Suggested Airbrush Spares

Given your distance from the US, I would suggest buying two airbrushes. That way you always have a spare on hand. This immediately nets you spares of everything. And if the airbrush needs to be sent back for major work, you still have an airbrush. I'm "only" in Canada, and I've opted to have numerous airbrushes "Just In Case": two 100LG (one fine, one medium), one 150 medium, and a 200-20 medium. All share head assemblies, and the 100/150 share needles. This way I have multiple head assemblies and the capablility of just switching airbrushes.

I would still encourage you to stock up on the "consumables" as they have a tendency to break, bend or wear out when you least want them to:

PN 50-0402 medium needle (maybe get 2 or 3?)

PN 50-055 Head Washer (cheap, get a bunch!)

50-0141 O-ring (ditto cheap, ditto bunch)

You might consider ordering these parts as well:

50-0162 Medium Head Assembly complete

50-046 Needle Guide*

*this is considered non-user replaceable, and Badger suggests returning to the factory. I have successfully changed using a spare needle and holding my teeth correctly. It took some fiddling around. The good news is they rarely wear out.

Cheers,

Bill

Great post Bill! Seriously! I am saving the advice and I think you've helped the poster.

I was mystified by the poster alluding to it taking longer to get parts locally! Wow! 

Why thanks!

I had a similar experience when I went to buy a spare needle for my airbrush. I ordered it through my LHS, who waited to order a bunch of stuff from his distributor, who in turn waited to order an even larger bunch, and then back through the distribution chain to me. I got tired of waiting (at week three), ordered online from Dixie Art and received it 5 days later. The original order showed up a full month after that! I presume it just gets worse transatlancically!

Hi Bill and Namrednef

Thanks for the suggestions. I shall certainly be looking into getting the spares mentioned, together with the possibility of a second brush.

Concerning your mystification re local supply, I ordered a 10ft braided hose in anticipation of the new brush from my local supplier. That was seven weeks ago and I was informed yesterday that it is on its way and should be here soon!! I was initially informed that it would be here in a month

As an aside, the prices here are astromonical compared to US prices. The hose mentioned above is the equivilent of $35 (US) so you will understand why I intend to purchase from America, pay the extra for international postage, possibly get caught at customs and still get them cheaper than locally sourced.

Thanks

David

David,

You're welcome. Always happy to help a fellow modeler!

$35 for a braided hose is not unheard of. That's what they go for (with a moisture trap built in) at my LHS. I picked one up at the Badger Garage sale (sadly over, and wasn't for outside North America) for $6 + postage! Dixie Art lists the 10' with trap for $26.50 US. I recommend both Dixie Art and Bear Air and both will ship internationally.

Bill

Hi Bill

I wouldn't mind so much if the hose being supplied was the one with the built in moisture trap, unfortunately it is the bog-standard hose #502011, which is available for about $12. As they say "let the buyer beware".

As a test, I priced one of each of the spares you suggested at Dixie art and came up at a shade under $20. For me to buy them here in South Africa I would have to pay in the vicinity of $46.00.

I can see myself either buying a good portion of my requirements from Dixie Art or perhaps Coast Airbrushes and paying the freight and possibly import duty. Or waiting a few months till I go to England and seeing what I can pick up there.

Thank for the advice. I have definitely learned a few things.

Regards

David

David:

I can't offer any better advice on spares for your airbrush.  I just wanted to say "welcome aboard" from another newbie.  One of the most interesting aspects of this hobby is the international participation.