Airbrush Suggestions?

[HankB]

I've been looking at getting an airbrush for a while - model making, fixing small parking lot dings on the car, maybe Cerakoting a firearm, that sort of thing. I have a small compressor (6 gal tank) which though noisy when running, ought to be fine for an airbrush, though I'm probably going to need an adapter and filter. From what I've read, I'm sort of inclined to get a double action, internal mix airbrush . . . but beyond that, I'm at sea - Paasche, Iwata, Badger? Siphon or gravity feed? 

Would like to keep the tab under $100, and get something better than Harbor Freight quality. Preferably with seals that won't dissolve if I clean it with common solvents.

Suggestions?

[Larry Ashcraft]

I've had a Wren single action for over 50 years.  I started painting t-shirts in the style of Stanley Mouse when I was 16, and had my own booth at the State Fair when I was 17.  Sold a ton of shirts.  When I got back into it about 25 years ago, I bought a Paasche double action.  I would recommend it for the better control.  You can use your large compressor with a regulator, but I recommend watching for one of the small compressors made for airbrushes.  They are available used.

[makattak]

Try to remove the blemishes, and then even out the skin. Some subjects appreciate it if you adjust the waistline and the bustline.

[Devonai]

double action

single action

So, cocked & locked with a light break, or a smooth, long pull where you have to take up the slack? 

[Larry Ashcraft]

So, cocked & locked with a light break, or a smooth, long pull where you have to take up the slack? 

Single action, you get paint and air at the same time.  With double action, pressing down on the trigger gets air, pulling back gives you paint and air.  A LOT more control.

[HankB]

Thanks for the feedback, Larry.

What's your opinion on siphon feed (with a small paint bottle on the bottom of the airbrush) vs. gravity feed (with a paint reservoir on top of the airbrush) ?

Right now I'm sort of leaning towards a Paasche VL-series brush (kits are in the $65-$80 range) but I've seen some good comments about Iwata - though they were in the context of some MUCH more expensive airbrushes.

[Larry Ashcraft]

Thanks for the feedback, Larry.

What's your opinion on siphon feed (with a small paint bottle on the bottom of the airbrush) vs. gravity feed (with a paint reservoir on top of the airbrush) ?

Right now I'm sort of leaning towards a Paasche VL-series brush (kits are in the $65-$80 range) but I've seen some good comments about Iwata - though they were in the context of some MUCH more expensive airbrushes.

Mine are both siphon feed, so I can't compare the two, but both the cheap Binks Wren and the Paasche worked fine.  I think you'll be satisfied with the Paasche.  I was quite good with the single action, and the double action took some adjusting to, but once I got it down, it worked really well.

[Boomhauer]

The only issues with a normal air compressor are moisture and oil.

[Cliffh]

Years ago I rigged up a short computer tower case and PSU with a 12v air compressor.  A couple feet of 1 1/4" PVC pipe, elbows and end caps made into a U shape, pressure regulator, filter and misc fittings drove a single action siphon fed Badger just fine.  And it was pretty quiet.

[grislyatoms]

Get a cheap one. That way if you don't stick with it, you're not out much. I got a Danish dual-action for about $100. Came with a case, hose and 3-4 paint cups.

[Brad Johnson]

Get a cheap one. That way if you don't stick with it, you're not out much. I got a Danish dual-action for about $100. Came with a case, hose and 3-4 paint cups.

Sounds like a bad night out in Vegas.

Brad

[grislyatoms]

Hey don't knock a night in Vegas with a couple chicks and an airbrush, Brad.