Beginner questions.

[macs_rock]

I have a few beginner questions to ask of you, so if you have any advice please share, even if it is a little off topic.

First up, I want to buy an airbrush, because I've used rattle cans and only had mediocre results, only 1/3 of the time. Can you tell me, is this a good starter airbrush?

http://www.testors.com/product/136949/9174/_/All-Inclusive_Workhorse_Airbrush_Kit

I don't want to spend much more than that, as I have little time to earn money what with school. As for air, I have an air compressor with pressure gauge, but it's loud and not meant for airbrushing. Can I still use it, or should I buy something better?

Second, I want to know if there is a good online model and parts store, because my LHS doesn't have a lot of more advanced models, and virtually no extra parts to speak of. If you can recommend a good place for someone on a budget, that would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

-Jake

[LoneWolf15]

Jake ,

For your first airbrush , I'd go for a Paache H series. DIXIEART.COM has them for about $63 which includes shipping. You are also going to need an inline moisture trap and a regulator. These , combined with a couple of fittings , should set you up using your current compressor. As for online shopping , modelempire.com is a good online store.

[macs_rock]

Thanks Don! I will check that out.

[Nick Notarangelo]

one good piece of advice I can give you is to practice on idems that are of iregular shapes so you can the idea of laying down a good even spray before you jump to a car body cause the more you go at it the better the results you will get.

oh and get a respiator for your self against fumes even a simple face maskto start is better than no protection at all

[Guest Gramps-xrds]

If you're gonna spring 63$ for a Paache H, I'd get a VL-5 for about the same money. You'll have better control of the paint.

[crazyjim]

Paasche H set (#3 & #5 tips) were priced last week -

Dixie Art $59.95

Tower Hobby $54.99

TCP Global $58.94

Chicago Air $55.54 (free shipping)

Hobby Lobby $83.99

I'm waiting for a 50% off coupon from Hobby Lobby.

[Zoom Zoom]

I'm waiting for a 50% off coupon from Hobby Lobby.

You'll be waiting forever, Hobby Lobby doesn't have 50% off coupons. Best you can do is 40%.

Back to the original question:

Testors sets are totally overpriced.

Harbor Freight has good prices on beginner airbrush sets.

Good beginner airbrush

You already have an air source. Stick with that for awhile, save your money for good paint. You can get an inline water trap for that airbrush for $4 at Harbor Freight.

Master airbrushes are Iwata clones. Great value.

Master Airbrush (Amazon)

Full Line

This is one I'm going to get

There are too many good online parts stores & kit sources to list here. Easier to recommend to you if you let people know what your main interests are. Scale Dreams & Hobbylinc are two US-based sources for great prices/service on a wide variety of items.

[macs_rock]

Thanks guys! I will definitely be checking these out. Are there any current (1990's and up) heavy duty pickup kits out there? I have a car hauler trailer that begs for a truck.

[Dirkbg]

Starting fresh you might consider this one: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=95630

This is from the airbrush thread. I bought the same kit last month when it was $20 off, so $79.99. I don't know if it goes on sale often, but it's a good price for all you get even at regular price. The airbrush is similar to the Badger Anthem 155.

[macs_rock]

About the harbor freight kit, how is the quality? I've had bad experiences there in the past, but I'm willing to try them again.

[Dirkbg]

Seems fine to me. I researched it before I bought it and others felt it was good quality too. This compressor is possibly the same one on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Quiet-AIRBRUSH-COMPRESSOR-Regulator-FREE-HOSE/dp/B001BJFHAW/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1267072056&sr=8-4

http://www.tcpglobal.com/airbrushdepot/tc20.html

The TCP version has an adjustable regulator though which is nice.

Edited February 25, 2010 by Dirkbg