recommendations for Airbrush rig

Pmacko · 3 September 2009, 08:17 AM

Hi Everyone,

I currently have a badger 155 airbrush and a testors compressor and I am not much liking the results I am getting. The 155 is a nice brush but it doesnlt seem capable of doing a fine detail and doesnlt seem like a finer needlee is meant for it. The compressor pressure is not adjustable so maybe thats my problem. Most of the discussion for our purposes suggest a PSI of 10-15 but I think this product does around 40 PSI.

It's entirely possible that it's all my fault but what does the group think of ths setup? Am I in need of a brussh capable of using a finer point, an adjustable compressor or both?

If so, any recommendations?

Trackpad · 4 September 2009, 02:40 AM

Hi,

I'd recommend the Iwata Revolution series (gravity feed) brushes as an excellent introductory brush. I can achieve quite fine lines, even though the nozzle is .5mm. Equally, you are right when you say that you need a compressor that will give you around 10 -20 psi. An adjustable compressor with water trap should stand you in good stead. The Iwata line of compressors is also very good. Go to Dixie Art (Dixie Art & Airbrush Supplies Home Page: Airbrush and art supplies, I think) for a very good selection of brushes and compressors with quite competitive prices. I use Iwata equipment, and I'm very happy with my results. Good luck with your search.

Other forumites, please chime in!

StephenLawson · 4 September 2009, 11:18 AM

The 155 doesn't seem like it was designed for super fine applications. It is a great general use item. But if you are trying to do finer work it maybe time to upgrade. Badger is my choice.

Also if your getting frustrated in the application it maybe the consistency of the paint. Just a thought.

Pmacko · 4 September 2009, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StephenLawson

Also if your getting frustrated in the application it maybe the consistency of the paint. Just a thought.

Thanks to both of you for the excellent guidance. The 155 does indeed work great but it's application of paint is just too wide for modeling purposes except when covering large areas. I am currently doing a Nieuport 17 so it will cover the aluminum color just fine but my next project is a Fokker EIII and I want to do some nice subtle shades. My consistency of the paint is roughly like that of milk and it all works well, just not a very precise line

Sreiko · 4 September 2009, 03:56 PM

I use Aztec but maybe this can help you:

Paasche TG-Talon Airbrush

Cheers

Wind In The Wires · 4 September 2009, 11:28 PM

You can buy an air pressure regulator at your local auto parts store or Home Despot/Lowes for less than $20.

ManfredL · 4 September 2009, 11:37 PM

I add to trackpads recomendation.

Got a Iwata revolution CR a few weeks ago with 0.5mm needle and its a very good all-rounder high quality AB. Replaces my Aztek now.

For finer work I posess a Rich AB200. I was very surprised to see how thin one can spray with that. Rich's are of very high mechanical quality. Haven't yet fully mastered it, though as I need more practice.

For a bit more of an allrounder with fine work ability google for the Rich AB300 (0.3mm tip) or Toricon H3 (0.3mm tip). These two companies don't do cheap copies but very high quality lines for reasonable prices, at least here in europe.

But as you said, your compressor seems a weak link. The airbrush you have certainly does not look bad at all. Being able to adjust pressure is a great help for detail work where you can thin down a lot and spray delicate work with much lower pressure ...

Let us know about your decisions in time.

Pmacko · 6 September 2009, 08:59 AM

I am leaning towards a Iwata HP-C Plus brush. Anyone here using this one? I'll be checking the home improvement store today for a regulator for my current compressor

dak66 · 6 September 2009, 12:16 PM

A Campbell Hausfield 100 psi compressor with a regulator and a water trap of course it has a storage tank ,in my opinion an essential . i bought it at Wal Mart .
I use a Iwata Micron SB for all my painting the best airbrush i have ever owned or used .
I had to buy some pipes and the water trap to add on to the compressor. I had the regulator a Badger from a previous diagphram model i used before.
In my opinion i would suggest you buy the best airbrush you can afford even if you have to save up for it because it will pay off in ease of use and superior paint work and enjoyment.
I suggest either an Iwata,Harder & Steenback. Badger high end brushes.

mgtaylor · 6 September 2009, 04:46 PM

The LOW 10-15 psi recommendation is For spraying water based paints like Acrylics, which will begin drying on a micro-scopic level internally in your gun with Higher air pressures due to the increased heat associated with those pressures.

Like a quick dry concrete it will finish drying mid-air and bounce off the surface you intend on painting, creating a very "thin" ghost like coverage.

As you continue spraying , like Cloggin artieries it will accumlate inside your gun eventually cloggin it just prior to which your gun will start spitting and stop sparying perhaps even blowing back up through the paint cup.

But if you only spray enamels you can get away with out teh ability to vary the out put pressure.

Yours MIke