Airbrush recommendations?
 

I am interested in recommendations for airbrushes.

I am assuming they range in price/quality from "don't wast your money, even at that price";) to absolute top of the line.

RE: Airbrush recommendations?
 

i would say buy a SATA Graph i own it more then fifteen years, it has double axion, steel needles, the paintpot upside with cover with little airhole in it

you can spray upsite down with it come handy on models

its a very good airbrush maybe a little more expensive but worth his money 100%

RE: Airbrush recommendations?
 

<font size="2" color="#00265e">kerel47

Thanks</font>

RE: Airbrush recommendations?
 

Glen,

I use a Badger 200 (bottom feed)

http://www.google.ca/images?hl=en&q=...ed=0CDgQsAQwBA

It's great and not that expensive. You can get a decent compressor at Canadian Tire for about $60-$80.

RE: Airbrush recommendations?
 

John

Thanks.

Do you know if they have them at Niagara Central, or is there another source?

RE: Airbrush recommendations?
 

Glen

Do you have a Princess Auto near you??? You can buy a Badger clone for about 15 bucks. Obviously not a good detail brush, but for laying down base coats of one color you don't need much else. The size of these tanks, makes masking easier and you can do a fine job with this cheap brush.

You do need a compressor though. They have those at Princess Auto as well for a good price.

Every once in awhile Princess Auto will get in double acting brushes made out of aluminum. I am reluctant to pay hobby shop prices when really decent brushes can be purchased for less than $100 at this Auto parts start. They also stock paint jar screens as well as other airbrushing accessories.

A single acting brush

[link=http://www.princessauto.com/air/paint-guns/0470526-6-pc-air-brush-kit]Badger clone[/link]

Check this out. A double acting brush for an unbeatable price

[link=http://www.princessauto.com/air/paint-guns/8006582-metal-airbrush-kit]Low cost airbrush[/link]

RE: Airbrush recommendations?
 

i have a satgraph 2

look at the pdf this the page on SATA

http://sata.com/index.php?id=satagraph2&amp;L=1

<div class="padding-17"><p class="headline_black">SATAgraph&trade; 2</p><p class="overview">SATA precision airbrush gun</p><p class="shortdescription">May be used with gravity or siphon cup - your choice.</p></div><div class="px-sc-tabs"><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td id="tab_16392_1" class="px-tab-act" onclick="toggleTab(16392,1)">Product information</td> <td id="tab_16392_2" class="px-tab" onclick="toggleTab(16392,2)">Paint application chart</td> <td id="tab_16392_3" class="px-tab" onclick="toggleTab(16392,3)">Technical details</td> <td id="tab_16392_4" class="px-tab" onclick="toggleTab(16392,4)">Art. no.</td> <td id="tab_16392_5" class="px-tab" onclick="toggleTab(16392,5)">Accessories</td> </tr> </tbody></table></div><div class="px-sc-tabbedcontent"><div id="tabcontent_16392_1" class="px-tabbedcontent" style="display: block"><ul>[*]Comes with quick coupling and air hose[*]Double action system for total control[*]Nozzle changing without tool[/list]<p class="bodytext">The SATAgraph 2 spray gun for craft, industry and hobby.</p><p class="bodytext">Total control
The new SATAgraph&trade; 2 works according to the double action system for fine controlling of the spray jet. By pressing the trigger you can regulate the air flow and by pulling it further you can regulate the material flow continuously.</p><p class="bodytext">Flexibility
Is obvious with the SATAgraph&trade; 2: by simply twisting the spray gun&rsquo;s Airbrush head about 180&deg; a gravity flow cup system turns into a suction cup system.

Universal
The 0.25 mm nozzle set size is appropriate for all types of Airbrush painting.

Details on the equipment:</p><ul>[*]Airbrush spray gun[*]Aluminium gravity flow cup[*]Plug-in glass cup as well as hose with mini quick coupling and connecting nipple[/list]<p class="bodytext">


</p></div><div id="tabcontent_16392_2" class="px-tabbedcontent" style="display: none"><div id="c15508" class="csc-default"><div class="tx-pxsatalackdatenblaetter-pi1"><!(pistole='1131' OR pistole LIKE '1131%' OR pistole LIKE '%1131%' OR pistole LIKE '%1131') AND tx_pxsatalackdatenblaetter_datenblatt.deleted=0 AND tx_pxsatalackdatenblaetter_datenblatt.hidden=0Arra y()><div id="ldb-datasheet" style="float: left"><! DATASHEET END ></div>&lt;script type="text/javascript" src="typo3conf/ext/px_specialcontent/specialcontent.js"></script&gt;</div></div></div><div id="tabcontent_16392_3" class="px-tabbedcontent" style="display: none"><table class="product-techdata"> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="product-techdata-label">Air consumption:</td> <td class="product-techdata-data">10 Nl/min (0,4 cfm)</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="product-techdata-label">Recommended inlet pressure:</td> <td class="product-techdata-data">2,0 <span class="glossaryTooltipLink" onmouseover="glossaryTooltip('599',this);" onmouseout="hideGlossaryTooltip();" onclick="glossaryList(599);">bar</span> (29 psi)</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="product-techdata-label">Maximum operating temperature:</td> <td class="product-techdata-data">50</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="product-techdata-label">Maximum operating overpressure:</td> <td class="product-techdata-data">4 <span class="glossaryTooltipLink" onmouseover="glossaryTooltip('599',this);" onmouseout="hideGlossaryTooltip();" onclick="glossaryList(599);">bar</span> (58 psi)</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="product-techdata-label">Weight:</td> <td class="product-techdata-data">96 g</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="product-techdata-label">Air inlet:</td> <td class="product-techdata-data">Mini quick coupling</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="product-techdata-label">Size:</td> <td class="product-techdata-data">0,20 - 0,25</td> </tr> </tbody></table></div><div id="tabcontent_16392_4" class="px-tabbedcontent" style="display: none"><table class="product-ordernumbers" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="0"> <tbody> <tr class="row_uneven"> <td class="product-ordernumbers-description"> <div style="width: 500px; float: left; clear: none">SATAgraph 2 nozzle 0,25 with cup, miniature coupling and 3 m PVC hose</div> <div style="width: 100px; float: right; clear: none; font-weight: normal">Art. No. 5082</div> </td> </tr> <tr class="row_even"> <td class="product-ordernumbers-description"> <div style="width: 500px; float: left; clear: none">SATAgraph 2 nozzle 0,25, gravity flow cup 4 ml and siphon cup 15 ml, without PVC hose</div> <div style="width: 100px; float: right; clear: none; font-weight: normal">Art. No. 134536</div> </td> </tr> <tr class="row_uneven"> <td class="product-ordernumbers-description"> <div style="width: 500px; float: left; clear: none">SATAgraph 2 nozzle 0,2 mm with cup and miniature coupling</div> <div style="width: 100px; float: right; clear: none; font-weight: normal">Art. No. 123430</div> </td> </tr> <tr class="row_even"> <td class="product-ordernumbers-description"> <div style="width: 500px; float: left; clear: none">Nozzle set 0,20</div> <div style="width: 100px; float: right; clear: none; font-weight: normal">Art. No. 123448</div> </td> </tr> <tr class="row_uneven"> <td class="product-ordernumbers-description"> <div style="width: 500px; float: left; clear: none">Nozzle set 0,25</div> <div style="width: 100px; float: right; clear: none; font-weight: normal">Art. No. 31476</div> </td> </tr> </tbody></table></div><div id="tabcontent_16392_5" class="px-tabbedcontent" style="display: none"><div class="accessory-block-header" onclick="toggleAccessoryBlocks(1);">Important</div><div id="accessoryblock1" class="accessory-block" style="display: block"><div id="pxcb_4205" class="px-cb-block" onmouseover="pxcb_mouseover(this);" onmouseout="pxcb_mouseout(this);" onclick="pxcb_mouseclick('index.php?id=pvcschlauch &amp;L=1')"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <h4>http://sata.com/fileadmin/sata/templ...ages/dummy.gifen::Produkte/produkt.jsp@index=34-a0-001-1-5025.html</h4> <p class="bodytext"></p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table></div><div id="pxcb_4207" class="px-cb-block" onmouseover="pxcb_mouseover(this);" onmouseout="pxcb_mouseout(this);" onclick="pxcb_mouseclick('index.php?id=gewebeschla uch&amp;L=1')"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <h4>http://sata.com/fileadmin/sata/templ...ages/dummy.gifen::Produkte/produkt.jsp@index=34-a0-001-1-5025.html</h4> <p class="bodytext"></p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table></div></div><div class="accessory-block-header" onclick="toggleAccessoryBlocks(2);">Additional</div><div id="accessoryblock2" class="accessory-block" style="display: none"><div id="pxcb_1910" class="px-cb-block" onmouseover="pxcb_mouseover(this);" onmouseout="pxcb_mouseout(this);" onclick="pxcb_mouseclick('index.php?id=hochleistun gsfett&amp;L=1')"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <h4>http://sata.com/fileadmin/sata/templ...ages/dummy.gifen::Produkte/produkt.jsp@index=34-a0-001-1-4817.html</h4> <p class="bodytext"></p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table></div><div id="pxcb_1483" class="px-cb-block" onmouseover="pxcb_mouseover(this);" onmouseout="pxcb_mouseout(this);" onclick="pxcb_mouseclick('index.php?id=1483&amp;L= 1')"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <h4>http://sata.com/fileadmin/sata/templ...ages/dummy.gifSATA&reg; Cleaning Set&trade;</h4> <p class="bodytext">For efficient spray gun cleaning</p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table></div></div><div class="accessory-block-header" onclick="toggleAccessoryBlocks(3);">Spare parts</div><div id="accessoryblock3" class="accessory-block" style="display: none"><div id="pxcb_1896" class="px-cb-block" onmouseover="pxcb_mouseover(this);" onmouseout="pxcb_mouseout(this);" onclick="pxcb_mouseclick('index.php?id=reparaturse tmcb&amp;L=1')"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <h4>http://sata.com/fileadmin/sata/templ...ages/dummy.gifen::Produkte/produkt.jsp@index=34-a0-001-3-7146.html</h4> <p class="bodytext"></p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table></div><div id="pxcb_4215" class="px-cb-block" onmouseover="pxcb_mouseover(this);" onmouseout="pxcb_mouseout(this);" onclick="pxcb_mouseclick('index.php?id=glasbechers atagraph2&amp;L=1')"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <h4>http://sata.com/fileadmin/sata/templ...ages/dummy.gifen::Produkte/produkt.jsp@index=34-a0-001-1-1638.html</h4> <p class="bodytext"></p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table></div><div id="pxcb_4216" class="px-cb-block" onmouseover="pxcb_mouseover(this);" onmouseout="pxcb_mouseout(this);" onclick="pxcb_mouseclick('index.php?id=5glasbecher satagraph20&amp;L=1')"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <h4>http://sata.com/fileadmin/sata/templ...ages/dummy.gifen::Produkte/produkt.jsp@index=34-a0-001-1-1638.html</h4> <p class="bodytext"></p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table></div></div></div></div>&lt;script type="text/javascript" src="typo3conf/ext/px_specialcontent/specialcontent.js"></script&gt;<div id="rightcontentbox"><div id="rightcontent"><form id="language_navi" method="get" action="/index.php?id=satagraph2" style="height: 22px"> <div><input type="hidden" name="id" value="1131" /> <select onchange="document.forms['language_navi'].submit();" style="width: 80px" name="L"> <option value="0">deutsch</option> <option value="9">czech</option> <option value="1" selected="selected">english</option> <option value="12">english (cdn)</option> <option value="11">english (us)</option> <option value="2">espanol</option> <option value="3">francais</option> <option value="4">italiano</option> <option value="18">magyar</option> <option value="6">polski</option> <option value="7">руÑ�Ñ�кий</option> <option value="8">ä¸*æ–‡ - chinese</option> <option value="5">í•œêµ*ì–´ - korean</option> </select></div></form><div class="px_right_top_margin" style="height: 54px"></div><div id="c14041" class="csc-default"><div class="csc-textpic csc-textpic-center csc-textpic-below"><div class="csc-textpic-imagewrap csc-textpic-single-image" style="width: 206px">http://sata.com/uploads/pics/SATAgra...5_Haeng_02.jpg</div></div></div></div></div>

RE: Airbrush recommendations?
 

Hey Glen,<div></div><div>I'm gonna have to say don't make a large investment in an airbrush......not unless you have other uses for it. I myself have a acquired a number of airbrushes from no-names to Iwatas (roughly + 20). While some people willrecommendIwatas or top of the line name brands simply because they are not only commonly thought of as quality airbrushes, but they carry a status that says "hey I'm aprofessionalor good," the airbrush isn't an enchanted sword waiting to garnish super abilities to it's user.For this particular hobby, airbrush use is really restrictive and many of the techniques that can be done with airbrushing is relied on washes and filters using brushes. So, a small cheapairbrushwould be the most logical purchase...simply for laying down base coats/camo and maybe depth.</div><div></div><div></div><div><u>Needle/nozzle</u></div><div>This is a big deal and very important and the soul of an artist airbrush.</div><div>.2mm needleis for very fine work period, fromextremelythin needle lines toCrayolamarker spray width. You'd have great difficulty trying to paint broad areas, usually used for pinstripingand graphic art.</div><div>.3mm needleis a good all around needle, from pencil line fine to somewhat broad spray pattern.</div><div>.4mm needleis a step above the .3mm which produces with a bit thicker pencil line to very broad spray.</div><div>.5 - .8mm needlesare for broad spray and no need for detail work.</div><div></div><div>Basically, for this type of hobby, having both .3mm and .4 or .5mm needles would be suitable.</div><div></div><div><u>Dual action/Single action</u></div><div>Dual action is recommended for adjustable spraying on the whim. Dual action will allow you to transition the lines or pattern of spray from fine to wide in one single stroke, while single action requires you to stop, adjust air flow nozzle and spray. (Think of Double action as a paint brush where lines and strokes can be varied and think of Single Action as a set of varied sized flat tip markers and if you want to vary the width line, you need to grab another marker)</div><div>Dual action requires an additional acquired skill and take a bit to get used to, practice, practice, practice, before you even begin on your tank.</div><div></div><div><u>Construction/Brand</u></div><div>Hey, who doesn't want to have the best? But ask yourself, is it practical? I could simply say, get a Badger, Iwata, Paasche, etc...but the fact of the matter is...they all work the same so go with a no name. Yes, Iwata's aresupremelymanufactured...make a nice little "clink" sound when the button lever is released and hits the brim of the body....but again, the end result is all the same and it's the only thing that matters. How long your airbrush lasts all depends on your ability to conduct proper care. I have a $15 dollar airbrush that I've owned for 14 years and still looks as though it was purchased yesterday. If properly cared for, any airbrush will likely out last its user, except the O ring.</div><div></div><div><u>Compressor</u></div><div>This isprobablythe most complicated and hardest decision of an airbrush, after all this is the heart. Aninadequateair flow will serve to be a problem pushing paint, even at theconsistencyof milk....an over do it air flow will push out paint so fast and so much, itdoesn'tmatter what needle you have, adjustments you made, etc...it's will just push out in fine and abundant mist and dry before it hits the canvas. What every you choose, you have to have a regulator and unless your going to push automotive paint, it needs to be able to have adjustment from 0-60psi.</div><div>I don'trecommendcanned air, it's costly and water flows through the line mixing with the paint and causingirregularity. Irecommendpneumaticpiston compressor with a holding tank. You can buy these specifically marketed for airbrushing or the cheapest way is to buy the compressor from a hardware store and purchase the regulator/moisture trap for it, you actually get more bang for your buck this way since most of the holding tanks are 2-5 gallons whereas compressors marketed for airbrushing have a 3/4 to 1 gallon holding tank.</div><div></div><div>There are other factors to produce good work like paintconsistency. appropriating pressure, user, etc....</div><div></div><div>All in all, I'd say go with a Master Brand. They're Iwata knock offs and built pretty well. If you want to go cheaper, order one at Harbor freight tools for 15 or so bucks.</div><div></div><div>Just to show you similarities, there is Master brand, Badger, Iwata's, Harbor Freight, Ace hardware airbrushes mixed in the photo. All of them function differently by means and only by means of the needle. Otherwise, they all perform the same.</div>

RE: Airbrush recommendations?
 

that's right. remember, you are going to be painting 1/16 tanks so precision won't be that important

RE: Airbrush recommendations?
 

the big difference is like mine sato is has steel needles, not a needle with a coat on, after time you have to buy new ones, its still my first needle, worth considering.
Yes i spray much with 0.2 and 0.3 needles don't forget to buy the heads to in the same sizes
On a three tone scheme you can even spray the stips on it like in the ardennes camo with this one

And its not that ewpensive

RE: Airbrush recommendations?
 

Thanks, interesting stuff, lots to read over and consider; which I will be doing.

RE: Airbrush recommendations?
 

personally I like the Grex line of airbrushes, their new pistol grip double action gun is really good but almost any of their line has given me very good results

RE: Airbrush recommendations?
 

Grex Airbrushes look cool, that's all I can really say about that. After seeing that they can be cross threaded with Master Airbrushes, that told me it's coming from the same manufacturer in Singapore/China. lol

RE: Airbrush recommendations?
 

Which airbrush depends on the type of painting you intend to do. An airbrush typically puts out a spray pattern about as big as a quarter. Considering you will want to overlap a bit you can see why an airbrush may not be the tool to use if you are painting a large area. You will have to make many passes to cover a 1 sq ft area. Airbrushes are best suited for painting small models or trim/touch up on large models.

Single action airbrushes are MUCH easier to use, keep clean and maintain. It will take you a LOT of practice to get to the point where you are comfortable with the flexibility of a dual action airbrush.

I started with a dual action airbrush and it was a big mistake. Too many variables for a novice! Air pressure, thinning the paint, moisture traps, and atmospheric conditions to name a few, add the extra complexity of a dual action brush and you have a recipe for frustration. And what a pain to take apart and clean! Lots of little parts!!!

After struggling with a dual action for a year or more I purchased a single action airbrush and after using it one time I literally threw the dual action brush in the trash. The single action brush was dead simple to operate and maintain. I was able to get great results the first time.

Unless you really NEED a dual action brush, I suggest you start with a single action and learn to master it before moving on to the dual action brush.

RE: Airbrush recommendations?
 

Hey Glen!
I asked the same question about a year ago... I got a lot of responses and if you use the search box at the BOTTOM of the page [not the one up top because it searches all of RCU not just the tank forum] you will see a lot of responses. I didn't want to spend a lot of money, but wanted a decent one and settled for a Paasche VLS set. I got it on eBay for around $70 I believe. A decent double action airbrush that got decent reviews on this site and others.

I decided not to go to crazy on a compressor and picked one up at Harbor Freight a couple months ago when they had a sale going. I never heard of Harbor Freight before reading about them on this forum, but the compressor is supposed to be all we need for modeling and they had a store about 10 miles from my house that I didn't even know existed. It's a 1/8 HP Central Pneumatic and comes with a pressure regulator and moisture trap. Harbor Freight also has a basic model airbrush kit that is fairly inexpensive if you just want a basic model. I still haven't used either but will be gearing up to give it a go as soon as my turrets get back from getting their Creeping Death upgrades.

I've always been kind of artsy I guess, but for some reason this thing intimidates me! I also tend to be a bit of a perfectionist and have never tried a camo pattern without something to use as an example and have never even held an airbrush. Also, finding decent pictures of a King Tiger, Tiger and Panther showing all sides and top are hard to find! [Anyone want to donate pictures of their pride and joys for me to use as an example PLEASE SEND PICS! Remember, imitation is the greatest form of flattery!]

Good luck with whatever you decide on. Check youtube... there are a lot of good demo videos on there, but not a lot showing armor and camo patterns unfortunately.

RE: Airbrush recommendations?
 

i've bought directly a dual action Satagraph 2, followed an airbruch cursus it was a little practice, it costed ten years ago about 75&euro; but was worth the money it still my first and only airbrushpistol, you can draw thin lines but also sprays bigger things to just have to replace the needle and head.
I spray my whole tank with it

RE: Airbrush recommendations?
 

After using cheap and not so cheap ones i would say start with a low cost one and spend your money on a better compressor. It has ben my experiance that a great brush still sucks with a cheap compressor plus most of them are loud enough to make you not want to use it.

RE: Airbrush recommendations?
 

I wondered about the noise, not that its a "deal breaker".

I am not an expert on them but have some familiarity with compressors from work; natural gas compressors up to 1,000 HP and smaller air units for plant instrument air (still over-kill in size &amp; cost for air brushing, they do have air dryers that take the dew point down to -40F).

Has anyone tried locating the compressor in another isolated part of the house and run the air to their work area with an adequately sized line?


UPDATE:I see from some Youtube videos that the compressor is controlled by a foot pedal, so this idea would not work.

RE: Airbrush recommendations?
 

If you see acompressorwith a foot pedal....it's likely that compressor is for nail salon use or something where it needs to be off at demand. It's also likely that compressor puts out mediocre CFM. Don't make the compressor purchase harder than it has to be.

I have a Falcon compressor with an 80gallon holding tank in my garage and a line ran to my inside workstation. Not ideal for occasional use.

This little compressors work great, I use one of these in my workstation for quick shots, one stays in my trunk when I have projects I need to do else where, and one stays in the box for just in case purposes. I also had a couple Iwata compressors, what a joke. If anyone pays a grand for a 1.5 gallon compressor...they severely need to have their head examined. Fortunately, I don't have to buy a lot of my painting/crafting equipment.

http://www.tcpglobal.com/airbrushdep...TC196_200w.jpg<br type="_moz" />

RE: Airbrush recommendations?
 

Tony, thanks, more good information to ramp up the learning curve.

RE: Airbrush recommendations?
 

Glen,

Just pick one up at Canadian Tire (3 Gallon) You can get it for around $70. As for the noise, I get mine full (100 PSI) and then turn it off and use it up until it gets around 25 PSI, then turn it back on so it fills up again (you can do alot without having the compressor going on - and it only takes a few minutes to fill it up)

RE: Airbrush recommendations?
 

yes i agree with tony don't need for expensive stuff just buy good quality it last longer, if you look around and read the fabriks info you even can compare , even when not expierenced

an example silly maybe but almost the same : everyone knows a car with 1600 16V car will useless fuel than a V6 or V8 mustang ... that's what i try to say llok at the fabrications specs on the net compare prices a pick up the best with the lowest price , that how i do it

another thing also for tankmodelling try scratchbuilding it saves you a hell off a lot money, thats also modelling, buying everything can everyone can do that you don't need skills to put new things onand is not as satesfied and rewarding as making upgrades by yourself, i mean on the body off your tank, to make electral or mechanic stuff am not gifted enough ... http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/js/f.../lightbulb.gif

RE: Airbrush recommendations?
 

Exaclty, that's the whole purpose of a holding tank. Still need a regulator/moisture trap when using a compressor with a holding chamber.....if you happen to be a scuba diver, you can use a scuba tank too. You'll just need to have it refilled when air is depleting. There's also little attachments sold around if you want to use a tire....yep, a tire...but the air that comes out is really stagnant. Stinks to high heaven!! lol

RE: Airbrush recommendations?
 

Hi i like the metal testors aztek airbrushes as they are very easy to clean compaired to the normal airbrushes the paint only goes through the little screw on tip heads and lbairly goes in the brush also they can be used as a single action even though they are a double action air brush.

RE: Airbrush recommendations?
 

UPDATE

The compressor has been purchased, now I am using the info previously suppled on this thread to look for airbrushes.