I've recieved a new airbrush, now how do I use it?

The thing that's missing is the tiny wrench used to take off or tighten the tip. Isn't that a badger?

I learned on a badger 150 that looked similar to that. Siphon feed. Cleaning it? Just unscrew the rear handle to access the nut that secures the needle. Take off the tip (with another small wrench, just making sure to go easy). Pull the needle out. Pay attention to how the trigger parts fit in there before you take it apart. I use Q-tip soaked in laquer thinner to clean out the siphon feed intake. If stuff gunks up in there, it may not hold the paint cup well and you'll have mutli-colored pants.

I was just about to say that you were missing the protective cap for the head/tip, but looking closer, I think I can see it sitting on the hanging hook.

Some years ago, I bought one of these just to check it out as it was pretty cheap ($30 Aud at the time). I've not used it seriously and it has since been replaced with a gravity-feed brush. Here's what I wrote about it at the time: /forums/p/51000/531407.aspx#531407 

And here's a pic of mine - it appears to be identical

It may be helpful to refer to a diagram of a genuine Badger 150 as it's pretty close to this. The user manual for the B150 can be found here: http://www.badgerairbrush.com/PDF/150%20Badger%20New.pdf

The most important thing is to get some practice before you try it on a good model.   It takes awhile to develop the touch, and you can ruin a good model if you go straight to painting on the model.  Try some practice on some old sprue, or a plastic bottle you are throwing out, or a discarded kit or whatever. 

You will need to thin most paints a bit.  I use Testors enamel and thin about 1:1 roughly.  You also need to set the right pressure (I am assuming you have a compressor and regulator). I typically use about 15 to 20 psi.

You also need to find the right distance to hold the airbrush from the surface you are painting, and how fast to move the airbrush over that surface. I find there is more of a tendency to hold the brush too far away from the surface, getting a dry or rough pebble-like surface.  Consider the airbrush more like a regular brush, and less like a spray gun or spray can.  If you are too close, or move the airbrush too slowly, you can get too thick a coating, with paint runs, but I find this is less a problem than folks getting too dry a coat.

Again, the only way you learn the correct settings and moves is by experience. I'd practice on scraps for at least half an hour before using the airbrush on a good kit.

Thanks guys! Esp. Phil H: the review and pdf were great! That was exactly what I needed! Will I have any issues with (dis)assembly because of the missing wrench? My Paasche H has a wrench, will that work on this one?

That does look like a Badger 150 and if so it is a great little airbrush.  I've had one for about 3 years now and it is my "go to" airbrush.  It is reliable, easy to strip and clean and easy to use.  Do you primarily use acrylic or enamel paints?  You can go on line and Google "Badger 150" and get a manual you can down load about striping and cleaning the airbrush.  Personally, I try not to over clean my 150.  I don't strip it down every time I use it.  I only strip it down after a big job, or several small jobs.  In between, since I use strictly enamel paints, I shoot some paint thinner through it and do something called back flushing.  While you are shooting thinner through it, put your finger over the tip so that the thinner bubbles back up into the cup or paint jar.  That will help clean out the tip of the brush.  You can find a lot of good advice here about how to maintain and use the airbrush.  You have already gotten some of the best advice, which is to practice, practice, practice.  Either use some scrap paper, or even better an old model you can use as a test model, to practice on so that you'll get used to using the brush correctly.  There are also some good publications by Fine Scale Models about using and maintaining airbrushes. 

Hope this has been somewhat helpful to you.  If you have any specific questions don't be shy about asking.  There are a lot of great folks on this site that are more than willing to help you out.

Good luck with that new airbrush.  You definitely have a good one.

Bob

One more thing.  Do you have a compressor for it yet?  If not, you can save yourself some bucks by getting your compressor from Harbor Freight or Wal-Mart.  I have a Campbell-Hausfeld I bought at Wal-Mart for about $50.00 that works great.  It is a bit noisy, but other than that it does a great job with the Badger 150.  Also, if you ever need parts for it the best place I've found to order replacement seals, etc., is Coast Airbrush Company.  Here is the link:  http://www.coastairbrush.com/products.asp?cat=103

Bob

I use mostly MM acrylics, because they are easier (and cheaper)  for me to clean. But I do use the occasional enamel.

This is the trusty little compressor that I use:

Owl, your compressor should be fine for that airbrush.  I would suggest you Google the Bader 150 and download the maunal.  It will help you out a lot. 

Bob