Help! Affordable airbrush

leaded50

Legendary member

Ive tried it! It isnt the worst eqipment ive tried ;), It could be used a 15 min + approx before needed some charge, but could also be used when charging. but, its dam cheap, and something theyneed lower quality fro price. Brush is cheap, but not worst one. It doesnt give "superair volume" so need accurate dillution on paint viscosity. Not great when trying to make superfine thin lines.
Mainly, for hobbyuse now and then, as on a plane who mainly should be up in air, "some" feet away, its ok.
Ai least i could make this by it, and some extra techniques .
 

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Ratcheeroo

Legendary member
"Air pig" might not be a common enough phrase. So we're on the same page, I assume you're referring to a portable air tank you can fill from a separate compressor. I suspect it would work alright. You would need a way to fill it and you'd have to put a regulator on the output line. If you run your airbrush at a low enough pressure it should last a while, but you'll have to refill it every time pressure gets low. If you have a way of filling the air pig why not just use that?
I tried all of the cheap airbrush kits they sell at hobby stores and I hated them. Finally I sprung for a nice dual action, internal mix airbrush. I got the Iwata Neo from our local Hobby Lobby, and have enjoyed it every time I used it. Looks like they run about $60 right now, but I was able to use one of the many coupons shops like that have so I got it a bit cheaper. That is just the airbrush, a compressor, hose, regulator, fittings, etc will add on to the price. The compressor I had, I got all the rest from Harbor Freight. (It's hard to screw up even a cheap a hose or fitting.)
I run a hose up the stairs from the air compressor in my garage when I want to use it.
Thanks my friend that clears it up much better for me. I have a pretty good size tank and a refill is free about 3 min away. For the amount of airbrushing I do I think I might try to make this work for me and yeah the noise from what I am using now drives me nuts(not the cake decorating setup I have)
 

PsyBorg

Wake up! Time to fly!
???????? I was simply asking what would it take to run an airbrush off of an air pig. I happen to have one , you seem mechanically inclined, was just wondering if this was a possible thing. Not sure what you thought I was asking or exactly what you are responding to. sorry to bother ya

I was unfamiliar with what you call an "Air Pig" It didn't click it was a simple shape of an air tank as @Tench745 stated. I agree one can be used but should be regulated as they can hold quite a bit of air pressure. Also a moisture trap is a MUST for any airbrush set up. One drop of water in the air line can reek havoc with your paints and spatter it all over the place or even react badly with oil based paints and gum everything up.

If you do upgrade to a compressor / tank combo be sure the tank itself has a drain on the bottom to allow water to drain and dry after every use as well other wise the inside of the tank will rust and cause major issues as well.

Sorry for any confusion with my not catching what you meant.

EDIT: also you may want to get a simple portable tire pump of you want to use an air pig with a regulator. It will fill your tank easily enough with pressure suitable to paint with yet not be a constant annoyance. It will also save the trips from home to fill the tank that you mentioned.
 
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foamboardflyer

Active member
That is my same thoughts although I was more on the line of a construction heavy duty pancake compressor for the longevity I can sit out on my balcony and not have to deal with the noise while I am being creative.
My father works in construction and has had experience with construction compressors and from that I would recommend a compressor like this (this is the one my dad currently has)
BC43E538-D721-4A4A-90EF-0A54421F13A3.jpeg

But what ever you do, DON’T get this one
6F026E55-F409-4563-BD6A-4DA9C91CBCE6.jpeg
it’s extremely cheap and really loud. I don’t think of using a construction compressor on a airbrush. I’ll still start with the tankless airbrush compressor.
 

Baron VonHelton

Elite member
GREAT SCOTT!

Dude! Yer not blowing up a replica of the Eiffel Tower! Just a 5 inch airbrush!!! You hook that thing up & the needle inside the airbrush will become a deadly weapon & probably penetrate concrete!!

