Airbrush help please

Tag · Post by **Tag** » Fri Apr 27, 2007 2:26 pm

Hello all
I just want to ask about Airbrushes what Brands do you prefere as I looking to buy I was thinking of:
75-7 CRESCENDO AIRBRUSH SET(INCL ALL 3 HEADS)

I have had cheaper ones in the past with very mixed results mostly due to inexperiance but I thought about going higher spec I know it not top end kit but its getting there in upper mid range (if that makes sense)
Your thoughts please lads and possably ladettes I know airbrushes are used in cake decorating (sexist comment)

Jonas Calhoun · Post by **Jonas Calhoun** » Fri Apr 27, 2007 3:47 pm

I hear that's not a bad brush.

I got to experience a wide variety of brushes last week. Basically I'd be happy with just about any of them (well, the Custom Micron did pretty much blow others out of the water--although it wouldn't do a nice wide spray).

So I think it'll boil down to what feels comfortable, what's easy to use/clean, and what you can get parts and support for. You could have the greatest brush in the world, but if it's a pain to clean, you won't use it. And if you have to wait 2 weeks to get a new needle after you bent yours, you won't use it...

Dan

Tag · Post by **Tag** » Sat Apr 28, 2007 2:21 pm

Thank Jonas
Are needles a major problem then if so why's that

Jonas Calhoun · Post by **Jonas Calhoun** » Sat Apr 28, 2007 10:09 pm

It's not that they are a major problem, it's that they are a wear item.

The paint going through the brush wears down the needle/nozzle, and it will eventually need to be replaced. They are generally inexpensive. Metallics seem to wear them down a bit faster, it's probably a little more abrasive paint.

However, they can also get bent, whether from dropping, handling poorly, etc. I've replaced 2 needles in the 3 years I've had my brush, once from wear, and once from bending it.

Dan

redfinger · Post by **redfinger** » Mon Apr 30, 2007 7:45 am

I may get flamed for this, it happened on an other site...

I use and have been for several years now(in automotive airbrushing) a airbrush and compressor from airbrushcity.com

I just recently bought a dual action gravity feed brush and auto off compressor for less then 250.00 US....

I have been using there guns for quite sometime and have produced excelent work and had great results....

just my .02$

Ashton

Ti Raven · Post by **Ti Raven** » Mon Apr 30, 2007 8:45 am

You are sharing data with us that you have collected yourself.

Someone may have had a different experience with same and post that also.

Data sharing is a near holy thing.

No flames from this quarter!

TheIrishAvenger · Post by **TheIrishAvenger** » Wed May 02, 2007 9:51 am

Jonas Calhoun wrote:It's not that they are a major problem, it's that they are a wear item.

The paint going through the brush wears down the needle/nozzle, and it will eventually need to be replaced. They are generally inexpensive. Metallics seem to wear them down a bit faster, it's probably a little more abrasive paint.

However, they can also get bent, whether from dropping, handling poorly, etc. I've replaced 2 needles in the 3 years I've had my brush, once from wear, and once from bending it.

Dan

I did not know about the wear thing! What do you look for in evidence of wear? Abnormal spray patterns? Can you tell by looking at the needle?
'Course, I don't do a whole lot of airbrushing to begin with, so I figure it'll take a while for any wear to occur anyway.

Chris

Jonas Calhoun · Post by **Jonas Calhoun** » Wed May 02, 2007 2:06 pm

Pretty much by abnormal spray patterns. It's kinda a zen thing, I guess...the brush just feels 'wrong'.

I've seen bent needles, and I've also seen needles that look just fine that are bent when you use them. The nozzles are easier to see, they kinda 'trumpet' out.

Dan

Ti Raven · Post by **Ti Raven** » Wed May 02, 2007 2:39 pm

"Zen and the Art of Airbrushing." Authored by Jonas Calhoun. Coming to a modeling supply store near you. Sounds good to me. When can we expect it in print?

DX-SFX · Post by **DX-SFX** » Wed May 02, 2007 4:26 pm

What kind of paint wears a needle out????

Jonas Calhoun · Post by **Jonas Calhoun** » Wed May 02, 2007 4:28 pm

I've been meaning to write all of this down that I've discovered through trial and error. Maybe in my copious free time.

I also want to take a 4'x8' sheet of styrene and cover it with various primers, then test all the different manufacturers paints on it...come up with a definitive list of what works and what doesn't.

Dan

Post by **TER-OR** » Wed May 02, 2007 9:31 pm

I find the tip or "nozzle" wears out most quickly.

Jonas Calhoun · Post by **Jonas Calhoun** » Thu May 03, 2007 2:01 pm

DX-SFX wrote:What kind of paint wears a needle out????

In my experience, it's metallics.

TER-OR wrote:I find the tip or "nozzle" wears out most quickly.

That's probably true--I just try and replace both the nozzle and needle at the same time. I figure that if the nozzle is wearing, the needle's going to have some high/low spots on it too.

Dan

Tag · Post by **Tag** » Fri May 04, 2007 2:17 am

Hi Jonas Calhoun

also want to take a 4'x8' sheet of styrene and cover it with various primers, then test all the different manufacturers paints on it...come up with a definitive list of what works and what doesn't.

Please mate That would be a very interesting post

Slave1 · Post by **Slave1** » Sat May 05, 2007 1:15 am

OR... If you use one of those testors aztec airbrushes and want decent results then you'll be replacing the nozzles every month or so...

SpaceDuck · Post by **SpaceDuck** » Sat May 05, 2007 10:57 am

TER-OR wrote:I find the tip or "nozzle" wears out most quickly.

By basic design I've also found this to be true. The needle, since it tapers can sometimes be 'dressed' although I don't experience any appreciable wear and I've used the #$@& out of mine. But nozzles sometimes take abuse from overextending the needle into it, "agressive" cleaning or whatever?

While's it usually true that you "get what you pay for" IMHO most modelers will not attain the level of proficiency to really warrant the 'top of the line' ABs. On the other hand, a "good" painter can still work wonders with a 'competent' AB. I happen to like and would recommend a Paasche H model. Rugged, simple single action siphon with ability to attach a cup, not just a bottle and a relatively modest price with parts available at many hobby shops and even some craft stores. Using a number one tip allows some very fine line work too. The parts, like the unit itself won't break the bank when needed.

When your talent progresses beyond this model you can always keep it for your primer or base coats saving your new "great" brush for the fine work. Call it your 'production' AB.

Oh, be careful about that tongue in cheek "sexist" comment. Some of the true artists with an airbrush are ladies! Us men are all thumbs and lack their finesse.