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Basic airbrush question.

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  • Member since
    August 2011
Basic airbrush question.
Posted by Jester on Thursday, August 11, 2011 3:21 AM

Hi

 

Im under taking a big build of the Tamiya 1/32 Spitfire.  I need a good airbrush gun. I have the compressor but theres so many guns out there. I have a couple Im looking at but can you plse tell me is the gravity type feed best (other than the bottle and tube feed) and what does it mean by 'twin action' and 'single action' plse??

Any benefits that out weigh the other on these?

 

Very much appreciate your help. Many thanks.

On the bench: 1/32 F6F-3 Hellcat

  • Member since
    October 2007
  • From: Scotland
Posted by Milairjunkie on Thursday, August 11, 2011 4:08 AM

A branded Gravity fed double action model would likely be your best bet.

Gravity fed airbrushes has a slight advantage over bottom fed as they can operated at a slightly lower pressure (they don't have to siphon the paint from the cup), this makes gravity more suited to detail work. Bottom fed brushes have the advantage of larger paint containers & quicker colour changes,.

On a single action airbrush, the trigger controls air flow only, paint flow usually being adjusted by a screw adjuster at the rear of the brush - adjustment is carried out when you aren't spraying.

On a double action airbrush, the trigger controls both air & paint flow, generally with a downwards movement of the trigger allowing air to flow & a rearwards movement allowing a variable & controlled flow of paint. Some double actions (H&S, Grex....) have continuous or coupled dual action, where the first portion of the rearwards trigger travel controls air flow & the latter portion of travel controls paint flow.

Some brands worth consideration; Harder & Steenbeck, Badger, Iwata, Grex, Paasche........... Have a scour about, read some reviews & if you get the opportunity try & get a demo, or at least handle what you shortlist.

 

  • Member since
    January 2010
  • From: Paris, Texas
Posted by Michael B on Thursday, August 11, 2011 8:20 AM

If at all possible, go to your local hobby store or craft supply and see what feels comfortable in your hand.  Another consideration will be the type of painting you will be doing and just how fine the detail you will be painting.  I'm sure if you ask ten different people their preference you will get ten different answers.  I hope this helps.  Good luck

Regards,

Michael B.

  • Member since
    October 2009
Posted by STJohnson on Thursday, August 11, 2011 8:56 AM

You may also want to consider a airbrush where you can change the nozzle/needle size. For example .2 to .5 lets say.

This is handy if you only want to own one brush. Many brands to choose from for sure Yes

  • Member since
    April 2004
  • From: Windy city, US
Posted by keilau on Thursday, August 11, 2011 12:20 PM

I found changing nozzle to be tideous and not practical for airbrush even for those with self centered nozzle. If you have only one airbrush, get one with nozzle size between 0.3-0.4 mm. It will be fine enough for free hand camo, but large enough to cover 1:32 scale.

Look for a trigger action which is long and linear which give you more control while painting.

  • Member since
    August 2011
Posted by Jester on Thursday, August 11, 2011 7:50 PM

Thanks heaps, very helpful info Yes

On the bench: 1/32 F6F-3 Hellcat

  • Member since
    October 2009
Posted by STJohnson on Friday, August 12, 2011 8:24 AM

Not everybody wants to spray with just one nozzle/needle size (including me) but may not be able to afford more than one brush.

 Changing n/n sizes may not be the handiest( kinda depends on the brush) but why limit yourself if I can do double duty with the same brush at minimal $$. Am I in a hurry??

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Northern Virginia
Posted by hutchdh on Friday, August 12, 2011 8:30 AM

Great advice above, but I'll throw my 2 cents in and share that I have two primary airbrushes.  My workhorse is the Iwata HP-C Plus...it has been reliable and the results are to my liking.  I recently purchased a Badger Velocity and like it a lot.

Sound advice given already for you to check out what is comfortable for you.  I do recommend you shop around on the internet, before you make a purchase because they can be pricey.

Hutch

 On the Bench: 1:48 HobbyBoss Ta152-C; 1:48 & 1:72 Hasegawa F-104G NATO Bavaria

In queue: 1:48 Academy F-4B & a TBD Eric Hartmann bird

Recently completed: 1:32 Trumpeter P-51B

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