:LOL::ROFLMAO::LOL::ROFLMAO::LOL::ROFLMAO::LOL::ROFLMAO:
 

PsyBorg

Wake up! Time to fly!
"Air pig" might not be a common enough phrase. So we're on the same page, I assume you're referring to a portable air tank you can fill from a separate compressor. I suspect it would work alright. You would need a way to fill it and you'd have to put a regulator on the output line. If you run your airbrush at a low enough pressure it should last a while, but you'll have to refill it every time pressure gets low. If you have a way of filling the air pig why not just use that?
I tried all of the cheap airbrush kits they sell at hobby stores and I hated them. Finally I sprung for a nice dual action, internal mix airbrush. I got the Iwata Neo from our local Hobby Lobby, and have enjoyed it every time I used it. Looks like they run about $60 right now, but I was able to use one of the many coupons shops like that have so I got it a bit cheaper. That is just the airbrush, a compressor, hose, regulator, fittings, etc will add on to the price. The compressor I had, I got all the rest from Harbor Freight. (It's hard to screw up even a cheap a hose or fitting.)
I run a hose up the stairs from the air compressor in my garage when I want to use it.

The Master air brushes that came with the kit are actually pretty good "mid level" brushes. I borrowed a friend Iwata Eclipse Hp CS model and found I was not as smooth with it as I have been on the Master. I will also say it was early in my experience of set up and I did not have much more then the free starter bottles of paint that came with the kit. I will spend some more time this week to revisit it. Other then that I would reserve putting out big money for the name to get one of the dual action internally mixed brushes with the paint flow needle under the cup if I ever get good enough to need a pro quality piece of kit like that.
 

foamboardflyer

Active member
a moisture trap is a MUST for any airbrush set up. One drop of water in the air line can reek havoc with your paints and spatter it all over the place or even react badly with oil based paints and gum everything up.
construction compressors do not have moisture traps. Because you don’t need one if you’re using a nail gun, and they don’t have drains.
 

PsyBorg

Wake up! Time to fly!
My father works in construction and has had experience with construction compressors and from that I would recommend a compressor like this (this is the one my dad currently has) View attachment 211200
But what ever you do, DON’T get this one View attachment 211203 it’s extremely cheap and really loud. I don’t think of using a construction compressor on a airbrush. I’ll still start with the tankless airbrush compressor.

Was thinking more realistically for the application something less industrial but above craft quality like this...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084GY6DXV/?tag=lstir-20

construction compressors do not have moisture traps. Because you don’t need one if you’re using a nail gun, and they don’t have drains.

Moisture traps and external regulators can be sourced easily at any hardware store. Its just better to find a combo with as much of it all as possible to save cost and fitment to suit your needs.
 

Tc Concepts

Member
Yes, I’m planning to pant my planes.


Okay,
In the world of airbrushing you truly get what ya pay for.
I have over 30 years experience in the world of airbrushing and I can say for certain there are so many variables to look out for.

DO NOT waste your money on the cheap junk you find on Amazon and Ebay. Those things are more for touch up, painting
finger nails, and cake decoration. Not to mention applying makeup. (And lets not forget if you drop it) You will be hard pressed to find
replacement needles or fluid caps. And if you plan on spraying solvent based paint like Testor or spray can paint. The solvents
will mess the cheap airbrushes up. They are for (lack of a better word) THROW AWAY equipment.

Buy a decent airbrush like the following that are all entry level and you won't kill your pocket book


Iwata Eclipse All-Star Versatility HP-CS Airbrush Kit | Hobby Lobby | 330266
Neo for Iwata Gravity-Feed Airbrushing Kit | BLICK Art Materials (dickblick.com)

You can get a simple pancake compressor from Harbor Freight for an air supply. DO NOT get a tankless pump as the rotation of the
Compressor will pulsate your air hose as the compressor constantly pumps trying to use your air hose as a tank.

3 gallon 1/3 HP 100 PSI Oil-Free Pancake Air Compressor (harborfreight.com)

And for parts and to take a look at Professional level airbrushes and replacement parts for airbrushes Check out COAST AIRBRUSH

https://www.coastairbrush.com

I think they are running a special on the Iwata Eclipse HP-CS
 
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Tc Concepts

Member
I have been binge watching a channel called Airbrush Asylum to learn what I have so far. My hardest thing is fine details so far. I can sort of get the super fine lines and dots now but keeping them straight is still a task. Between the lack of skill (but getting better) at paint vs air and paint thinning to the twitches I get from injuries I seem to be progressing slow

The Super Fine lines will come with time. TIP, reduce your paint to where it is almost water and drop your air pressure to around 5 psi. Then get your airbrush so close that it almost touches what ever your are painting. If you can remove the air cap and expose the needle this helps a ton. Some airbrushes wont function with out the air cap.
 

foamboardflyer

Active member
Okay,
In the world of airbrushing you truly get what ya pay for.
I have over 30 years experience in the world of airbrushing and I can say for certain there are so many variables to look out for.

