Air Brush recommendations

[tomnky]

I am in need of an air brush for small painting jobs plus the other half wants one to use on crafts and the like.

All You experts chime in here as I definitely want one to last.

Thanks,
Tom

 

[LarryRB]

I've been using Thayer-Chandlers for many years, They have been bought out by Badger and the T @ C's are now branded as Vega 2000..

 

[Spiffy]

I used several airbrushes from the Badger's oringinal line (as opposed to the TC) and was very pleased as well. My first experience was with a 10+ year old unit that had been used or abused every few years and forgotten between; it just keeps working, parts are still available, but don't seem to need them.

In another case we were demanding performance way beyond that of an airbrush and badger techsupport made a nice recommendation. I had 1 (out of 8) that [while probably well within spec] wasn't performing to our specs. We shipped it to Badger and recieved it back 2 days later.

I'll gladly pay a little extra to know parts are always available and there are helpful people when you get in a bind. Won't say anything bad about Paasche either, but betwen previous good luck and since Badger tech support seemed to have broader knowledge to me, I've only used Badger /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif [and one cheapo /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif].

BTW I think the Badger/TC web site still has a "decision tree" and on line parts/pricing lists; however, you will need to buy from a dealer, online dealer, or "used", but the dealers can special order.

 

[Spiffy]

Also, your post sounds like a hobbiest who likes quality, therefor the two names I mentioned.

If you are a true "airbrush fanatic", I do know there are much higher end units available, but IMHO you get into an area where price is exponential to quality. I can't even remember the names, but if you are the fanatic you'd already know them and wouldn't be asking! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[tomnky]

I intend to use this for touch up work ,stencilling and My wife wants one to do her hobby painting, She is one of these endlessly talented people when it comes to anything like that.lol.

I am by no means a Pro at anything, just one who likes to do a lot of things but I do like quality. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[LarryRB]

there are dual stage and single stage air brushes. For basic painting, touch ups and the like, a good Badger single stage will work fine and last you many years, If you have to ahve more "detail", then get the dual stage,,, If you need more "exacting detail", then get the Thayer Chandler or now called Vega 2000 which also, is a dual stage.

 

[Spiffy]

Badger/TC

Larry sums it up pretty well. I pasted the site with Badger's airbrush facts and the chart listing the specs/recommended uses of each [including the TCs]

The single stage will behave much like a spray gun: dial in the needle setting and push the button for air on/off (a steadier hand than I can "feather" some control from the button as well). Ditto Larry's uses.

The dual allows you to push the button for air, and "toggle" it for needle position.

Even though I stink with an airbrush, I have a 150 kit that had all three needle/nozzle sizes and like having the dual stage, but don't utilize it's potential. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Have fun!

 

[tomnky]

I appreciate the info as I have wanted an airbrush for sometime just to touch up scratches and what have You.

I guess that means I am a bit "picky" ..lol
Plus the fact the wife has had some concrete figurines airbrushed and wants to do them herself. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[slowrev]

Paasche brushes have served me well.

Ben

 

[LarryRB]

I tried to take some pictures just now of a table that I did last year for Xmas. It is a very old wood table that we didn't know what to do with it., While my mother in law was playing snow bird, I decided to air brush this mural on it.. It has reflection from this mornings sun and obviously inside too, hope you can see them

 

[LarryRB]

little closer shot

 

[LarryRB]

three of five

 

[LarryRB]

looking through a screen at the "real scene" that I tried to copy somewhat

 

[LarryRB]

one room over and through storm window glass, pretty much the same shot though

 

[tomnky]

wow !!!! Larry that looks great to me.

I know there are endless possibilities to what One can accomplish with an airbrush.

 

[Spiffy]

Cool Larry! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif Wish I had some of that talent! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Don't think you can go wrong with the 3 names (2 companies) listed so far.

With your wife being "talented" she'll make good use of anything you like, but for her work, I'd lean toward dual action, bottom fed (extra volume). Just small automotive scratches, you'd be happy with single, but have no problem with either; the orientation likewise, you may find greater pressure range [check out pressure on some airbrush sites for some diverse opinions!] with a top or side mount, but will be just fine with bottom.

Finally, infrequent or remote use jusifies can propellant; but I can't pay for canned air. If you run the NPT adapter to your portable or shop air, you'll increase your investment adding a coalescing filter and a disposable desicant filter, but watch the headaches disappear; else you can always get your wife an airbrush pump so she doesn't steal your air compressor. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif