Air Brushes - Compressor vs. Propellant

Hi,
I've decided I'm not going to get anything looking too decent without an airbrush and perhaps it's time to buy one. I've been looking around, and they aren't all that cheap - however I notice there's two types. There's the ones which use the gas propellant stuff, and the ones which have a compressor. Is the compressor type worth the extra money over one which uses propellant? Also, which is a good basic, cheap airbrush? I don't want to spend big on one so I'm looking for the most cost effective soloution, suggestions are welcomed.

Regards,
Ryan

(p.s. Sorry if there's been threads on this already however prices + ranges change so it's perhaps best to start a new thread.)

I use the compresser on mine so I don't have to keep buying propellant, but mine can acomadate both.

my experience with propellant was really bad.. in fact, I was able to make only 1 kit with a can.. at 7$Cnd each, it's really expensive.. go with a compressor

Thanks for the replies. Well this seems to have helped settle it - I didn't think the propellant would last too long. I looked on HLJ at airbrushes and theyre slightly cheaper than buying local. I came accross this one:

http://www.hlj.com/cgi-perl/hljpage.cgi?TAM74520

Is this a decent airbrush -- Anyone own one??

Regards,
Ryan

My propellent has lasted quite a bit. I used it for about 10 model cars and interiors and stuff, and I still have a ton left, but I don't use it anymore. :confused:

Don't even bother with the canned air. I've used canned air from the start and I've always had one issue or another with them. A can lasts about 3-4 models for me (excluding the bodies). But the thing that is the worst is that the pressure from the can fluctuates, and you can't control it. It's usually around 40 psi. Paints like Alclad II, for example, require a low pressure to paint. So you're stuck not using it, or you can try it at the high pressure. At $7 a bottle ($10 for their prismatic), I chose not to.

I finally decide it was time. So I spent $170 on an Iwata Smart Jet compressor. Best modeling decision I ever made.

That is probably a lot of money for most. Try looking for some used compressors from the good brands (Iwata, Paasche, Badger). You could probably get that for under $100. Or try those compressor alternatives like the tire and such.

I use a low pressure air pump for my airbrush. There is no on/off and the unit just keeps pumping air once it is switched on. I have used it continuously for 14 hours and it is only warm, not hot.

The airbrush I use is by BB Rich from Japan. Similar to Iwata HP-C.

Techno Takatsuki HiBlow air pump (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=116955)

http://www.dixieart.com/

Best place to get airbrushes since shipping will be free when you buy the airbrush. As for compressor just go to walmart and get the 99 dollar 2gal compressor. Is a little loud but is a better deal then tru airbrush compressor which cost more then that. Plus you can use the air compressor for around the house with attachments etc.

']Thanks for the replies. Well this seems to have helped settle it - I didn't think the propellant would last too long. I looked on HLJ at airbrushes and theyre slightly cheaper than buying local. I came accross this one:

http://www.hlj.com/cgi-perl/hljpage.cgi?TAM74520

Is this a decent airbrush -- Anyone own one??

Regards,
Ryan

I have that same airbrush/compressor. It does everything I need it to do. It's great for interiors, pretty good for painting bodies too. It doesn't however, come with a power source. It runs on Tamiya R/C batteries, or a mains cord sold seperatly (7.2V, usually easy to find at electronics stores).

The airbrush itself is reasonably simple too, but it works well, and is very easy to take apart and clean. Plus when you feel like it, you can always upgrade to something better. But the one it comes with is pretty good quality.

']Thanks for the replies. Well this seems to have helped settle it - I didn't think the propellant would last too long. I looked on HLJ at airbrushes and theyre slightly cheaper than buying local. I came accross this one:

http://www.hlj.com/cgi-perl/hljpage.cgi?TAM74520

Is this a decent airbrush -- Anyone own one??

Regards,
Ryan

Hey im going to get the same one.... haha :p I heard it is a really good airbrush and a very good compressor aswell.... But i have to wait till Christmas to get mine... :mad: Thats when i get alot of money! :grinyes:

Don't bother with canned air. You just can't get a decent job done with the pressure fluctuations. And you end up spending a whole bunch on cans anyway. Trust me - I know - I just bought a household compressor over the weekend and I can literally see the diffference. Got it for A$99 (probably about U$50ish). It does make a bit of a racket filling up but it takes a few minutes so its all good!!!! :grinyes:

http://www.dixieart.com/

Best place to get airbrushes since shipping will be free when you buy the airbrush. As for compressor just go to walmart and get the 99 dollar 2gal compressor. Is a little loud but is a better deal then tru airbrush compressor which cost more then that. Plus you can use the air compressor for around the house with attachments etc.

Agree, my airbrushes come from there... got to be patient though... took me near 2 month to get the last one, a Badger 360 Universal for fine art !

']Thanks for the replies. Well this seems to have helped settle it - I didn't think the propellant would last too long. I looked on HLJ at airbrushes and theyre slightly cheaper than buying local. I came accross this one:

http://www.hlj.com/cgi-perl/hljpage.cgi?TAM74520

Is this a decent airbrush -- Anyone own one??

Regards,
Ryan

not sure, but I have seen it at the same price locally (129$CDN) not worth the big shipping imo

Deffinatly go for a compressor if you have the extra money to spend, its a great investment, and more cost efficient than the cans, by the time you finish setting up the brush and test spraying a couple times the can is almost empty!, and another thing is if the paint isnt spraying properly you have to fiddle with it a hundred times to make it work, then your propelent is gone!, with a compressor you never run out!

And, yes, go for a compressor... a can won't do and a spare tire will require a compressor anyway.

Mine came from a hardware store (Canadian Tire :tongue: ) and it serve for different task... I can spray a real car (or furniture for exemple) or a model car if I want... and taking apart a complete motor with this same compressor using different tools !

a spare tire will require a compressor anyway.



unless there is a gas station near by, where you can use their tyre pump thing for a few pennies

Absolutely right but you'll find that you'll run low everytime the gaz station's compressor is broken.

And you'll find that those compressor are pretty poor maintained so you'll have oil in the air, water and a lot of contaminants in the air you'll shoot your model.