PaascheVL ,,,,,,,,,,,,

Ron,

I have a VL and I think it is a very good airbrush. You can get a 'kit' that has all three needles/tips and some color cups and jars. I have some extra color cups that I bought which is really handy. I usually use the #3 tip and needle (I found the #1 was very finicky and the brush would clog/sputter alot with hobby paints.)

I've only had to replace my #3 needle and tip once, but that was due to carelessness on my part. Finding the parts was very easy since the VL is a VERY common item.

I think you'd find it hard to go wrong with a VL, but there are other great Badger units out there too.

M.

Even though I prefer other makes and models of brushes, I've used a couple of VL's and was happy with the results I got. It's a good solid brush, somewhat robust and fairly easy to maintain.

Fade to Black...

I used to use the Paasche VL - switched to the millenium (basically a VL in packaging). I happen to like the #2 point with a shortened cap - no clogging and very little overspray)and you can get a 1/16" line with practice. It's a good and robust (specially with my fingers) airbrush.
Flat Enamels are best when thinned at approx 60/40. Gloss is a whole nuther matter - can't seem to get that mix right.

   The Paasche VL is my airbrush of choose, in fact I have three of them one with each tips in them. I purchased my first one about 30 or more years ago and then found two more in a garage sale for $10.00 along with a dozen or so different size bottles. Some deal huh? I thank my wife for draging me along that day, HA HA! The only things I did was buy new tips and needles and now I have three brushes, where I can change to uses very quickly.

   Also have a Paasche VJ that I use for small jobs it's a gravity feed, and only uses a few drops of paint at a time. It has two tips and needles and is uses for fine work.

   I do have others including Badgers, Binks and a DeVibes But find them to small for my large hands, but done have the heart to get rid of them.

   One thing I can say about airbrushes in general is when one uses a lot of flat paints like I do you will find that you will needed to buy tips and needles a little more often. The flat paint is somewhat like sandpaper and wears the tips and needles down.

Cleaning is very important and should be done as quick as possible after painting to keep the airbrush in tip top shape.

   Interinal parts of the airbrush are very important also in the Paasche there are two washer type rings that need replacing from wear mostly from taking them a part for cleaning. The parts list shows where these to parts are located. One is for keeping the needle good and tight in the head and the other is in the area where the air hose attaches. But these take along time to wear.

   So good luck with your chose of airbrush and good modeling,           Big Biff  IPMS Member