my first airbrush & compressor

Ben, no reason the 100LG can't be a beginner's brush. A beginner's brush is nothing more than the brush you start with. My first brush was the 150 which is the siphon fed version of the 100 series. The learning curve is perhaps steeper, but that's all!

Cheers,

Bill 

No worries, I misunderstood your intent, is all. As you can see I'm a tool junkie and have no problem with having multiple tools for similar projects. Upon further research I've discovered that the head of the 200-20 is the same, but the needle is not. Also the 100 handle contains the "dual" action mechanism, so swapping out the handle would likely turn the 100LG into a large cupped single action, instead, and be a pain to switch back and forth.

The info about the Iwata being able to switch on the fly is interesting. I'll have to do some research and see if I can justify the cost!

Bgrigg wrote:

If you want to stay on budget, get the 200-20. Don't worry that it's a detail brush, that will come in handy in the future. The 200NH uses a 'newer' head system, but I find that the multiple angle tip comes with less control, instead of more possibilities. Perhaps it's just me. If you don't mind going over budget, but for a good reason, than the 100LG is an excellent brush. I have one myself. I'm not sure why gjek thinks the 200 is a cheap brush, the 100 and 200 series share needle and head assembly, and only the air and paint control system is different. The same high quality he likes in the 100LG resides in the 200-20. I'll argue that the only thing the 100 can do that the 200 can't is vary the thickness of lines on the "fly".  Some people will say that single action ABs are for beginners, and dual action are for "experts", except so many experts use the 200-20. I have three airbrushes now: 150, 100LG, a clone of the 350 (external mix, I use it only for spraying Future), and I have the 200-20 on the "to-buy" list. While I agree that dual action gives the user more flexibility, there is something to be said about set it and forget it! Airbrushes are a bit like a hammer, actually. There isn't one AB that does everything perfectly (though the 100LG comes close). I have numerous hammers: Long Handled Heavy Framing when I want the nail driven NOW; Medium Duty for less intense nailing; Light Duty for nailing into more fragile materials like Gyproc; Ball Peen for hammering on metal; Plastic for avoiding sparks; and Rubber for those non-marring blows, like encouraging my summer mags to come off the car! If you buy a Paasche hose you will need an adapter for any AB other than a Paasche. The braided Badger hose connects directly to the D500. Buy the hose that fits the brush, not the compressor. If you do need an adapter to fit the compressor (like with the vinyl hoses), it is easier to have the adapter at the compressor end. There is no reason to make the end you work with heavier.

Your welcome Ben. I'm glad to help. I think you and that 100LG will be very happy together!

And yes, you got the name right!

I've purchased that Exact list! Thanks to ALL and especially Bgrigg (did i get your name right?) for helping me though this whole thing! I'll make a new post in this same section once i recieve my goodies

It's Bgrigg, but I've been called worse! You can call me Bill! 

Your list looks pretty complete, I would go with the medium needle, rather than fine. The fine requires very well thinned and strained paints, or inks, and I've not yet required to switch from the medium in either my 150 or 100LG.

As for which airbrush, that choice is up to you. From the trigger forward the 200-20 and 100LG are basically the same. The 200-20 can do 95% of what the 100LG can do, and is $22 cheaper, mind you since Bear Air doesn't seem to sell the boxed set, you'll need to get a color cup (Bear Air PN 110268, $8.12) it's really only $14 cheaper! Hmmm, I think that would tip me over to the 100LG with the medium needle.

So your list should look like this (Bear Air part numbers):

1. D500 Compressor PN 120007 $99.00
2. 100LG Medium PN 100115 $61.40
3. 6' hose w/water trap PN 110819 $28.00
4. Regdab AB Lube PN 110605 $4.85
5. Teflon Head Washer PN 110263 $1.76
6. Air Valve O-Ring PN 110147 $1.43
7. Spare Medium Needle PN 110217 $4.99

    Total:    $199.67 + Shipping to your location.

Before you buy, compare to the same at the Dixie Art site (PNs 99D500, 991006, 99502025, 99122, 9950055, 99500141, 99500402 = $226.30), as the price there will include shipping to the 48 contiguous States. 

Cheers! 

Bill 

You can still get an Iwata brush, though I don't know if can connect to the D500 (some companies use proprietary connectors).

An Iwata Revolution goes for $65 and is a double action, gravity fed, internal mix brush.  I got it to compliment my Iwata Eclipse BCS about 8 months ago.  I'ts actually become my primary brush as it's better for shooting a lower PSI.

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

-Fred

If you want to stay on budget, get the 200-20. Don't worry that it's a detail brush, that will come in handy in the future. The 200NH uses a 'newer' head system, but I find that the multiple angle tip comes with less control, instead of more possibilities. Perhaps it's just me.

If you don't mind going over budget, but for a good reason, than the 100LG is an excellent brush. I have one myself. I'm not sure why gjek thinks the 200 is a cheap brush, the 100 and 200 series share needle and head assembly, and only the air and paint control system is different. The same high quality he likes in the 100LG resides in the 200-20. I'll argue that the only thing the 100 can do that the 200 can't is vary the thickness of lines on the "fly". 

Some people will say that single action ABs are for beginners, and dual action are for "experts", except so many experts use the 200-20. I have three airbrushes now: 150, 100LG, a clone of the 350 (external mix, I use it only for spraying Future), and I have the 200-20 on the "to-buy" list. While I agree that dual action gives the user more flexibility, there is something to be said about set it and forget it! Airbrushes are a bit like a hammer, actually. There isn't one AB that does everything perfectly (though the 100LG comes close). I have numerous hammers: Long Handled Heavy Framing when I want the nail driven NOW; Medium Duty for less intense nailing; Light Duty for nailing into more fragile materials like Gyproc; Ball Peen for hammering on metal; Plastic for avoiding sparks; and Rubber for those non-marring blows, like encouraging my summer mags to come off the car!

If you buy a Paasche hose you will need an adapter for any AB other than a Paasche. The braided Badger hose connects directly to the D500. Buy the hose that fits the brush, not the compressor. If you do need an adapter to fit the compressor (like with the vinyl hoses), it is easier to have the adapter at the compressor end. There is no reason to make the end you work with heavier.

Actually, that's not a bad deal. I know a couple of people who have those, or like them, and they say they work fine. They haven't had them for very long, though. I don't know about longevity. The Paasche D200 & 500 are proven performers. The Silentaire Scorpion 2 is a dream compressor!

As for external vs. internal, I would always choose internal. The Paasche H is a decent beginner brush but the 200 series will last a lifetime. The 200-20 IS a detail brush, only because of the PPS paint measuring system. It would be fine for beginners and pros. 

If you go with the braided hose it will connect right up to the either the D200 or 500. The vinyl hose requires an adapter.

Don't buy the regulator from Bear Air, they're good regs, but over priced. I provided a Harbor Freight link for a reg that is less than $10. You can get them at Wal-Mart, too. 

a regulator lets you adjust the pressure going to the airbrush. a water trap prevents moisture from going into the aibrush.

i'm tempted to buy this compressor just because it is so cheap...

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=92403

but i'm saving up for a silentaire scorpion 2. 

Um, Bear Air and Dixie Art are two of the most reputable online stores around. They DON'T rip people off. Purchase from them with confidence. The prices at Bear seem cheaper, but you have to add shipping. Do a comparison, either are excellent sources.

The 200 series are internal mixes, which IMHO are superior to external mix brushes. 

Compressors are like any engine. If they have to work at their maximum to work at all, they are overworking. I would think the more powerful motor of the D200 would last longer, but the D500 is a fine compressor. I would never buy a compressor on looks, only on performance. It's just a tool, after all.

i looked at bearair.com...the prices are amazing...have you purchased from them to know they aren't ripping you off? i looked at the 200-20...its a "detail" brush which would work nicely for modeling purposes right? And, just by looking at the 200's and H models, the H is external mix and the 200's are all internal mix right? And should i get an H or HS with the screw on bottle connector thing?

I live in a very humid area, so a regulator and water trap is a must...i know for a fact i can't afford a spray booth but i want to airbrush inside in my modeling room so what do you think about indoor airbrushing?

If 15-20 PSI gives better results, do i really need the D200? (Personally, I think the D500 looks better!)

Still haven't purchased, waiting for yours & others advice before i make my decision.

And if Bear Air isn't ripping ppl off I'm gonna get everything there because its so much cheaper which will help me with the $200 thing.

The 200-20 is a siphon fed single action airbrush, with the PPS paint flow adjusting system which allows you to dial in the paint very accurately. It allows you to use either a bottle or a color cup (I prefer cups!). The 200G is a gravity fed brush with a 1/16 oz. fixed color cup, and the SG is a internal cup that holds a tiny amount of paint. It is used mainly by nail artists.

The prices I quoted are from Dixie Art, and uses their part numbers. They list both the D500 & D200 at $119. my list included a hose with moisture trap in my list above, it will attach to the compressor and a Badger airbrush without needing adapters.

Dixie Art and Bear Air are two highly recommended sources online, and they both offer better pricing than Horizon Hobby. Emailing them or giving them a phone call to make sure you aren't forgetting anything is always recommeded. My list is pretty complete, but as my wife likes to point out, I'm not perfect!

Strictly speaking you don't need a water trap, right up until you do. Compressing air squeezes out the moisture, especially in humid areas, and you can imagine what spitting on your freshly painted model would do!

The D500 can only pump out 20-25 psi, but you'll find that you can get better results between 15 to 20 psi. The D200 increases the pressure to 35-40 psi, and does need to be throttled down to working conditions. It's a matter of control, and I wouldn't go without either the regulator or water trap.

You could always drop down to the 99502011 hose at $14.90, and see if you can find a moisture trap locally for under $10, but you will need to buy male to male connectors, and that will end up costing more than the hose/trap combo.

Just to clarify a couple of things Andy said. The 200 NH is the single action version of the 155 Anthem. The 200-20, 200G & 200SG are the single action versions of the 100/150 series. Either series are good. I'm going to admit a bias for dual action and will state that I own a 150 & 100LG. However, that's not going to stop me from recommending a single action airbrush! In fact, the 200-20 is on my wish list! I'm not as familiar with Paasche, so I'll leave those recommendations to others. They make excellent brushes, though.

A better option for a compressor is the D200, more HP, more air pressure, same price! 

99D200 compressor:       $119.00

99200-20 airbrush set:    $ 49.00 

99502025 hose w/trap:    $ 26.50 

Total:                           $194.50 which hits your $200 budget.

I would add in some replacement parts, as needles can get damaged fairly easily, and a bent tip can wreck the head, some head washers and some needle lube:

99500174 medium needle:    $4.80 each (I would get two just in case)

9950055 head washer:        $1.50 each (again, get two!)

99122 needle lube:             $3.95

Which will bring your total up to $211.05. Now all you need is a regulator, which I would buy from a Harbor Freight so some such discount tool store. They're between $7 & $10. You'll need teflon tape, but that's usually less than a buck or two for a lifetime supply.

All told you should end up with a killer airbrush setup for around $225. A bit over budget, but you have everything you need, and some spare parts "just in case". There is nothing more frustrating than to accidentally drop your needle, and have to pay $9.99 shipping for a $5 part! Not to mention the downtime!!

Don't forget to report back with your purchase and first impressions!

Bill 

Howdy Ben, welcome to the forums.    The difference between brush painting and air-brushing is night and day.  It's a little intimidating at first, but not hard to get the basic hang of it. 

Paasche H is an excellent single action airbrush.  Easy to use, rugged as an anvil, and with fine line control sufficient for 1/72 free-hand camo.  Quite inexpensive as well.  For a bit more money and a bit more sophistication, the Badger 200 is a single action derivative of their double action 155 Anthem.  It's just about as versatile as the Paasche H and is theoretically has better atomization (microscopic size of tthe paint droplets).  I have both, and without a jeweler's loupe, I'm hard pressed to see much difference between the two.  Either one would does a marvelous job.

The air brush doesn't care what compressor is feeding it.  Most compressor's have the same fitting for connecting the hose, so a Badger hose and a Paasche hose will each screw onto the same fitting.  The airbrushes themselves have different fittings so that a Badger hose does not directly fit onto a Paasche airbrush, and vice versa, although you can get adaptors to do that.  I have a Badger compressor, probably similar to the the D500, and a Badger hose, and with an adaptor fitting on my Paasche H, I can simply switch the airbrushes as needed.

For good prices, check out www.dixieart.com as an added bonus, for orders over $60, they have free shipping. 

Andy