Beginner Airbrush Setup?

[hoth rebel]

Which would you recomend and why?
Thanks.

[DaveVan]

Badger 250 base model. Easy to learn and use. I have more expensive units I use much less than the 250. Add to that you can find 250 clones for about $5 at tool stores......good to learn on. The 250 is super easy to keep clean...a big plus.

[hoth rebel]

What about one that comes with a compressor?
Thanks.

[EVApodman]

A compressor is a good idea. You can buy cans of compressed air but you will quickly find out that you are using several cans per model and the costs add up. So while a compressor may seem like a lot initially, it will save you money in the long run.

Also make sure to get a compressor with an inline filter to remove water from the line or else you will get water spatters coming out of your air brush. Been there, done that. That's why I went to compressed CO2 cylinders years ago. Again large initial cost but the benefits of a completely dry, silent and smooth air feed has been worth it.

But there are compressors with built in air tanks that are reasonable and work quite well if maintained.

[hoth rebel]

Where did you get the c02 cylinder and fittings to use with the airbrush?

[Robert S]

I just converted to CO2. I got my tank from a Fire Extinguisher place. You could also look at places that support home brewing. That is where I got my regulator (could have gotten the tank there as well but the other place was cheaper)

Welding supply also has the items but I find they are jerks

Tanks come in several sizes. I went with 5lb. They also come steel and aluminum. I preferred aluminum

For fittings I just used the barb that was on the regulator added some tubing and a quick disconnect from Home Depot

The place where you get your tank (unless you get it on the net) will either do swaps or fills for a reasonable price. Swaps are most common

I can provide some photos later if you like

Hth

[EVApodman]

I got mine at a welding supply place over 20 years ago. You have to buy a regulator that will drop the 1400 PSI of the tank to a more usable level and an adapter that goes on the regulator that allows you to connect your 1/4" brass air hose line fitting to.
T
he regulator will also have some sort of indicator and adjustment valve that will allow you to vary your line pressure according to your needs. Acrylics typically need higher pressure than say metallics.

Also you will have to buy a tank of compressed CO2. Afterwards you can swap or fill this tank when empty for less than buying a new one. I just got my tank swapped and it cost me about $32.

[hoth rebel]

Thanks everyone.
I am going to get this set up https://www.amazon.com/Master-Performan ... ressor+kit

Which paint is easiest for a beginner?
I have access to most all brand names locally.
Do I need to thin the paints before spraying?

[Lt. Z0mBe]

Which paint is easiest for a beginner?

Do I need to thin the paints before spraying?

1.) Start out with the acrylic brands due to their ease of cleanup. They're all about equal. Some have proprietary thinners that must be used while others can use distilled water, Windex or isopropanol.
2.) Yes. The old "skim milk consistency" rule works as a good starting point.

Also, you might check out the Basics Airbrushing thread in this forum. I think it will answer most of your questions.

Hope this helps.

Kenny

[hoth rebel]

Thanks.
I have seen a brand named Model Air. Anyone know if those a good to go right out of the bottle?

[Lt. Z0mBe]

Thanks.
I have seen a brand named Model Air. Anyone know if those a good to go right out of the bottle?

Those are Vallejo's ready-to-airbrush line. They are generally good to go. If not, add a bit of Vallejo's thinner or distilled water.

Kenny

[hoth rebel]

Thanks.
I think I will try those first.

[hoth rebel]

I haven't bought a setup yet as now I am wondering if a single action gravity feed would be better for me.
What are the pros and cons of a single action?
Thanks.

[gsb5w]

I've never had a single action. Only two double actions.

[EVApodman]

A single action only allows you to vary the amount of paint that is going on the model. Badger makes cheap beginner spray kits that are like this.

A double action allows you to vary both the paint flow and the air pressure at the same time. This can give you some great effects but does require a bit of practice to master. It's like learning to pat your head while rubbing your stomach.

Double actions are typically more expensive than single actions and require greater care and cleaning. But most modelers after using a single action for a few years move up to the double.

[hoth rebel]

Thanks.
I will stick with the set up I chose and if I have a hard time with double action I can always but a single action later.