Airbrush recommendations

rv9builder · #1 11-16-2015, 10:00 AM

I'm looking for a small, easy-to-clean airbrush. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

az_gila · #2 11-16-2015, 10:19 AM

If it's for small touch up work and not for creating nose art...

The cheapest Badger ones work. I've even used them for Akzo epoxy with less than 1/2 ounce of paint mixed up.

Badger 250 above.

The external mix brushes are the easiest to clean.

Be carful of some of the HF equivalents, their plastic won't take the stronger solvents - like acetone - we may use for cleaning.

PixelWorker · #3 11-16-2015, 11:03 AM

I've always been a fan of the Paasche VL. It comes apart easy for cleaning and is a versatile brush.

Amazon

rv9builder · #4 11-16-2015, 11:09 AM

Thanks, Gil. Yes, it's for primer touch-up, not anything fancy. I saw in the archives a few years ago that you mentioned a Harbor Freight airbrush.

http://www.harborfreight.com/quick-c...kit-93506.html

Does the Badger work better? Since I'm using it for Stewart Systems water-based primer, solvents shouldn't be a problem.

rv9builder · #5 11-16-2015, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PixelWorker

I've always been a fan of the Paasche VL. It comes apart easy for cleaning and is a versatile brush.

Amazon

Thanks for the suggestion. I was hoping to find one that's less expensive, since it's just for primer on inside surfaces.

rvbuilder2002 · #6 11-16-2015, 12:42 PM

I have been using one of their economy versions for 30 years.

Still works great

wirejock · #7 11-16-2015, 12:49 PM

Thos one works great for small jobs and clean up is easy.
Toss the film container and tube.
http://www.aircraft-tool.com/shop/de...UCT_ID=SA-PP01

flyboy1963 · #8 11-16-2015, 02:32 PM

[quote=wirejock;1029982]Thos one works great for small jobs and clean up is easy.
Toss the film container and tube. QUOTE]

...ummm, what's film??

but seriously, looks pretty darn slick!

I found around the shop that the small gravity gun with the fine needle and the air turned way down worked as good or better than my little Paasche or other airbrushes, and so much easier to clean.

http://www.harborfreight.com/20-oz-h...gun-47016.html

I guess if you are working in a tight space, and don't want to spill, you really need a paint cup with a cap at least!
I like the cheap Badger 200 series for all-round versatility, and most hobby stores have parts...they haven't changed the basics in 50+ years!

az_gila · #9 11-16-2015, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rv9builder

Thanks, Gil. Yes, it's for primer touch-up, not anything fancy. I saw in the archives a few years ago that you mentioned a Harbor Freight airbrush.

http://www.harborfreight.com/quick-c...kit-93506.html

Does the Badger work better? Since I'm using it for Stewart Systems water-based primer, solvents shouldn't be a problem.

Ahh... water based

The HF should work - all of the HF problems I had were solvent caused.

For slightly bigger jobs your model shop should sell a 2 oz jar - the Badger one will fit a HF brush IIRC.

terrye · #10 11-16-2015, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wirejock

This one works great for small jobs and clean up is easy.
Toss the film container and tube.
http://www.aircraft-tool.com/shop/de...UCT_ID=SA-PP01

I've had mine for a couple of years and it works OK considering it's price. However, I hope they are doing a better job of soldering the air tube into the hex nut on the front of the gun. Mine separated all by itself and I also managed to break the cheap pot metal hex nut trying to repair it. Luckily I have a lathe and made a new hex nut from brass. If you don't have a lathe, I'd buy two of these "Primer Pistols"