Chossing the right airbrush gun

[Guest Sickfish]

I've tried all sorts of airbrushes, and after so many years now, I always come back to my work horses:

The Micron and the Eclipse are the best ABs in my opinion! Expensive, sure, but well worth it.

Dr... I hear ya ;-) I'm looking at getting the Kustom HTHP iwata... Heard its the bees knees of pro-airbrushes... & I might as well get the IS925 Compressor :-)

[Dr. Cranky]

I use a small IWATA JetAir compressor and it works beautifully for all my AB needs.

[Stephen H]

Are there any decent airbrushes that can be used if you are down on funds? I have a Badger 200 but dont have a compressor so wasnt sure if it was even worth using it.

[Don Wheeler]

Are there any decent airbrushes that can be used if you are down on funds? I have a Badger 200 but dont have a compressor so wasnt sure if it was even worth using it.

The Badger 200 is a good airbrush (see my review). Yes, you should get a compressor.

Don

[Stephen H]

The Badger 200 is a good airbrush (see my review). Yes, you should get a compressor.

Don

Thanks Don. I checked out the review which was very informative. Now I just need to find me a cheap compressor until I can get much better with my AB. Then I will try to pick up one a much better one.

[Dr. Cranky]

Also, remember that another AB to check out is the GREX!

[LoneWolf15]

Along with the compressor ( preferably one with a tank ) , you'll need an inline moisture / oil trap and a regulator !

[scalenut]

picked up the Badger Krome a couple weeks ago ,,, man is it nice !,, super smooth.

comes with a case, 2 different size needles,(0.21/0.33) and two cap/regulators, and 2 different crown choices.

and a quick disconnect adapter

plus that badger lifetime guarantee.replacement needles run about $12

$125

Edited February 9, 2012 by scalenut

[Dr. Cranky]

Beautiful case too, Andy. When you are not using it, it will be well protected in there. Thanks for sharing.

[59 Impala]

I use Testors little bottle paints (enamels) most of the time, about 99% of the time. I mix it 60% thinner and 40% paint. I set my air pressure at between 15-20 psi for painting. When I paint Alclad I set the air pressure at 10-15 psi. I've done it this way for many many years and have no problems. I also have less overspray this way. Now, I use an enamel reducer from the NAPA parts store to thin my paint. The paint dries to the touch in about 15 minutes. I haven't gotten around to using laquer thinner to thin enamels yet because that goes against what I was tought in school when thinning paint. Laquer thinner for laquer and enamel reducer for enamel. Some day I might try thinning enamel with laquer thinner if Donn can convence me. See ya Donn at our contest in March. Dan

[rmvw guy]

Exactly what you said X 2 Dan, I like the Testor's enamels. I need to go to NAPA to get some of that thinner. Do you have an invioice number for it? Thanks ahead of time if you do.

[scalenut]

I'm a firm believer that,,if you want to get into airbrushing ....concentrate on getting the best compressor you can afford to fit your needs.<<<<FIRST

.........than start looking at airbrushes.

the op never mentioned what ..or.... if he even has a compressor ...if it's a tiny "hobby"one ... all the spraying enamel, yost style,,, advice goes out the window.

[59 Impala]

Exactly what you said X 2 Dan, I like the Testor's enamels. I need to go to NAPA to get some of that thinner. Do you have an invioice number for it? Thanks ahead of time if you do.

I don't have an invoice number but it is their brand of enamel reducer that I use. When i go down to the basement I'll look on the can and get the part number off of it and post it. Dan