Paasche Airbrush

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Painting and airbrushing
1

I’m thinking of purchasing a Paasche VL airbrush as my first airbrush. Does anyone have any comments good or bad on this choice?

2

That’s the airbrush I learned on. [:)]

They are good airbrushes and are probably the easiest to find parts for of any brand. The only complaints I have with the VL is that the trigger is not as smooth as I’d like, the airbrush shape is not what I prefer, and the handle does not allow access to the needle chuck without removing it. They do make another handle now that has an opening copied from the Vega 2000 which was the original.
I prefer the slimmer profile airbrushes like the Omni, Anthem, Eclipse, etc.

Besides that there is nothing wrong with the VL and it is still the biggest selling double-action airbrush in history I believe.
I would prefer some other airbrushes to it but it is still a good choice.

Mike

3

I really liked my VL, I had a defective one though and didn’t have it long enough to see its true potential with it so I’ll limit my critque. I thought it sprayed very nice however I did notice that generally it required higher air presures; in my sessions 30-40 psi for general spraying at times depending on what effect I was trying to achieve. Other than that a good, solid, versatile airbrush that is prefered by many car, armor, and sci-fi modelers that I know.

4

i have an omni 5000 and i love it. its not the best for broad coverage so im thinking of buy a paashe vl just for the broad coverage thing. i had a vl about 15 yrs ago and loved it because it was all i had. i painted a many of t-shirts, murals, and bed sheets with that airbrush and never had much trouble out of it. (i used bed sheets to practice on fellows ok). if you buy one, here is an excellent place to start looking…http://www.dixieart.com/PaascheVL.html

also, to clean a vl is kind of difficult so i recommend these handy little boogers…
http://www.dixieart.com/Accessories.html#anchor305383

you have to scroll down about half way on that last link. im talking about the $22 set if brushes. well worth the money! you can reach every crook and cranny.

if you have the money (and im not talking about a whole lot more than a siphon feed), and modelling is your preference, buy a double action gravity feed if possible. they are excellent all-around brushes. you can get decent broad coverage, but you can get excellent detail at a low psi (8 to 12 psi). and lower psi means little if any overspray.

5

I don’t think the VL puts out as much paint as that Omni 5000 does unless you are using the big #5 tip and needle in the Paasche VL.
I think a better choice for broad coverage would be the Vega 2000 especially the older ones from Thayer & Chandler. They put out a lot of paint.

Mike

6

thanks mike, like i say, its been 15 yrs since ive used one. ive killed quite a few brain cells since then. i just remember the thing being rugged and i loved painting with it. kinka like the fond memories of a first love or something.

7

I learned and am still learning with a VL, still have it after 9 yrs. Just used it some last night to shoot a car body with. For me it was a great first airbrush and one that is still “good”. While there are better ones out there in the end you have to decide whats best for you and go with it. In addition to the VL I also have an Omni 4000G that I love just as much if not a lil more. The VL can require some patience when cleaning though. Also be careful not to stick the #3 needle to far into the #3 cone and spray a thick paint, it will act like glue and more than likely you will ruin the #3 cone removing it. Dont torque down (oh heck whats the name of the part…) the Needle/cone cover? The thing that has the hex fitting for the VL wrench to fit on(Sorry folks suffering through a brain fart moment!). I hand tighten mine, and just snug it up a tad with the wrench anything more than that and your asking for trouble!..

There are many good airbrushes out there some might be below your needs others might be above them. If you dont already have it pick up the February issue of FSM, it has a basic guide in there. I would and do still recommend the VL to people who are buying thier first Airbrush

8

Some good advice there Chris. [tup]

That is the aircap body and that is good advice about tightening it.
It is made of brass and you know what happens to brass when you tighten it too much don’t you? [:D]
I would suggest you tighten the aircap body of all airbrushes in the same manner so you do not strip anything.

Mike

9

Thanks Mike the aircap body, I’ll remember it till I click submit reply knowing how things have been as of late…LOL Yeah I torqued down on my cap when I first got it yrs ago and luckily didnt strip or damage the threads but the cone was stuck in there…by the time I coerced it to come out and play nicely…the cone wasnt the same shape as when it went in LMAO…

10

Here’s one rabid vote no. I hate my VL. I had MUCH better luck with my Aztek. However, Iwata rules all…