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[fullboat]

Hi Folks,

I need advice on purchasing an air brush for my first model. I don't want to spend too much but at the same time I don't want to spend 100's of hours on a model only to mess up the paint job. I'm thinking about a IWATA Eclipse HP-CS . This is advertised as good for model painting with 0.35 needle . 
This would cost me about $135 Australian or about  64 GBP.

Any Opinions would be much appreciated. :-\

I already have an adjustable and filtered air compressor.

[Colin H]

HI FB,

I use the Badger 200 series had mine about 3 years and have had no problems. The thing I like most is it can be adjusted to spray from a fine pencil line up to a 2" spray width so it is good for blocking in as well as fine work.

Cost about £50-00p.

Yours Colin H.

[Philipsparker]

I've got a 200 but find the spray pattern a bit small for a decent sized hull - it will do 2 inches BUT the volume of paint spat out isn't really enough. For most work it's fine though. One of those really cheap airbrushed with the external mix, the sort you get free with a sub to Model Boats, works pretty well for laying down a coat on a large area. Obviously for detail work it's hopeless but at leas than a tenner it's worth a go.

Alternatively, use aerosols for the big bits and the 200 for smaller stuff.

Phil

[FullLeatherJacket]

I'm with Phil on this one. If you need a spray to paint large areas then I'd recommend either a proper auto touch-up gun or a Badger 250-4. This latter has external mix like its smaller brother but takes a 4oz jar, so you can mix and apply a decent amount of paint before having to stop and refill the jar.
Works for me.
FLJ

[funtimefrankie]

I've a Revell Profi, but never really used it, can't find the English instructions at the moment.

Anyone want to do a masterclass on care and use of air brushes?...please......

[fullboat]

Thanks for much help guys.......
I Have just put bid on ebay for IWATA HP-CS
I'm very interested in the BADGER though, as you've all pointed out the IWATA is not much good for painting hulls etc.

cant find badger in AUS though but tower hobbies have it

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LX8169

I will hunt one down when i get to that part of the boat

I have  assembled my own compressor with filter and adjustable pressure switch attached

It is using a 4x4 tyre pump capable of 1.36 CFM at 50 PSI continuous.

compressor was very expensive but I have to use it for something . 4x4 was sold in February.

it can still be used for tyres though just a matter of changing the outlet fittings  :)

[Philipsparker]

Enough with the eBay !

Go and find an airbrush specialist and talk to them. That way you can ask advice and possibly even get your hands on a few models to see how they feel. an eBay seller is going to take your money and then clear off - they don't care about you, that's not the point of eBay. Airbrushes aren't cheap and you will need spares and extra bits (paint cups/jars, hose etc.) so a supplier you can rely on is a must.

If the local model stores can't help, try art shops as the airbrush is really a graphic artists tool from the days before they all had Macs. Even try car suppliers as airbrush art on custom cars is common. For high volume paint application, they may even be better as a touch up spray gun would be just the thing for hull painting.

Phil (who has written an airbrush for idiots guide for a magazine so keep an eye on the press in a few months)

[Damien]

fullboat, I purchased my Badger 200 from Hearns hobbies in Melbourne 30 yrs ago probably still sell them, I also bought a dual actionbrush from an Automotive paint supplier6 years ago & it's still unused, i get the results i need from the B200.
With a little patience anything can be painted with the Badger 200 I sprayed my 35" Emma C Berry Schooner with the 200
I think you will need an air receiver tank on that little compressor to remove the splutter from the diaphragm pump.
Damien.

[Colin H]

Hi FB,

I bought my airbrush from Squires here in the UK. At the time of purchase I enquired about a compressor and was advised that their Hobby mini compressor would be more than adequate and this as proved to be the case.

Specification as follows air displacement 0.35cfm (10 L/min), max pressure 37psi. If I remember correctly the Badger 200 requires 7 L/min so I don't require a receiver tank.


Yours Colin H.

[Philipsparker]

I normally use a diaphram compressor with my Badger - no splatter problems here so you'll be OK without the tank.

For a higher output brush you may need to check if this is the case though. I know I needed a bigger compressor to run my Badger grit gun.

Phil

[gingyer]

I use a Aztek airbrush and find it very good.
The thing I like is that you can change the nozzles and get them
in a range of sizes to suit what you are doing.
here is a link http://www.hobbyplace.com/tools/airbrush.php

[brianc]

I would highly recommend Iwata airbrushes.
I have the Eclipse BCS  and the Badger 150 ,I use the badger for general use and it gives great results but the Eclipse is out standing 

[fullboat]

I here what you say Phil , so far I've had no trouble with ebay. Ive done my research I think and have found what i want. (with greatfully received help from MBMayem )
I don't mind spending money on things of good quality that i know will last and I'm sure I found that.
Damien, I'm in the testing stage with a tank for compressor it's about the size of a 1kg fire extinguisher. If I mount it vertically and check for corrosion occasionally i reckon it will work great.
Mounting vertically will ensure water doesn't collect in tank.
I will, when all tested, manufacture a new case for the above as you may tell from my first photo i can't close the lid on current case 
I have a very cheap airbrush to play with until I get a better one.
It all seems to work very well at the moment.

[kiteman1]

There is a good web site at    spraygunsdirect.co.uk  which gives a fairly good account of different types of equipment.  They are part of a Motor Factor group and ok to deal with.  Decent prices too.  Worth a try for info on each airbrush listed. :)

[Colin H]

Kiteman 1,

Just been for a look at the site you reccomended, loads of info and as you say the prices are very good.

Thanks Colin H.

[fullboat]

Thanks Kiteman1 I'm with Colin ,great site.