Airbrushes

[Paul Kernan]

Not something I have used much of and even then it was almost 20 years. My son is looking to invest in an airbrush/compressor. He is a warhammer painter/gamer, so I would suggest he doesn't need a really complex or expensive system. However, can anyone give any pointers to brands, system (single vs double action), specs, compressors, etc he should consider? In addition, is one paint type (enamel, acrylic) or brand (Humbrol, Tamiya, Cidatel, Reaper, etc) better than another and best medium (retarder, isopropyl alcohol, etc) to use?

Cheers

Paul

 

[kagemusha]

One question....which will help to offer the right advice....what will he be using it for exactly?

Ron

 

[Gary D]

My friends and I are hooked on the Harder & Steenbeck Infinity 2 in 1 double action airbrush. (approx. $300) It comes with a .15 needle and nozzle for fine detail work and a .4 needle and nozzle for general work. Very easy to control, clean and assemble. We use mainly Tamiya acrylics which are solvent based and Testors Model Master enamels but you can use anything you like. https://www.harder-airbrush.eu/en/infinity.html#infinitysolo
As for a compressor I bought what's called a Ultra Quiet compressor which has a low decibel number. The specs I have are:
GMC Model 4610 Syclone
1.0 HP
4.6 Gallon Twin Tank
3.8 CFM @ 40 Psi
2.35 CFM @ 90 Psi
(Approx. $300) http://cs.finescale.com/fsm/tools_techniques_and_reference_materials/f/18/t/138363.aspx

The 4610 seems to be the number to look for as different companies put their name on them but use the 4610 as the model number.
It's quick to charge and is very quiet. It won't give you a heart attack when it kicks in and doesn't bother the rest of the people in the house
Hope this helps,
Gary D

 

[Paul Kernan]

Thanks Guys for the response. I believe most of the current use would be general coverage and groundwork. However, he was talking about using it for the larger mechanized pieces later. Probably wants to try effects similar to our armour/aircraft, etc

 

[John Bowery]

Paul,
A lot of people I have talked to like the Grex airbrush as it is used with a trigger like a pistol.
www.grexusa.com/grexairbrush/
Cheers
John