First Airbrush and Compressor

I started with a single-action, and found a couple years later, when I switched to double action, I was able to do much better work because you can control both air volume and amount of paint with the trigger.  Takes a little practice to get the hang of it, but no big deal.  So I would recommend you start wih double action.

I have a dual-piston Sparmax TC-2000 compressor that I got at Hobby Lobby using their 40% off coupon, and am very pleased with it.  But there are so many to choose from, it kind of depends on what you want to spend.  I would definitely recommend you get one with a regulator and a pressure gauge.  Beware of those that use a "bleed-off" valve to adjust pressure, you want a real regulator.

PhablousPhantom

Greetings All,

I am ready to buy my first airbrush and compressor.  I have done my research, but would like to know if anyone can suggest an airbrush/compressor combo.  I am looking at single-action airbrushes and using it in a damp, foggy climate (I love two miles from the Pacific Ocean).  I will be working in my garage and using a spray booth.

Thanks,

Eddy

From my personal experience, a double action airbrush is much easier to learn from than a single action. Yes, it will cost more, but it is well worth it if you are here to stay in modeling.

If you live in a humid climate, it is important for you to get a compressor that runs cool. A hot running, usually the cheap one made-in-China, will compound the moisture condensation problem.

If you state your location and a specific budget range, you will get more specific recommendations.

I would definitely go with a double action airbrush.  Easier to learn and easier to use.  You can save on the compressor, especially if noise is not an issue for you.  I've been using a Campbell-Hausfelt compressor from Wal-Mart that I picked up for about $45.00.  Has a 1 1/2 gallon tank which eliminates pulsing and the need for a moisture trap unless you live in a really humid climate.  It is noisy, but it works great and is very reliable.  Price is definitely right when compared to what you'd buy in your LHS.  All in all, spend your money on the best double action airbrush you can afford, and save on the compressor if you can.

Bob

Double action airbrushes have a preset screw that let you use them in single action mode while you learn basic controt. You will very quickly find yourself advancing to double action use. 

My wife bought me a Grex compressor made in Taiwan. It cost $200 but it has autoshutoff, includes a regulator and moisture trap and runs quietly enough that my wife doesn't complain. (She tells me she whipped out the credit card  as soon as the salesman demonstrated to her how quiet it was.)

Liegghio

My wife bought me a Grex compressor made in Taiwan. It cost $200 but it has autoshutoff, includes a regulator and moisture trap and runs quietly enough that my wife doesn't complain. (She tells me she whipped out the credit card  as soon as the salesman demonstrated to her how quiet it was.)

How hot does the Grex compressor run in normal airbrushing session? How hot does it get when forcing the motor to run continuously for 30 minutes?

Thank you for the information.

Go with a double action airbrush because as stated it is way better as far as control and it's not that hard to learn especially since you will be starting from scratch. As far as a compressor get one that you can put a moisture trap and regulator on to help with the humidity you will be working in. A double action is only a few dollars more than a single and knowing what I know now I would have skipped laying out money for a single action then buying a double action less than a year later.

masonme2

Go with a double action airbrush because as stated it is way better as far as control and it's not that hard to learn especially since you will be starting from scratch. As far as a compressor get one that you can put a moisture trap and regulator on to help with the humidity you will be working in. A double action is only a few dollars more than a single and knowing what I know now I would have skipped laying out money for a single action then buying a double action less than a year later.

A good double action will be more than a few dollars more. You want a good airbrush that you will not avoid using it for 2 factors:

1. It gives you enough precision in control that you will not be frustrate in learning to use it.
2. It is easy to clean so that the process will not drag you down.

I have a Paasche H single action, external mix airbrush for more than 15 years, but used it only when I absolutely had to. Switched to an Iwata HP-CS in 2008 and wish I had done it sooner. (Today, the CS costs 3 times more than the H.)

You can get a double action airbrush at Harbor Freight for $15. Not a bad investment for an one-time of occasional user. But you will want something better for a modeling hobby.

double post. deleted.

Eddy,

My sister used to live in Pacifica, CA--- talk about your humidity and fog!  I now live in NW Washington and it's not much better, so I know of what you speak.  Thankfully, I've completely eliminated the moisture problem by foregoing the compressor altogether and using a CO2 setup for my air supply.  Along with other benefits (like no power required, and it's silent), I never have to worry about condensation build up or moisture traps or any of that other crap.  Given your situation, you might want to consider it.

Tom