Airbrush kits

[johnnyg]

Hey all, I am fortunate enough to have a wife that wants to but me an airbrush for Christmas. I have never used one to paint model car bodies, so I will need a beginner one. Can anyone recommend a good beginner airbrush, and everything I might need with it? Do I need a compressor or can I used the canned air (or whatever it is)? Any info will be greatly appreciated.

[crazyjim]

There's several threads about airbrushes and compressors on this forum, John. My personal preference is a Paasche H series, single action. Chicago Airbrush has pretty good prices and free shipping. I bought a Campbell-Hausfeld compressor at Lowe's (10% discount if you're a Veteran) for about $50 and it came with a nail gun and accessory bag of fittings. It's blue and has a 3 gallon tank on it. I was told you want a compressor that is able to store air. I built a spray booth from scrap plywood I had laying around and it uses a 12 x 24 furnace air filter. I'm using a bathroom exhaust fan in it and it's ducted outside.

[Art Laski]

If you've never used an airbrush, do yourself a favor and get Donn Yost's DVD at www.oldmansmodels.com. I have no affiliation with him, except that I had no experience either a couple of years ago and bought the DVD and actually won some local contests using his approach. As you get better and more adventurous, you may end up trying other things, but this will definitely start you off fast to getting good results. I also found it to be a benefit to actually SEE him paint, rather than just reading about it. Donn also recommends the Paasche H. I don't have one, but will soon...

[charlie8575]

Any major-brand airbrush is generally going to be a safe purchase. I have an Aztek 320 which is a nice product; easy to clean and works well.

I've considered trying a Paasche, as everyone I know who uses them likes them.

I've tried a Badger before, and haven't been real thrilled with them, seem to be tough to clean and keep working right.

Charlie Larkin

[slapshot]

I think that Jim & Art gave some good advice.The only thing that I can add is that Coast Airbrush has a Paasche h set for $46.00 plus shipping & they also carry lots of other hobby related products as well.

http://www.coastairbrush.com/thanks.asp?tx=4EB48496C8246494J&st=Completed&amt=20.95&cc=USD&cm=37212&item_number=

[KingSix]

Being a body man by trade , I can tell you with out a doubt it's not so much the gun, as it is the OPERATOR ... practice, by something inexpensive

I got a very nice airbrush a Harbor Freight, granted its cheap and I bought it for weathering, but its still a good gun.

You can buy using name brand as a guide or you can research. I've seen guys with $900 Sata ( Brand) guns lay down some of the worst paint

I've ever seen. I've also seen guys lay down glass smooth paint with a gun I wouldn't spray primer with.. buy something cheap ( inexpensive) to learn with...