Can you help ? Where should i begin?

Teonguyen wrote:

here the airbrush

Before you decide on an airbrush, please, read Phil_H's post on the topic. I upgraded from a Paasche H to an Iwata HP-CS last year and never look back, just regreted that why I didn't do it earlier.

I found the www.squadron.com last night, they have many additional tools and accessories i may need. is any website available for buying tools and paints with great deal?

You will need to search this forum on "best buy" info on compressors. Usually, the airbrush specialty stores have much better price on airbrush and compressor than general hobby shop. Check the Chicago Airbrush Supply for price reference of Paasche compressors. Other good suppliers include BearAir, DixieArt, Coach Airbrush, Airbrush-Depot.

Last thing I would like to ask is the "Paint". I honestly can't remember what types of paint I used before, it should have been Tamiya or Academy Hobby (Is AcademyHobby also making paints? :-(..Could I please know what type of paints you prefer??? Thanks I m sorry if my post is too long, but thanks for reading and I would greatly appreciate for your helps

Tamiya and Testors Model Master are the easiest to find brands of model paint in the US. Both have good web site reference for their colors. I use their acrylic paints for most application. It may take awhile for you to read up on this topic too.

I got my Iwata Smart Jet compressor off of ebay for a song. I still see them there frequently for good prices so don't count out ebay for deals. A regulator is very nice for pressure adjustments so I'd go for that one.

I agree with the post about the HP-CS but would expand it to mean just about any internal mix brush from Iwata, Badger or Tamiya. They all work very well and most models can be had for very reasonable prices. The Paache H is a decent beginner brush but before long you will want something with more capability. Might as well spend another $20 and be happier longer. In fact, Badger has just introduced a gravity feed 155 called the 105. Should work like a charm and last forever for real cheap.

Paint is a very personal choice and one that only you can make. Enamels are easier to use, typically have larger color selections. Acrylics are a bit more health friendly and clean up easier using water or window cleaner. To start I'd recommend picking a familiar brand and using only that family of products for a while. Once you get into it again you can make better choices on what to change, where and how much when it comes to paint products. Many folks use a wide range of products, others are brand loyal. Totally up to the whim of the user. 

hkshooter wrote:

I agree with the post about the HP-CS but would expand it to mean just about any internal mix brush from Iwata, Badger or Tamiya. They all work very well and most models can be had for very reasonable prices. The Paache H is a decent beginner brush but before long you will want something with more capability. Might as well spend another $20 and be happier longer. In fact, Badger has just introduced a gravity feed 155 called the 105. Should work like a charm and last forever for real cheap.

Thanks for all your helps, I just checked out the HP-CS of IWATA , and i think i may go with that one,You'r right Hkshooter, spend couple more 20$ but happier. Oh yeah , I have googled and found out that there are couple Hobby Stores in my area which is about 5 or 6 miles away..Not Bad ;-) i can come and see what paints are available.ill check it out tomorrow

Teonguyen wrote:

hkshooter wrote: I agree with the post about the HP-CS but would expand it to mean just about any internal mix brush from Iwata, Badger or Tamiya. They all work very well and most models can be had for very reasonable prices. Thanks for all your helps, I just checked out the HP-CS of IWATA , and i think i may go with that one,You'r right Hkshooter, spend couple more 20$ but happier.

I got my Iwata HP-CS from the local Hobby Lobby store using their Internet 40% off coupon. (If you are not familiar with the coupon, you can find it almost every other week at this site.) The Iwata is cheaper than most internet store that way. Hobby Lobby also stocks the replacement needle and nozzle for Iwata airbrushs.

If you also need the compressor, check out the TCP Global (aks Airbrush-Depot) about the combo of the Iwata airbrush with their store brand TC-20T compressor. I have read quite a few postive feedback on the TC-20T compressor at this forum.

Good luck in your search. Use the search function here to read more posts on related hardware topics on this forum. You will find many experiences and diverse opinion on hardware. There are many good choices and many pitfalls too. It helps when you ask before buying.

hkshooter wrote:

If you also need the compressor, check out the TCP Global (aks Airbrush-Depot) about the combo of the Iwata airbrush with their store brand TC-20T compressor. I have read quite a few postive feedback on the TC-20T compressor at this forum. Good luck in your search. Use the search function here to read more posts on related hardware topics on this forum. You will find many experiences and diverse opinion on hardware. There are many good choices and many pitfalls too. It helps when you ask before buying.

 Thanks Keilau for letting me know that Hobby Lobby stores also carry these plastic model and paint. I did not know it before , the Hobby store i mentioned in another post was actually the authorized Tamiya stores in my area which is nice. I came to both stores Hobby Lobby and the Tamiya this morning , and happy they have pretty much what i need

Like i said before , i may go with the Iwata hp-bcs airbrush, and trying to search for the affordable air compressors. Is the air compressors Paasche D500SR reliable to use ? The PSI is about 22-35 range and moisture trap.. I think this price matchs with my budget, but don't know how it is gonna work in the long-run..??

