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  • Member since
    June 2009
  • From: Guam
Ready to purchase
Posted by GT_BLDR on Saturday, June 13, 2009 10:14 PM

I've finally decided to purchase and airbrush many years after I first saw what amazing quality they can produce (I'm talking high school here).Propeller [8-]  After doing a lot of research, through this forum in particular, I will begin honing my skills using a double action model.  The model of airbrush and compressor has already been decided on for the most part, but just to make sure there are a few questions that linger in my mind:

 

  1. How much paint coverage can I get out of a 1/3 oz. paint cup?  Will it be able to handle 3-4 light coats on a 1/24 scale car or maybe the base coat on a 1/32 scale fighter without refilling?
  2. For the experienced users who own models equipped with them, given meticulous maintenance, how long do the Teflon needle bearings typically last?  I'm very concerned with quality so the model I'm purchasing will have one built already in.
  3. Are there any other reputable vendors out there besides ABD who sell complete airbrush systems including compressor and hose ready to go?  I did some searching and can't seem to find anywhere else that has a better value for my dollar that will ship to an FPO address OCONUS.  If there's no other option then the choice is clear.

 

 I hope my questions aren't too silly being me a n00b and all.  When you live outside the states and your options are somewhat limited regarding local sources, you want to make sure you get it right the first time.Wink [;)]  Thanks in advance for any input.       

      

  • Member since
    April 2009
Posted by jody_c on Saturday, June 20, 2009 1:18 PM
The only advice I can give is what I have experienced. First here in the states "Badger" and "Pasche" are the 2 most popular airbrushes, with replacement parts available most anywhere. I typically only use acrylic paints (Model Master, and some Tamaya). The fact that they are acrylic makes cleanup a snap, a few minutes under the kitchen faucet and I'm ready to go for the next round. I have a 2.5 gallon air tank with compressor attached. I don't care for diaphram compressors because you are usually locked in to a preset pressure, which sometimes you may need to crank up to a higher PSI and sometimes a very low PSI..which most diaphram pumps don't give you. And finally try to find an AB that allows the smaller cup, but larger bottles can be connected to. Gravity fed, or top loaded AB's don't usually offer this feature. BUT, remember airbrush applied paint is VEEERRRY thin, so a small amount goes along way. Sometimes I still am amazed when I fill my little cup up, just how much I can paint with that small amount in there. I hope all this helps, If you have more questions please e-mail me direct at borg_21601@yahoo.com, just put "model question" in the subject line so I won't think it's SPAM. Good luck, and look foreward to talking with you if you need more help.  Jody  C.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Hayward, CA
Posted by MikeV on Saturday, June 20, 2009 7:17 PM

 GT_BLDR wrote:

  1. How much paint coverage can I get out of a 1/3 oz. paint cup?  Will it be able to handle 3-4 light coats on a 1/24 scale car or maybe the base coat on a 1/32 scale fighter without refilling?

Hard to say depending on a lot of factors. I never fill a 1/3 oz cup anymore than 1/2 full to eliminate the possibility of tipping the airbrush too much and dripping paint on the model or something else. Filling it half way will require more paint for what you are asking but it's easy to mix up more and put it into the cup as needed. 

  1. For the experienced users who own models equipped with them, given meticulous maintenance, how long do the Teflon needle bearings typically last?  I'm very concerned with quality so the model I'm purchasing will have one built already in.

 

That again is hard to say as it depends on how much you paint. I would say a needle bearing should last the average model builder many years. That is a question best answered by the company who makes the airbrush. If it is a Badger then contact Ken Schlotfeldt if any other company then call Dave Monnig at Coast Airbrush as he will know.

Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom. " Charles Spurgeon
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