Airbrush Selection

[wjdragon]

Hi all,

I just started getting into the model making arena and built my first SR-71 and Su-34 using hand brushes only. I think i'm ready for the airbrush. I hope i'm asking this question in the right forum. I really don't know much about airbrushes at all, so I did a little research. Hopefully i can gleam some more information from you experts!

I am looking for an inexpensive, single-action airbrush that can be attached to my 6 gal porter-cable compressor (here). First of all, can i even use my compressor for airbrushing? I was under the impression that it can be used based off of Steve Bamford's article (located here). I wasn't if the hoses were the same size, though. If i can, what accessories should I be using (I am guessing I need a water trap for it)?

And second, does anyone have a recommendation for said airbrush? I thought maybe Testor's Aztek (link) might do the trick, but then I was concerned about it working with my porter-cable compressor.

Thanks for the help! This is an awesome site. I love the gallery of planes you guys have. It's very insightful and informative as to what kits are better than others ones.

[Huey Gunner]

Can't go wrong with the Iwata Revolution.

Iwata website

This company will have all the accessories and adapters you will need.

Dixie Art

[Don Wheeler]

You might want to do a little more research before you plunk down your money on the Aztek. For one thing, the specs say its for broad coverage, and that might not be what you want. The Iwata Revolution is a fine brush, but it's a double action and about 3 times the cost of the Aztek that you're looking at. If you want single action, a lot of people are happy with the Paasche H or the Badger 200NH. I've jotted down a few thoughts on airbrush selection here that might help. Whatever you get, keep it clean and take some time to learn how to use it. If you have problems, ask here and you're sure to get help.

Don

[terryt]

Harbor Freight has two single action airbrushes and a double action airbrush. This one is a direct copy of the badger 350.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/disp...temnumber=47791

I've got a 350 and it works fine for general spray applications. May not get down as fine as you want.

I also have one of the double action airbrushes which is a knock off of the Badger 150. It works fine also, it will spray a little finer than the single action. http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/disp...temnumber=95810

Most Harbor Freight retail stores usually have them stock.

If you just want to get a feel for airbrushing one of the listed ones will work fine and they won't break the bank.

Edited August 26, 2009 by terryt

[wjdragon]

Thanks for your link, Don. It was very helpful

I ended up getting an Iwata double-action siphon, and it works really well. Trouble with the siphon though, is that the tube doesn't reach the bottom of the bottle. I use enamel, 1/4 oz bottles so I end up wasting a lot of paint when mixing it with thinner to get it to a milky consistency. In hindsight, I think I would have been better off with a gravity feeder.

Either way though, it's a HUGE improvement over painting by paint brush. Last night I tried painting the edges of my F-22 Raptor with the body masked off and ... wow ... looks so good!

With the siphon, what's the best method for not wasting so much paint? Or is that just an inherent design flaw?

[Don Wheeler]

With the siphon, what's the best method for not wasting so much paint? Or is that just an inherent design flaw?

Glad I could be of some help. Your question caused me to check the Iwata website, and I learned something I didn't realize before. Iwata doesn't seem to offer a paint cup for their bottom feed airbrushes. That seems strange to me, because with my Badger, I use the 1/4oz cup almost all the time. With the cup, I waste very little paint. I also find it strange that the tube doesn't go all the way to the bottom of the bottle.

I called Coast Airbrush and they told me that the Badger cup will fit the Iwata. It should cost less than $6 and I think it would be well worth it. Are there any Iwata owners out there who would want to comment on this?

Don

[theseeker]

Glad I could be of some help. Your question caused me to check the Iwata website, and I learned something I didn't realize before. Iwata doesn't seem to offer a paint cup for their bottom feed airbrushes. That seems strange to me, because with my Badger, I use the 1/4oz cup almost all the time. With the cup, I waste very little paint. I also find it strange that the tube doesn't go all the way to the bottom of the bottle.

I called Coast Airbrush and they told me that the Badger cup will fit the Iwata. It should cost less than $6 and I think it would be well worth it. Are there any Iwata owners out there who would want to comment on this?

Don

The Paasche bottles fit the Iwata's too.

[DutyCat]

I am going to chime in for the Paasche H. Although there are plenty of good airbrushes out there, the H is pretty much widely acknowledged as the gold standard of general purpose single action brushes. Can't go wrong with a trusty H, in my opinion.

[terryt]

The Paasche paint cup for the VL airbrush and the most of the Badger paint cups for everything except the external mix airbrush (model 350) will fit Iwata Paasche and Badger airbrushes. The Paasche H and the Badger 350 have a curved connector that will fit into the listed airbrushes but at a strange angle, it will work if you want to hold your airbrush sideways.

The bottle adapters are also interchangeable except as noted. The Paasche H and Badger 350 bottle adapters are at a higher angle and can be used if you hold your airbrush at around 70-80 degrees. Can be useful if you want you paint bottle level while pointing the airbrush down.

Edited August 29, 2009 by terryt

[Don Wheeler]

The Paasche paint cup for the VL airbrush and the most of the Badger paint cups for everything except the external mix airbrush (model 350) will fit Iwata Paasche and Badger airbrushes. The Paasche H and the Badger 350 have a curved connector that will fit into the listed airbrushes but at a strange angle, it will work if you want to hold your airbrush sideways.

Here is a picture of the Badger 350 cup on my 155. I prefer it over the regular Badger straight cup that comes with the 155. The regular cup is fine if you're shooting level. But I like to be above my work when I'm painting.

You can see a comparison of the two cups here.

Don

Edited August 29, 2009 by Don Wheeler

[CorsairMan]

I used an old badger single action years ago. It was not the best thing around and it caused a lot of frustration. I was unable to make fine lines or anything other than broad coverage. It was also a pain to clean.

When I got back into the hobby a couple years ago I found a badger anthem on ebay for about $50. This is a double action airbrush. Wow - incredible difference. It does broad coverage and decent lines. I can post shade panels in 1/48 with few problems. I would go for the double action if I were you. Just a little practice and you will be able to use it without issues.

[PNW_Modeler]

PAASCHE H

Nuff Said!