DO NOT waste your money on the cheap junk you find on Amazon and Ebay. Those things are more for touch up, painting
finger nails, and cake decoration. Not to mention applying makeup. (And lets not forget if you drop it) You will be hard pressed to find
replacement needles or fluid caps. And if you plan on spraying solvent based paint like Testor or spray can paint. The solvents
will mess the cheap airbrushes up. They are for (lack of a better word) THROW AWAY equipment.

Buy a decent airbrush like the following that are all entry level and you won't kill your pocket book


Iwata Eclipse All-Star Versatility HP-CS Airbrush Kit | Hobby Lobby | 330266
Neo for Iwata Gravity-Feed Airbrushing Kit | BLICK Art Materials (dickblick.com)

You can get a simple pancake compressor from Harbor Freight for an air supply. DO NOT get a tankless pump as the rotation of the
Compressor will pulsate your air hose as the compressor constantly pumps trying to use your air hose as a tank.

3 gallon 1/3 HP 100 PSI Oil-Free Pancake Air Compressor (harborfreight.com)

And for parts and to take a look at Professional level airbrushes and replacement parts for airbrushes Check out COAST AIRBRUSH

https://www.coastairbrush.com

I think they are running a special on the Iwata Eclipse HP-CS
What’s Best for painting aircraft with wingspans from 1-5ft. top fed, side fed or bottle fed. Also I want to paint some of my models with acrylic and others with oils.
 

Matthewdupreez

Legendary member
Ive tried it! It isnt the worst eqipment ive tried ;), It could be used a 15 min + approx before needed some charge, but could also be used when charging. but, its dam cheap, and something theyneed lower quality fro price. Brush is cheap, but not worst one. It doesnt give "superair volume" so need accurate dillution on paint viscosity. Not great when trying to make superfine thin lines.
Mainly, for hobbyuse now and then, as on a plane who mainly should be up in air, "some" feet away, its ok.
Ai least i could make this by it, and some extra techniques .
So it would be fine for OK paint jobs??
Like camo.. and that type of thing?
 

leaded50

Legendary member
So it would be fine for OK paint jobs??
Like camo.. and that type of thing?
for camo work (aka bigger parts sprayed) i would rather used a small touchup paintgun, A airbrush is a tidious equipment to paint bigger parts with. Airbrush is best for minor parts, detailing.
So this ebay compressor/airbrush combine, isnt what i would used. It will take "forever" to get all paint on. Only if would maked intricated camo with small parts at pattern all over, would i used a airbrush.
 

Bricks

Legendary member
What’s Best for painting aircraft with wingspans from 1-5ft. top fed, side fed or bottle fed. Also I want to paint some of my models with acrylic and others with oils.


Any small HVLP will work even the cheap Harbor Freight guns just do not expect a paint job coming out of like from an IWATA or SATA`s which I own.
 

PsyBorg

Wake up! Time to fly!
The Super Fine lines will come with time. TIP, reduce your paint to where it is almost water and drop your air pressure to around 5 psi. Then get your airbrush so close that it almost touches what ever your are painting. If you can remove the air cap and expose the needle this helps a ton. Some airbrushes wont function with out the air cap.

I have reached that point doing those exact things after watching airbrush asylums tutorials. Its just down to repeating it till the muscle memory and timing sink in. I have accidently thinned paint to where it splattered at 3 psi haha but I think I got that all pretty much figured out to repeat what I want. color grading is another issue. I used "Engine Red" to paint part of my tiny trainer and it ended up more like "strawberry" Awesome color but not what was intended but Ill keep it.
 

Baron VonHelton

Elite member
I have reached that point doing those exact things after watching airbrush asylums tutorials. Its just down to repeating it till the muscle memory and timing sink in. I have accidently thinned paint to where it splattered at 3 psi haha but I think I got that all pretty much figured out to repeat what I want. color grading is another issue. I used "Engine Red" to paint part of my tiny trainer and it ended up more like "strawberry" Awesome color but not what was intended but Ill keep it.

Link, Bitte?

:unsure::unsure::unsure::unsure::unsure: