discussion Which airbrush would you buy?

[pjgtech]

The H&S Ultra airbrush included in the bundle has a 0.45 needle/nozzle. That will cover large areas, primer for example, it will not work for any sort of details. The best compromise in terms of coverage and detail work is a 0.3 nozzle.
The compressor looks good.
Consider one of the Sparmax airbrushes on sale at our own shop. As a supporter you get a discount well.

I already use the SMS shop and have bought loads off there with the discount....I was going to find something suitable that I like online, then ask John to see if he can match or provide a similar deal.

 

[John Race]

Having had several H&S before they decided to have the nozzles and needles marked,, so in a drawer, a Neo in a drawer, an Ultimate in the bin, now I have a Iwata Eclipse HP-CS Gravity Feed Dual Action Airbrush ECL4500.

Seems to be the best I've owned

 

[pjgtech]

Having read (a bit) more, seems like a reservoir tank, usually 3L is recommended so the compressor is not pulsing on/off all the time, so less stress for the machine, etc, so I presume that is preferred.
How about this on the SMS, see linky?
SMS compressor deal
Currently out of stock, but I presume one could be re-ordered....

 

[John Race]

Having read (a bit) more, seems like a reservoir tank, usually 3L is recommended so the compressor is not pulsing on/off all the time, so less stress for the machine, etc, so I presume that is preferred.
How about this on the SMS, see linky?
SMS compressor deal
Currently out of stock, but I presume one could be re-ordered....

Plenty of those compressors about on the net Peter, but if you want the airbrush as well just wait.

 

[pjgtech]

Nuther stupid question, (Sorry!) but I assume most AB's and compressors use the same fittings, so in theory any AB can be used with any compressor? is that right? Looks like most use 1/8BSP?

And, I've also read that dual action AB's are better, eg: separate control of air and paint, rather than single action, and also that the "trigger" AB's, rather than the on top button type, give you slightly less control, so presume single action and trigger type are to be avoided?

 

[pjgtech]

Plenty of those compressors about on the net Peter, but if you want the airbrush as well just wait.

I'd like to get it from SMS if I can, I like to support the shop where I can, so I would be happy to wait if he had to order one in....

 

[pjgtech]

Lol, am already going down this rabbithole, have not even bought one yet!!!

 

[John Race]

Nuther stupid question, (Sorry!) but I assume most AB's and compressors use the same fittings, so in theory any AB can be used with any compressor? is that right? Looks like most use 1/8BSP?

And, I've also read that dual action AB's are better, eg: separate control of air and paint, rather than single action, and also that the "trigger" AB's, rather than the on top button type, give you slightly less control, so presume single action and trigger type are to be avoided?

Yes , duel action better.

 

[Tim Marlow]

With Iwatta it requires a change of needle and a change of nozzle as a pair. They are interchangeable though, needing no other parts to fit. However, you need to be careful so you don’t mix them up. Personally I do everything with the 0.35 set up the airbrush came with. It will easily handle a sub 1.0 mm line if set up properly.

 

[Tim Marlow]

Primer, top coats mainly, camo, paint schemes, etc. But may progress to weathering, varnishes.......?

I would go for as good a set up as you can afford then. Cheaper brushes will struggle to keep a consistent line so will be frustrating with some freehand camo work.

 

[pjgtech]

Thanx for all the info peeps, Lol...... I've just ordered, via SMS, a new compressor (3L tank) and a Gaahleri advanced seeker AB with two needles (o.3 and 0.5) plus a 3m x 1/8 hose to connect it all..... Not top end, but not mega budget, so we'll see how we get on.....

 

[pjgtech]

I suppose next question is what cleaner/ thinner do I need? Lol.....

 

[Tim Marlow]

Nozzles and needles are only useable on that manufacturers brush model as far as I’m aware.
Those compressors (AS186?) are very common and seem to be found rebadged under many names and at many price points. Probably all extremely similar. If that’s what you are after (many people get on very well with them) look up a good deal on one, then use the rest of your budget to get the best airbrush you can afford. You will need a hose as well.
Hoses connect on a 1/8 to the compressor, so any compressor can be used with any brush. There are cheap fittings available to connect the hose to the airbrush.

 

[Tim Marlow]

Cleaner thinner will depend on paint type. Me, I use Mr levelling thinner as thinner and cleaner, but I use Tamiya/Mr Color paints.
Next quest, where are you going to spray?

 

[Tim Marlow]

Thanx for all the info peeps, Lol...... I've just ordered, via SMS, a new compressor (3L tank) and a Gaahleri advanced seeker AB with two needles (o.3 and 0.5) plus a 3m x 1/8 hose to connect it all..... Not top end, but not mega budget, so we'll see how we get on.....

Missed this while I was typing…..would have saved my fingers if I had LOL.

 

[Tim Marlow]

Still need somewhere to spray or you’ll get overspray all over your room….

 

[pjgtech]

Cleaner thinner will depend on paint type. Me, I use Mr levelling thinner as thinner and cleaner, but I use Tamiya/Mr Color paints.
Next quest, where are you going to spray?

I already have an "Acme" , eg, home made, spray booth with extractor fan in the garage, but think I will invest in some decent face masks, already have loads of disposable gloves.

 

[stillp]

Can you just change needles in each airbrush, eg: swap in/out a 0.45 for 0.3 or do you need two different airbrushes with different sized needles, eg: the needle is matched to the AB? Or I suppose what I'm asking is can any needle fit any AB?

The needle is matched to the nozzle, both can be changed for different sizes.

 

[Neil]

Lol, am already going down this rabbithole, have not even bought one yet!!!

Oh no, you are down it now. I did the same, went all expert mode, bought them and have never bought one since - but now you're making me think I should look for a real detail level AB - I blame you.

 

[Jim R]

Thanx for all the info peeps, Lol...... I've just ordered, via SMS, a new compressor (3L tank) and a Gaahleri advanced seeker AB with two needles (o.3 and 0.5) plus a 3m x 1/8 hose to connect it all..... Not top end, but not mega budget, so we'll see how we get on.....

Sounds good. I have a pistol grip Gaahleri which gets used for primers etc with the 0.3 needle/nozzle. As you say not top end but pretty decent and perfectly good for 99% of modellers.
Some airbrushes allow different nozzles to be fitted with the appropriate needle. I reckon you will use the 0.3 for almost all of your work.
Dual action simply means two movements. Press down for air, pull back for paint. The sequence when airbrushing is air on - paint on - paint off - air off. Which means push down, pull back, push forward, lift off. That avoids paint build up on the needle as the air is on last and so blows any paint off the needle.
Airbrushing is a steep learning curve but like most things, is down to practice.
Cleaning the ab depends on the paint although something like Premi air Liquid Reamer will shift anything. I always finish with a flush through with that.
You will enjoy the ab and quite quickly realise that it can do things a brush can't and usually the finish is better (in my opinion )