airbrush fiasco or...help a girl out?

wow, i wish one of us was mechanically inclined enough to build one...as that sounds like a great quiet and cheap way to go...unfortunately, i think i'll have to keep watching the paper and ebay for a bargain

Also, if you're looking at buying a used airbrush, take a REAL close look at all the parts that come in contact with the paint. Single action brushes can get the nozzle bent or otherwise damaged. Double action brushes have a long, thin needle that must come to a perfect point to get a good spray pattern. If there's anything wrong with either, you won't be happy with your painting, no matter HOW much you spend for an air source.

Walt

QUOTE: Originally posted by mer1122 Wow, I'm psyched to see how many compressors there are that are quiet. I just assumed that they'd all be big oily monsters that rattled the floorboards. Hopefully one of these other models will be a good alternative. With luck, one will pop up on ebay at a less-than-retail price. Thanks again to everyone!

Meredith,

If you want a real quiet compressor and you or your husband has a little knowledge of mechanical things you could build one with a refrigerator motor for pretty cheap. Of course some people do not want to go through that much trouble.

Speaking of Ebay I found this compressor that you may want to watch although it might get a little pricey. These are one of the best units made.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2326276249&category=28111

Mike

Hey,

Does anyone have an Iwata Micron that they can give to me?

Mike

Meredith,

I started the same way you did, finally settling on the Aztek system. At least for now. I know Sgt. Andy is sending you his 350 (nice guy!). I'd be happy to send over the accessories I have for the 350, as well as my old 350 as a backup. Please send a mail address to cnicoll@mindspring.com and I'll get it out to you.

Chris

hmmmm, I wonder if I could get as much help as you did Meredith!

Wow, the distaff side building a P-38 (Academy or....? I built the N) and looking for airbrush advice..wotta gal! I can't get my wife away from scrap-booking (OK, cropping).

Good luck,

Shawn

Wow, I'm psyched to see how many compressors there are that are quiet. I just assumed that they'd all be big oily monsters that rattled the floorboards. Hopefully one of these other models will be a good alternative. With luck, one will pop up on ebay at a less-than-retail price. Thanks again to everyone!

I feel a tear coming on. Watching everyone come to the aid of a fellow modeller who needs some help. What a great group of people.

Merideth, as Mike said, do some shopping around for a compressor. There's lots of choices out there and some of them are pretty loud. You've got some time, so do some research and set your sights on the best you can afford.

Good Luck.

Murray

QUOTE: Originally posted by mer1122 and, here's the best part, my husband has said that if i've stuck to the hobby by Christmas, we'll buy a compressor and some foam padding and make a quiet set up as recommended by you apt/condo dwellers who know my pain...

Merideth,

Take a look at these compressors. They would be great for your application and you won't need to build a foam-lined box to put over them which can cause overheating and shorten the life of the compressor.

http://www.dixieart.com/TC2000.html

http://www.dixieart.com/Silentaire_Scorpion_Compressors.html

http://www.dixieart.com/Iwata_Studio_Series_Compressors_Main.html

I think the Createx TC2000 is the best bet as it comes with everything you will need.

Mike

Thanx for the kind word, Merideth...
Great pep-talker, uh? Well, you see, to raise enthusiasm is half part of my profession, the other half being to raise ...doubt!!! (being a lawyer and all that)...

Andy, you are the greatest. There's a big box of homemade cookies coming your way!

Hi Merideth,
I am glad to hear your husband looks after you. Your Airbrush is on the way, just mailed it. Hope it works out for you.

Good Luck :-)

2 things i love about this forum:

1. great advice and tips from everyone, thanks y'all for taking the time to try to help me out!
2. y'all are funny! nothing better than a good sense of humor and you all have me chuckling at my screen

In response to everyone's questions and tips I offer the following:

the cheap no-name airbrush was simply labled "hobby airbrush" and I got it from ebay for 8 bucks to just try the whole thing out...

after being gently reprimanded, i will never test on an actual model again, cross my heart

i will not buy an Aztek airbrush

George Jr., you are great pep-talker

and, here's the best part, my husband has said that if i've stuck to the hobby by Christmas, we'll buy a compressor and some foam padding and make a quiet set up as recommended by you apt/condo dwellers who know my pain...the upside to this is I know that if i'm clearly still in to modeling by the end of the summer (no question that i will be) I'll be able to move that Christmas compressor date up to about Labor Day, or at worst, Halloween

QUOTE: Originally posted by TenchiMuyo81 I say melt the Aztek down and use the resulting plastic for scratchbuilt detail!

...obviously contradicting with...

QUOTE: Brushes may not make feathered demarcation lines, but so what? Like we need realism?!

The above propositions both cannot be true (or both cannot be false) at the same time. But then again...

QUOTE: (NOTE: this post was mostly made to show my hidden jealousy of airbrushers, and my deep-seated longing for the tool of the Modeling Gods, a Paasche H!!)

Hahahahaha.... my friend, NOW you make sense!!!

I say melt the Aztek down and use the resulting plastic for scratchbuilt detail!
As for airbrushes, a much easier and cheaper alternative is:
STICK TO BRUSH PAINTING!!!!
It's not as popular, and most people think it's "for begginers", but it IS cheap, it IS effective, and I use it!(matter of fact, it's the only way I paint!) Brushes may not make feathered demarcation lines, but so what? Like we need realism?!
(NOTE: this post was mostly made to show my hidden jealousy of airbrushers, and my deep-seated longing for the tool of the Modeling Gods, a Paasche H!!)

cader28-I wouldn't put up with that kind of insolence from that stupid Aztek...Bite it back-THEN throw it against the wall!!

You have my complete empathy on the subject..Hang in there

I don't know what i'm doing, but now my aztek bit me. Somewhere along the line the thing developed a sharp edge, and now my finger is gashed. Filed the edge off, contemplated throwing the damn thing against a wall, finished the camo on my M1A1, and left the thing soaking in thinner.

Why do the modelling gods hate me?

Meredith,
MKish has a great idea just make sure the tank you use can handle
high pressure. If not it could lead to a very nasty suprise or worse. Don't give
up and keep practicing.
Fuzzy

I've got an Aztec and it gave me fits at first. some times it wouldn't draw any paint at all. Then I learned to ignore the instructions and only hand-tighten the nozzles just until they were snug. Now it's reliable, easy to use and works beautifully. As a rule, I clean it with laquer thinner after every use.

One more comment from the bench...

If you're at all 'handy' and willing to experiment, check the web for articles on building a compressor from an old refridgerator compressor. I got mine from an appliance repair shop for pretty cheap ($10). Hook it up to a tank of some sort and you're off running. (of course, I highly recommend a regulator, filter, and pressure switch, but that's why I asked if you were 'handy'...)

I built mine purely for the 'silence' factor and am very happy with it. The bonus for me was that it ended up being very cheap (ie. affordable) as well.

M.

I would tak in all of the above, some really good advice there, but if you want a cheap place to get quality airbrushes, ebay is the way to go.

Ok, first thing first...

QUOTE: Originally posted by mer1122 I bought a cheap, no-name "hobby" airbrush...

What do you mean "cheap"? Cost-wise? Quality-wise? What? For, you see, "cheap" does not necessarily mean "bad" or "inferior". Same goes to "no-name", albeit buying a well-known brand airbrush is usually associated with better quality and tech support. Ok, ok, I'm aware of that good ole "bying-cheap-can-be-expensive" proverb but it just doesn't always apply, does it?

QUOTE: ...and cranked it up looking forward to experimenting with it on my first P-38...

I see you've failed to comply with a major rule of thumb here: Never, ever, perform tests on a model. What styrene sheets are for?

QUOTE: ...It was all I could afford...

Well, then, try to think positive. After all, you did get the best that your money could buy. So, why not try to get the best out of it as well?

QUOTE: ...But what did i get? Crap. Yes. Crap...

Ooops... Not so fast... I think that you should go easier on that poor old airbrush you have... What I mean is that there are so many factors that should be taken into consideration before an airbrush is declared as being crappy: Defective regulators, inferior quality air can, clogged air outlets, insufficient airbrush cleaning, low pressure in the can, improperly adjusted output pressure, bad paints, inadequate thinning, incompatible thinners, lack of experience, doing things in a hurry, just to name a few... Do you want an example? What if you bought a "cheap no-name" car (instead of a Rolls) and filled it up with crude oil instead of gasoline? Should you blame the car if it didn't move a bit? Not to mention that a Rolls would have had the same "luck" with crude oil as well... Need I say more?

QUOTE: ...I might as well have put paint in my mouth and gone pppffpfpftpttpthttpphh all over the plane...

LOL Meredith, that bad, uh?

QUOTE: ...I'm a rockin graphic designer and web designer...

Odds are that you're gonna be a fine scale modeler as well. Provided that you're gonna stick with it passionately, patiently and methodically. Experience is always hard to obtain but it sure goes a long way and pays back in the end. Just remember the first time that you got your hand on that little Photoshop virtual airbrush. It sure wasn't that easy back then, was it? Nevertheless, I bet you didn't blame it on Photoshop, did you?

