommend one of the small contractor-style compressors with storage tanks as you can use them for lots of other tasks as well as painting. If you find one of these units to be too loud, you can always connect it to a long air hose and put the compressor outside or in another room. Another alternative is to use the compressor to charge a portable air tank, then use the portable air tank to power the airbrush (very quiet). An in-line air pressure regulator, preferably with a moisture trap, will also be needed. HFT has these, too. Finally, an air hose to connect the airbrush to the compressor is necessary. If such a hose is not already included with your Wren kit, HFT offers braided air hoses sized for airbrushes as well as the reducer fittings needed to connect the small airbrush air hose to the larger fittings found on contractor and larger size compressors. You should be able to get all of the above from HFT for under $100. You might be tempted to power the airbrush with “canned” air available at the LHS but this gets expensive fast and the cans don’t provide enough spraying time plus they tend to freeze up during use.
Once you have everything you’ll need to operate your airbrush, I would first thoroughly read through any instructions included with the airbrush (these might
Not that I use an airbrush myself, but a good piece of info to know on any air powered tool is to have a filter for your compressor as well. That way, in case your air supply gets garbage in it, that trash will not work its way into the airbrush or onto your finished product. There are many that fit inline with your airhose.
Spray WD into the valve and you WILL soon have to take the valve apart. WD does not play nice with synthetic materials sucn as seals and valve seats.
As always, you have been a wealth of information. My uncle tended to spend as much as possible when he bought things (and would let everyone know how much he spent) so it doesn’t surprise me that it is a higher-end piece of equipment. I think I will be asking for a compressor for my birthday in a couple of weeks.
Thanks to all!
My first airbrush was an inexpensive model from Airbrush city. I spent so mayny years intimidated by them, so I went with an inexpensive one. The next one was a Paasche 200H that I got free. Since then, I’ve bought another one. After some practice I began asking myself, “Why’d you wait so long?” They are a great tool that give incredible results!