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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. |
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| Messages | 7062 |
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| Subject: | Re: D-500 compressor and Aztek a470 brush |  |
| Date: | Nov 18, 2002 |
| From: | David A. Levy | |
Hi Jason,
As a first airbrush, I think the Aztek 470 is a pretty good choice. Mine
gave me yeoman service for about 2 years. It is very easy to clean and use.
It does have some downside. Many people (me included) seem to experience the
nozzles becoming damaged and nonfunctional with frequency (they are
"disposable" but do cost about $7 a pop if memory serves). Also, I found it
difficult to coax the 470 to *consistently* produce very fine lines
(anything under about 2mm was a chore). Not that I did not achieve those
lines, it was just a bit hit or miss.
As I later discovered, the 470 is also not very cost competitive with better
quality airbrushes like the lower end Iwatas. Depending on where and how you
buy, the 470 will cost you very nearly as much as an Iwata HP-C or similar.
Keep in mind though that the Iwata's advantage over the 470 is basically
that it will produce a line well under 1mm consistently, with ease - which
may or may not be hugely important to you. On the other hand with the Iwata
you will periodically have to disassemble it for cleaning. The disassembly
is not difficult, but care must be taken not to damage the needle.
With regards the compressor, I have heard that great prices can be gotten
through Sears but I have never tried that route personally. My first
compressor was a very noisy but reasonably effective Testors model (AC300 I
think). Other than the noise, it had no pressure guage, no regulator, no
moisture trap. All of these I later bought peacemeal, adding substantially
to the price tag of this "cheap" little hobby compressor. A year back I got
a SimAir with all the trimmings included out of the box from a local art
supply store. It's pretty quiet.
On both items I think you should try it out before you buy if at all
possible. Art stores, in particular, are usually helpful in this regard, so
what I did was that I tried out the Iwata at the local art store. I did
eventually buy the brush online though, at much better price, from
Dixieart.com - which has great prices and service by the way. I have also
heard that BearAir is very good
Check out
http://www.bearair.com/
http://www.dixieart.com/
http://www.coastairbrush.com/
They have airbrushes and compressors, and if memory serves there is also
quite a bit of info on the sites to help you make your decision.
Hope this helps,
David. |
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