I am looking to buying an airbrush to paint locos, rolling stock & structures. I was wondering what the best one to buy ? I am looking for sporatic use and durability and quality. Thank you all in advance, the advice is appreciated. Sincerely Jaijef
Maybe this link can answer some questions for you. http://www.craigcentral.com/models/ab.asp I just there will be some experienced users that can help you out.
Here are some threads from here that may help: Airbrush selection: Airbrush Selection - Siphon or Gravity Feed - TB Members - TrainBoard.com Air Brush Selection - Types and Functions - TB Members - TrainBoard.com Compressor selection: Airbrush Compressor Selection #1 - TB members - TrainBoard.com Airbrush Compressor Selection #2 - TB Members - TrainBoard.com For spray booths and related items: Simple Paint Booth Construction - ArtinCA - TrainBoard.com Spray Paint Booth Construction - TB Members - TrainBoard.com I have a Badger Anthem 155, a double action bottom feed. I am quite happy with it. For more detailed work, I am considering an Iwata top feed type. It depends a bit on what you want to do. The above threads will get you started. Best, Adam
Airbrush Setup I use a badger Crescendo 175 for all my paint spraying. It is a double action and works great. I also their cheapest singal action for primer and clear cote work. I started with the singal action and graduated up to the double action. It works great for my needs.
Ryan at Model Railcast just did an all about the aibrush podcast (lnterent radio talk show). You can listen to it or download it here for free http://modelrailcast.com/ShowNotes/Show115.asp Some great info there...... Steve
They will all do what you want. There is no need to spray with Iwata (the most expensive). The only suggestion that I will make is that you absolutely, positively need to do two things; The first is for health and the second is for frustration. 1. Make sure you spray outside or if inside, you have a spray booth. If you are using spirit based paints, when you smell the paint, it is already in your lungs. If you use acrylics, you will not smell it but it will also already be in your lungs. 2. Completely clean the brush and all of its parts that touch paint EACH and every time you use it. Otherwise, it is going to clog at one time and part or another. Using an airbrush is basically feel and practice. Please understand that.
Well, for occasional use you don't really need durability and quality, so I'd go for a budget one. As Foth says they should all do what you need to do. And as he implies the brush is only one component - you need to allow for an air supply and possibly a booth/extract fan system, either of which will probably cost more than a sensible airbrush kit. And cleaning stuff, thinners, paint, masking stuff, more paint, paint stripper ...
All the above "what they said", only please make sure if you get a budget airbrush, it's not Harbor Freight. My sister got me one for Christmas (bless her heart I will never ¤¤¤¤¤ about it to her) and that thing has been an absolute nightmare. Little to no instructions with it, poor quality and no parts. You truly get what you pay for. My next airbrush will be budget but from a known producer brand. And from my experience with internal mixing, I will go with external mixing. Good luck!
I have two air brushes. A Badger 150 and a Paasche VL. The Badger I have had since 1987. I have rebuilt it several times. New needles, new teflon washers, spray heads, new valves, balanced handle, Gaaaaawd knows what else. It has served me well. The Paasche VL is also a sweet machine.