Teonguyen wrote:

and trying to search for the affordable air compressors. Is the air compressors Paasche D500SR reliable to use ? The PSI is about 22-35 range and moisture trap.. I think this price matchs with my budget, but don't know how it is gonna work in the long-run..??

The new Paasche D500SR may be a good starter compressor at low cost. Paasche switched supplier of this compressor not too long ago and many hobby shops still have their old model D500 which is not quite powerful enough for most modeling tasks.

Yet, you still can see the old D500 diaphram compressor manuel at Paasche. It was an 1/10 HP diaphram driven compressor. Paasche switched to a Chinese manufacturer for a slightly more powerful piston design. It seems like a change for the better.

The old D500: 

The new D500SR:

Since you are picking a siphon feed airbrush (Iwata HP-BCS), you may get better results with a higher power compressor than the D500. The Paasche D400 or the Sparmax T-2000 are what come to mind. You can see the later at Hobby Lobby.

keilau wrote:

The new D500SR: Since you are picking a siphon feed airbrush (Iwata HP-BCS), you may get better results with a higher power compressor than the D500. The Paasche D400 or the Sparmax T-2000 are what come to mind. You can see the later at Hobby Lobby.

Is this one the Paasche D400R you recommended???really thanks for your help Keilau

Teonguyen wrote:

Is this one the Paasche D400R you recommended???really thanks for your help Keilau

May be! I may like the Sparmax T-2000 better if I were to buy a compressor now.

I use a Paasche DA400 compressor with add-on tank and regulator and have no plan to change anytime soon. It is powerful, stable, quiet compressor that runs cool. I learned about it in the July 2008 issue of FSM first. It was tested to have the highest steady pressure among all compressors in that article with a low end price. I found one of the older made-in-Taiwan DA400 and bought it. Current DA400R compressor is made in China, which may or may not be an improvement. (And more likely "may not".) The spec of the new DA400 did not change from the old. The performance per price ratio is still high. But it just does not have the track record of the Sparmax-made DA400.

keilau wrote:

If you also need the compressor, check out the TCP Global (aks Airbrush-Depot) about the combo of the Iwata airbrush with their store brand TC-20T compressor. I have read quite a few postive feedback on the TC-20T compressor at this forum.

I finally made up my mind , and ordered the combo of Iwata and air-compressor TC-20T..just a bit worried am i making the right choice ???

I ll update more infos when it delivered. and thanks for your all advice Keilau...

Teonguyen wrote:

I finally made up my mind , and ordered the combo of Iwata and air-compressor TC-20T..just a bit worried am i making the right choice ??? I ll update more infos when it delivered.

Please, do.

MODELMAKER75 wrote:

check out harborfreight.com ...they have a compressor, airbrush combo kit for 84 dollars! seperately there is a couple compressors for 59 dollars and a airbrush for 13 dollars. That seems like great prices to me! I just got into modeling not to long ago and am in the market for a airbrush setup myself. I also would appreciate any opinions why i shouldnt buy from them

You shouldn't by from Harborfreight if your airbrush equipments are there for keep. Invest your money on decent equipment will reward you in the long run.

or should.( you know that saying " you get what you pay for"...thats what im worried about) ....if somebody else that knows more than me could say whether its a good deal or not....maybe its the way to go for a starter one

You can buy from them if you plan to use the airbrush if only occasionally. Get the 100 psi airbrush compressor with the airbrush. That is the the only acceptable compressor from them.

I must admit that I am a Harborfreight junkie who spent hours of time shopping around their store. I have many low cost tool gadgets from them for fun and non-essential modeling task. The most recent purchases were a digital caliper and a digital scale. For real tools, I go to Sears, Home depot or Lowe's. For modeling tools, ...........

If you do a search for "Habor Freight" on this forum, you will know the reputation that they have.

I received my combo order today, and started airbrushing right away. The Iwata HP-CS airbrush gives complete satisfaction , but i m having a big trouble with air compressor TC-20 (air leaking)...i think they sent me defective one ...i turned compressor on; it ran continuously and never stopped(getting hot quickly) ..PSI gauge always indicated at 10,and could not go above that ..I doubted there was something wrong with it and gave it a check . When i put my hand around the tank, i felt the air flowing out of the tank. I though the tank was damaged, guess what!! I found out the tube connector completely out of the tank . That s why there was no air supplied to the tank. 

i m really frustrated with this air compressor ( I bought it cause i saw some positive views about it.Maybe i'm not lucky with this)..

Im gonna give Tcpglobal a call tomorrow to see if i can return this one ...Hopefully , I can (they give 2 years warranty and 30 days for full refund on this product)-just received it couple hours ago...

I m thinking about the Paasche DA400R or Iwata IS 850 compressor if tcpglobal accepts this return...

    PS: Keilau thanks for the guides about Iwata airbrushes i really love and enjoy it....i have just read your advice about Sparmax TC-2000 to Mikes71.. I love their power and look .i definitely check my nearest HL for its availability tomorrow-especially 40% voucher-great great deal....

Teonguyen,

Before you return the TC-20T compressor, check on one more item. Does it have a 3-position power switch? Off-Auto-Max (or simply Off-1-2). At the Max or 2 position, the compressor will run continuously. A blend value opens to blend off the excess air to keep pressure below 60 psi or so. The compressor cylinder head will get hot to the touch when it runs continuously, but it should not burn your figure tip.

On the Auto or 1 position, the compressor turns off when reaching 60 psi and resumes when pressure drops below 35 psi.

The older TC-20 has only an on-off switch and the automatic-off feature always functions whenever it was turned on.

Teonguyen wrote:

I received my combo order today, and started airbrushing right away. The Iwata HP-CS airbrush gives complete satisfaction , but i m having a big trouble with air compressor TC-20 (air leaking)...i think they sent me defective one ...i turned compressor on; it ran continuously and never stopped(getting hot quickly) ..PSI gauge always indicated at 10,and could not go above that ..I doubted there was something wrong with it and gave it a check . When i put my hand around the tank, i felt the air flowing out of the tank. I though the tank was damaged, guess what!! I found out the tube connector completely out of the tank . That s why there was no air supplied to the tank.

I presume that you got the TC-20C model with an airtank since you mention a tank. I am a little confused by what you meant, "the tube connector completely out of the tank". Since the compressor feeds the tank and the tank feeds the regulator/guage, there must be air in the tank when you read 10 psi on the gauge. When you are not using the airbrush, the tank pressure should reach 60 psi before the compressor motor turns off. I am not too concerned if the pressure goes over that a bit.

i m really frustrated with this air compressor ( I bought it cause i saw some positive views about it.Maybe i'm not lucky with this).. Im gonna give Tcpglobal a call tomorrow to see if i can return this one ...Hopefully , I can (they give 2 years warranty and 30 days for full refund on this product)-just received it couple hours ago...

I cannot emphasize enough that one should buy only from supplier with good return policy. TCP-Global pays shipping both ways within 30 days. It is a good indication that their return rate is low enough that they feel confident to absorb the cost. Still, nothing beats a compressor running perfectly OOB.

(My Paasche DA-400 did not, but that's another story for another day.)

Disclaimer: I have not connection to TCP-Global except as a small purchase (adaptor twice) customer. I do not own any Airbrush-Depot compressor.

keilau wrote:

I presume that you got the TC-20C model with an airtank since you mention a tank. I am a little confused by what you meant, "the tube connector completely out of the tank". Since the compressor feeds the tank and the tank feeds the regulator/guage, there must be air in the tank when you read 10 psi on the gauge. When you are not using the airbrush, the tank pressure should reach 60 psi before the compressor motor turns off. I am not too concerned if the pressure goes over that a bit.

Hi keilau, I called Tcpglobal this morning and they accepted the return for this items ( it s on the way to their warehouse now) .Sorry to confuse you Keilau , I really don't know how it called, so i called it "tube connector" which plays a role of feeding air into the tank. That tube usually is welded on the tank, but the one i got yesterday it wasn't..it's broken and stripped out ,you can move it away from the tank..

Since you mentioned about the tanks feeds the gauge , and the compressor will automatically turn off when it reaches 60 psi. However, My TC-20T 's gauge stayed constant at 10 psi and never went above even airbrush wasn't in use

Anyway, i just got home from HL and bought the Sparmax TC2000. This compressor is quite expensive, the price is 349.99$ in store.  I paid 265$ (with 30% discount--40 % voucher can not be applied to any discount item) , i know it s expensive while some people in this forum orderd online and paid 200$..i think face to face buying is easier than online. If it s defective , i don't have to waste money to ship it back to sellers.. 

I really like it . It s powerful and working amazingly .i set up auto shut off at 25 psi , so i can airbrush at 15-20 psi ...Love this one ,,would recommend to everyone 

Here, i give it some shots...

Teonguyen wrote:

PS: Keilau thanks for the guides about Iwata airbrushes i really love and enjoy it....i have just read your advice about Sparmax TC-2000 to Mikes71.. I love their power and look .i definitely check my nearest HL for its availability tomorrow-especially 40% voucher-great great deal....

And that advice was awsome!!!  I ended up getting the TC2000 from Sparmax and it is awsome!  Regulator, nice long hoses, and very quiet...  my wife is a light sleeper and I am able to use it when she is asleep 2 rooms away with no problems!!  I got mine for $200 from Madison Art Shop (www.madisonartshop.com).  I saw it a bitcheaper elsewhere but was sketchy on the supplier...  Madison was GREAT!  $201 shipped, got it 2 days after I ordered it!

Good luck!

MikeS71 wrote:

And that advice was awsome!!!  I ended up getting the TC2000 from Sparmax and it is awsome!  Regulator, nice long hoses, and very quiet...  my wife is a light sleeper and I am able to use it when she is asleep 2 rooms away with no problems!!  I got mine for $200 from Madison Art Shop (www.madisonartshop.com).  I saw it a bitcheaper elsewhere but was sketchy on the supplier...  Madison was GREAT!  $201 shipped, got it 2 days after I ordered it!

Hi Mikes71 , i just got it too, i agree it s very quiet ---i bought it at Hobby Lobby store at little bit higher price , but i m ok with that 

The best thing is this TC-2000 is made in Taiwan not China. we can be assured of reliability and quality