Topic: Airbrush Set Up Question...

[Phatty]

Hey guys, I'm looking into expanding into the airbrush aspect of custom painting, and was wondering where the best place to find such items are.  I know I need a kit and a compressor.  I like the enamel paints the best (have a much broader selection of colors), but acrylics are fine too.  I DON'T want to spend a crap load.  Where is the best place to find a set up, minus the compressor, at a reasonable cost?  I'm looking around the $40 or less range if possible.  Ideas?

[Reconsgt]

Pat,

 Your not going to get a set up for $40.00,    Cheapest method would be hit harbor freight tools and order a small compressor, that will run around 40 bucks,   You can get air brushes there to start with, a dual action will be around 20 and the single one will be 10,  not these will be fine for vehicles and so forth but will not perform like a good air brush and achieve pencil like line, but I use the 10 dollar ones for 90% of my custom work.   You will also need a regulator, ( 10 bucks).   Use Acrylics, as enamels will not work on figures.    Testors acryl is pre thinned for use in the air brush as is so you don't need to reduce it,  You can also use many types of automotive Acrylics, just mix according to directions and that will be fine.  I can take pics of the compressor I used to use for my air brushing if you like.

[Phatty]

I don't mean the WHOLE shebang, just everything EXCEPT the compressor.  I'll buy the compressor separate, so that I can use it both for airbrushing and light mechanical work.  I'll have to swing by harbor freight.  I think the cheapest set up without compressor I've seen as a kit, was at Hobbytown for $70, but I figure that a hobby shop like that will be more expensive.

So I need  different airbrushes, hose, and regulator, as well as paint jars, correct?  How well can you mix these paints to get colors you are looking for?

[Reconsgt]

The testors acryl will mix up just like an enamel so you can mix any color you will like,

 As far as a set up minus compressor,  try harbor freight's set up,   you will get your feet wet with it and be able to do most of what you want,   they come with a jar or 2 and work Ok for the money,

[Phatty]

I was browsing Harbor Freight online, and came across this set up.  Is this what Im looking for?  Just need the compressor then, right?

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=47791

[Phatty]

I also saw this, but not sure what the difference is...

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=95810

[Reconsgt]

The cheaper one is single action the other is dual,,   It allows you to control both paint and air,    for starting the cheaper one is fine, you control the spray pattern by dialing the tip housing in and out, it's easy,   You will also need another regulator to refine the air pressure,   I have my compressor running at say 130psi but then reduce it down to 35 for my air brush.   That will be somewhat cheap as well 10 -15 bucks tops,  you don't need a fancy one.

[Phatty]

Well, looks like I'm heading to Harbor Freight on Monday!  Gotta find me a compressor at a good price.

[Swamp Fox]

Well, looks like I'm heading to Harbor Freight on Monday!  Gotta find me a compressor at a good price.

I know this is an older thread, but if you buy the compressor from Harbor Freight then make sure you get an extended warrantee for about 5. bucks more for a year or two, other wise your stuck with a 90 day.  Check out http://airbrushcity.com/index.htm or http://www.galaxyairbrush.com/index2.htm they are the same company with two websites.  They sell on eBay also.  If you buy on eBay make sure you sign up for the eBay Bucks program so you get money back.  I got a kit from them on eBay for 100.00 plus shipping with a compressor, and three airbrushes. This is very similiar to my kit; Super Deluxe Airbrush City Kit #AC7505 Airbrushing Starter Kit http://www.airbrushcity.com/kits24/popular_featured1.htm
  I have'nt used them yet except to test them.  Here are the brushes that came with it http://galaxyairbrush.com/Airbrushes/gd300_ga.htm    
http://www.galaxyairbrush.com/Airbrushes/singleaction.htm
http://www.galaxyairbrush.com/Airbrushes/sf3000_ga.htm

Everything has a year warrantee.  Just a suggestion to anyone interested in an airbrush.  FYI, I like the airbrushcity website better.

[FialaFernbrugg]

I have something for you.
Revell has made a starter class Airbrush set with everything you need in it.
http://www.revell.de/en/products/model_kits/airbrush/combi_sets/index.html?&L=1

[Phatty]

That would be a good start.  I wonder what they go for here in the US?

[Reconsgt]

you can find those at Hobby Town or similar shops here Pat,

[Phatty]

I'm going to have to go look for one, see what it runs for.  That's simple enough for me to try it out and see if it would be beneficial to my needs or not.

[hangarbay94]

Pat,

I use a badger set up. It cost £60 in the UK...

I only use acrylic paints as they are so simple to use, mix and clean up. I've never used enamels. I use spray cans for the primer and undercoats.

Good luck,

Jules