Thinkin about gettin a airbrush

There isn't a single "model hobby shop" in this town, so when it comes to me buying spray paint, I can either go to wal-mart or hobby-lobby and get some testors spray paint or some wal-mart spray paint (yup guys you heard it, NO TAMIYA!!!!!!!!:(). The problem is everytime I do this I run the risk of being carded for i.d. Apparently purchasing spray paint is now a crime unless you are over 18. I've seen a testors airbrush kit for about 50 bucks that allows you to simply screw on one of their mini glass paint bottles and being spraying. The propellant comes from a can that lasts about 3 models. I know for sure I can purchase the little paint bottles without any fear of being carded, and there might be a greater possibility to mix colors and get different colors.

http://www.testors.com/Product.asp?product%5fid=9174


Perhaps I should go with a professional double action with a compressor. In the likely case I'll ask for it for christmas, but then I was wanting to get a digital cam for xmas too... Must make a compromise...
:frog:


Any recommendations/experiences will be greatly appreciated.

Almost any airbrush will be fine for doing car models, it's the compressor that's essential. With a compressor you will always have an air source, and can regulate the air pressure, unlike cans. I use a $100 campbell-hausfeld one I got from Wal-Mart, it's a compressor hooked up to a two gallon tank. Only takes 3-4 minutes to fill up and after it's filled it's completely silent.

How much better are airbrushes then regular stuff?

airbrushes allow for a smoother flow of paint because on dual action pens, you can control the amount of air used also. I'm also wanting to do some flame jobs and custom paint effects, which are difficult to achieve with spray cans.

would one of those cheap airbrush kits be satisfactory? i've been using tamiya spray cans for the bodys, but for the smaller pieces like dashboards, i've been brushing them on, but with unsatisfactory results.

If you are willing to mail order for $69.00 and free shipping you can get the Badger 175 Crescendo with hose and all 3 tips and needles(fine,medium,large.) I have had mine for 8 yrs. and never had to replace any parts. It's the most trouble free and reliable airbrush I have ever used. It's a workhorse of an airbrush. It's far better than any Testor's airbrush. Here is the link for Dixie Art.

Dixie Art (http://dixieart.com/Badger_Crescendo_Model_175.html)

The Testors Aztek airbrushes are kind of light-duty airbrushes. You trade durability and cleanability for convenience.

I'm with 935k3-I have the Badger 175 Crescendo, it's as close to the "perfect" all-around airbrush as you can get for the money. It's durable, easy to clean, and parts are easy to come by if you do have an accident and need to replace a needle or tip. Keep it clean and it will last for years. It's worth the extra money over the Testors if you are going to use it with any real frequency.

I own 6 airbrushes...from the cheap Testors, to an older style Aztek, to a Badger 150 IL, a Paasche VL, the Crescendo, and a Rich AB200 which is a killer little airbrush for spraying fine lines.

I've had an Aztek A470 for several years now and (knock on wood) I've had zero problems. The replaceable needle tips are quick and easy, the switchable single or dual action is great and it's got a lifetime replacement warranty from Testors. I use a Badger "silent compressor" (I got for free from a gentleman who retired from the hobby) and both are great.

But I also hear ALOT of good things about Iwata and Badger Cresendos as well!
hth,
Bill
:bandit: