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Forums - Modelling / Painting |
The painting forum is for the discussion of techniques on the painting, decalling and weathering phases of AFV modelling and the tools and materials used. |
| Topics | 1365 |
| Messages | 6917 |
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| Subject: | Re: Starting out with air brushes |  |
| Date: | May 12, 2002 |
| From: | Rick Young & Carol MacLennan-Young | |
I started out with, and still mainly use, a Badger 200. It's a single action
with the adjustability of a double action, is quite durable, easy to get
parts/accessories for, easy to strip/clean and is moderately priced.
Overall, probably the best modelling investment I've made.
A compressor is a must...you'll drive yourself into bankruptcy using
propellant cans. You can go as cheap or expensive as you want, as quiet or
noisy. You should probably shoot for something that is capable of filling a
holding tank to at least 40 psi.
I use an old airbrush (oil-less, diaphragm) compressor I picked up for $50.
It runs into an "air pig", one of those fillable air tanks used for
inflating tires (which you can usually pick up for around $35 at Cdn Tire on
sale). A regulator (capable of fine adjustments from 0-40 psi) is essential
(found one in an art supply store clearance bin for $12) and a moisture trap
(Princess Auto on sale for about $20) is a good idea. Add a few bucks for
brass fittings to screw everything together - voila! You're own paint shop!
A spray booth and a respirator are also essential investment if you value
your health (I can assure you from personal experience that vapourized
lacquer thinner is NOT lung friendly!). Even acrylics aren't great on your
airways. Again, as cheap or as expensive as you want to go. I built my booth
out of a plastic storage bin, a surplus pancake blower, some dryer exhaust
parts and a small flourescent light fixture...total cost was about $35.
Count on $25-$40 for a decent respirator (make sure you get solvent filters
for it).
Rick |
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