Conclusion: Don't give up on your airbrush. Try to get the best out of it instead. Keep on experimenting and feel free to ask your way around anytime you feel that you have to. After all, what we forum friends are here for?

Best of luck,

Hey Meredith
I too live in an apartment on the top floor. When I was looking for a compressor I first checked the price of a hobby compressor and found that they were in the range of $250 Canadian (no regulator or moisture trap). I then went to one of the local hardware stores and purchased a small commercial compressor with a tank and regulator for $139, for another $10 added a moisture trap. As far as noise level goes, I placed a piece of carpet underneath the unit to reduce vibration and noise. Because it has a tank on it, it takes a minute to charge the tank and then I have approximately 10 minutes of spray time before it cycles to fill again. I do all my spraying in the afternoon and early evening to ensure that I don't bother anyone. But to truly honest, my vacuum is louder and my landlord has stood outside my door with the compressor running and never heard a thing.

Meredith-
I spent the last 3 1/2 years modelling in a condo so had similar space/noise constraints. The simple compressor I used is pretty small, maybe 6"x9" and 5" or so tall. It's not TOTALLY sient but the vast majority of the racket comes from having it on the floor or next to a wall, so sitting it on a piece of foam made it quiet enough not to bother the neighbors. It DOES lack a regulator but that hasn't bit me.... yet ;-) As I mentioned before, not exactly top of the line but it works for what I need and it's economical!

Hey,
If you don't have a place to do this go rent one of those storage places & get a workbench . Most have a electrical outlet & you can have ventilation. There you won't be bothering anyone with your hobby.

I have found some good deals... airbrushes don't tend to wear out -- except some of their seals...

Paasche and Badger are good, and not too expensive. The differences are mostly a mater of personal preference.

I have some notes on air-brushing here... http://www.naplak.com/modeling/tips/air-brushing.htm

You might sind something useful there.

You could also check out www.scaleautomag.com in the tips section. I found a link in the auto forums. It talks about cheap spray booths. Also, you could try to get a cardboard box that is not torn or wet from the trash and use that as the start of a booth. My first booth was a cardboard box with an old furnace filter and a salvaged box fan that needed a new plug. One plug, some duct tape and a little work later, I had an okay booth for about $5. You might still need a respirator to avoid the fumes, but at least you could paint inside the apartment.

Azteks aren't that bad. Cader just has a case of Paasche envy......(sorry cader, it was there, I had to take it. Nothing but love man.) Ya know Thayer and Chandler used to make an Atomizer, (the great ganddaddy of airbrushes) that was human powered. It had a little pipe that you would have to blow through to get it to work. I used to work with a guy that used one and could just about match anything we did with the big money brushes.

Anyway, hit the Home Depot (or Harbor Freight) they have a small, plug in your wall, 2 gallon holding tank $69 compressor that you can get up to 120psi out of.
Mount it on the wall, side of your work bench, back of your chair, and its realtively quiet, put some close cell foam under it and you could live on the 2nd floor and your downstairs neighbor wouldn't know you had one. The tank and pressure capacity will allow you to run a small nail gun or air tool as well as inflate a tire if you came out in the morning and found yours low. The other thing we used to do in the art department was buy up old dive tanks. A couple of fittings and you got yourself and air holding tank that will last you a few models worth of airbrushing plus some as well as be absolutely silent. Take it to a dive shop and for $5 you can get it refilled. We used to keep one under each drawing table. The air is absolutley dry and clean so moisture in the line is not a problem.

Try and hook up with an IPMS chapter near you. It will give you an opportunity to try out different brushes as well as get some hands on experience with some guys that have been airbrushing models for a while. This way you can make an informed decsion rather than roll the dice. Frankly if you don't know how to use it, all the money in the world isn't going to buy you a good airbrush. Check out art supply places like Pearls, Koenigs, Blicks, or what ever chain is near you. They will usually carry a line of brushes that you can try.

When you decide on a brush, rather than jump in with both feet, paint up a piece of plastic or even illustration board with some primer. Try out all the settings etc. on it. This will also give you an idea of what the paint will do when it hits primer or no primer, over gloss, over flat (you get it...). Acrylic pushes different than enamel, different than laquer. How far to work the brush to get what effect. What happens when you pause, arc your hand, tilt the brush, start and stop your stroke etc.

Hit the search function of this forum. There are loads of posts regarding technique, troubleshooting, reviews, performance etc. Many of them the same questions or problems rehashed every few months but in their entirety pretty helpful.

Good luck,
Regards
Mike

Also try
www.wilkersoncorp.com
Go to tech support and look through the FAQs.