Ben2 said:
Hi guys. Christmas has rolled around and I'm considering getting an airbrush.
This is what I'm considering getting.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/186-Compl...upplies_EH&hash=item2eb4bff640#ht_7508wt_1195
Can any airbrush experts tell me if it is the sort of kit I should be starting with?
Hey there!
I've been using an airbrush for about a year and a half, and did a lot of research before getting one, so maybe I can offer a little bit of help. I don't think I'd qualify myself as an "expert," but "somewhat experienced."
The compressor is probably on the "ok" level, though it may be a bit louder than some other models. This may not be an issue for you, and as long as it has a moisture trap it should be ok. I didn't see any operating parameters on it, but generally for airbrushing miniatures you want a pressure range that is adjustable between 5-25 PSI or thereabouts.
As for the guns, they're definitely cheap, so you won't get great performance out of them. They are both dual action, it looks like, which is good and what you want (one axis of trigger movement controls air flow, the other axis controls paint flow). Both are also internal-mix, which again is what you want. One is a suction feed, which generally isn't ideal for work on miniatures because it typically requires higher pressure and thinner paint, which isn't suitable for anything but priming on this scale. Plus, you often have a little bit of waste since the suction tube cannot fully empty the jar. The other one looks like it might be a side-feed, which is "ok," but it's really kind of hard to make out how that cup attaches. Generally, gravity-fed guns are best for working on miniatures.
If you haven't used an airbrush before, be prepared for a pretty big learning curve, and spending at least twice as much time cleaning and disassembling the guns as you spend using them. I'd suggest, also, either only spraying outside or in the garage unless you also get or build a spray booth. If you're only airbrushing acrylics, the main thing you have to worry about is particulate overspray, which will get
everywhere whether you realize it or not. If you're doing any enamels or lacquers, then you absolutely must vent it outside, because the fumes are very bad for you.
You can build a workable spray booth by using a plastic tub turned on its side, cutting a hole in one side and attaching like a bathroom exhaust fan (or just some heavy duty PC fans) and using a heater vent filter or something. Or you can get fancy and buy a pre-made booth.
I also recommend stocking up on airbrush cleaner (you can use Windex or Simple Green, too, but can be pretty smelly), and maybe a little cleaning station jar (should be able to find a bunch on ebay).
Hope this helps, and good luck!
