Air Brush Help

[nosirrahkcaz]

I read through the sticky linked forum post and Im still rather confused as to what I need/ want in an airbrush. My planned projects are to paint vehicles for 40k like landraiders, rhinos and occasionally base coat mass infantry. My two main questions are what is the difference between double and single action and why do I need one or the other or both.
and are sets like this worth looking into:

http://www.tcpglobal.com/airbrushdepot/A4709.aspx

http://www.tcpglobal.com/airbrushdepot/BDG360-7details.html

 

[alextheartist]

A single action airbrush allows you to control only the amount of air going through the brush (and its pretty much on off)

A double action lets you control the amount of air and the amount of paint. (much more control)

If I was you I would get a double action, and if you can afford an aztek go for it, remember you will need a compressor etc too though...

 

[RuneBrush]

I started off with a bottom fed single action brush, which I loved at the time - until I splurged out on my dual action gravity fed brush. It's easier to control, uses less paint, works at lower presures.

As strange as it sounds a dual action, despite allowing finer control will do everything a single action plus more.

pete

 

[De Tank]

I'm also looking for an airbrush to use for painting tanks and big stuff. I understand that a double ons is reccomended and Aztek is a very good brand. But how about the nozzles? Wich size is best? Or is it: the tinier the nozzle, the better it is?

 

[yazza]

aztec works with different nozzles, one small, one wide, one spatter effect, great if you only want do do dioramas, scenery and weathering

badger works with different needles, a very good product, better results i think

one thing you may not forget is the airsuplly, forget about air canisters, they are worhtless, only good for a single project but why buy a good airbrush for one project?

save up a little and go for a compressor, equal pressure, no moisture, same temperature, perfectly adjustable

 

[yazza]

also with aztec, a fine nozzle will only go fine, a wide nozzle will always go wide, and finer is not always better

 

[airhead]

different tools for different needs.
Finer nozzles are not always better.

I shoot fabric and like a larger nozzle. The fabric paints are thicker and I don't have to thin them down. Just crank up the pressure and shoot.

Details on helmates is a different beast. Fine nozzles and thin paints. Build up colors slowly to avoid spiders.

***

Contrary to popular belief, I do own an Aztec. I love the spatter nozzle.
:glasses-cool:

 

[nosirrahkcaz]

Thanks for the input guys, ive been viewing the air sources online and ive looked at cheaper ones like this:

http://www.tcpglobal.com/airbrushdepot/50204.aspx

Someone mentioned using a regular homeowners compress, however the cheapest ones online I could find were around 90 dollars. Two questions concerning this, A) Does anyone know of cheaper ones that would work or B) If im going to spend 90 should I spend the extra 5 and just get the above mentioned linked one?


on a side note whats up with the achievements on your avatar now? I think I like them......?

 

[airhead]

The advantage of an 'airbrush' compressor is that they tend to be quieter than a standard homeownders type compressor.

If you are not in a hurry, check out Sears and watch for closeouts on compressors (or if you have a Sears scratch & dent center nearby...)
I have an older compressor that I am using more & more that is only slighly louder than my old Badger compressor.

1/8hp airbrush compressors (in general)

Quiet.
Max at about 30-40 psi usable pressure.
Run constantly (unless you spring for a tanked one...)

1/2 hp commercial model (again in general):

let you run more tools than just an airbrush (stapler, nailer, air eraser)
noisier (some too loud to have in the room with you.)
cost more initially
let you paint fabric paints (generally you need 40-60 psi when painting shirts).

 

[nosirrahkcaz]

I spent more time today on the net researching compressors and I ran into this forum thread, I thought that it might be useful to others so here you go:

http://www.hobbyfanatics.com/index.php?/topic/1282-testors-mini-blue-compressor/


After reading this I think i might go with one of the compressors from walmart, I might go with the 1 gallon compressor for 55 instead of springing for the 2 gallon 100 dollar one unless someone see's that this would be a mistake. Im not worried about the noise as its going in the garage and I have earplugs and a loud radio

 

[airhead]

After reading this I think i might go with one of the compressors from walmart, I might go with the 1 gallon compressor for 55 instead of springing for the 2 gallon 100 dollar one unless someone see's that this would be a mistake. Im not worried about the noise as its going in the garage and I have earplugs and a loud radio

Ask them to plug it in for you before you buy it. It doesn't hurt to ask - especially if they already have one out as a floor model.

Noisy in the garage may mean you still have to shut down at 8:00 or 9:00 in the evening as your neighbors may not like the thing either if it is loud.

I've seen some of them you can stand next to and talk normally, and others you wouldn't want in the same neighborhood with you, let alone the same room.