I’m a real AB novice, so bear with me if you’ve heard this before…
I had an Aztek A4709 that I just sold on eBay, for me I found it to be a little too unreliable. My AB needs are, at this time, very simple I think. I work with small (Z scale) model railroads. A fairly typical AB use for me is to paint individual railroad ties. I do this via a simple mask. Another use is to paint rock formations that I’ve cast in resin. The rock is generally painted with a solid base coat, then additional shadings are added.
I likely will never need the degee of control of fine spray that many AB users require.
What I do need is a:
Relatively fine spray / mist
A brush that doesn’t have the tendency to spatter
A brush that is good with acrylics (I currently use Polly Scale)
A brush that is low maintanence, easy cleaning for me is good
I won’t be using this new brush all that often, so in some ways the Paasche H seems like a good choice, but I’ve been told it produces a coarse spray. I know terms like fine, or coarse are subjective unless you can see it in person.
I had one person tell me the Paasche H delivers a spray more coarse than a can of aerosol spray paint. Not knowing how to judge this statement, I’m a bit lost on my next AB purchase.
It’s a shame when people say rediculous things like that. [V]
The Paasche H is a good all-around single-action airbrush and would probably suit you fine as would one of the Badger single-action’s such as the model 200.
I have no experience with the Paasche H or single-action airbrushes in general so I will let these other fine gentlemen answer that for you. [:D] [;)]
i have a paashe H and a badger 200G and they both work well and atomize paint way better than a aerosol can. mine are for sell so email me if your interested and you may could get both for the price of one!! the badger is practically brand new OOB. ive used it maybe three or 4 times. out of the 2 i would suggest the paashe because of the simplicity to breakdown and clean. later.
I’ve used a Paasche H for many years and it is a very good, reliable and inexpensive AB. It can spray a fine line and is about as easy to clean as any AB on the market. Those who claim it gives a coarse spray has either never used one or is using it improperly. It can’t provide the type of control that an Iwata HP-CS can deliver, but neither can any other single action AB. For your purposes, I would say Highly Reccomended.
I have a paasche H and can say it far out performs a spray can. I use it all the time and really like it. Even if i were to upgrade my AB I would still keep it around for larger jobs and non modeling purposes.
I’ve used a paashe H for over 30 years, I 've used it with enamal, acrylics, and laquers.
I also have a VL and like the H for all around use. Your biggiest learning curve will be thinning the paints your going to use and, the air pressure. Practice Practice Practice
Pratice with it a lot and experiment. Fine Scale did an article last year (I think) on mixing and spraying paints. Find it, it has some good suggestions and starting points. Next point, with what ever air brush you buy, KEEP IT CLEAN ! Enamals come clean with laquer thinner, I’ve found acrylics come clean with rubbing alcohol & denatured alcohol in a 50-50 mixture, you may still have to scrub the bottle or cup. Get a supply of Q-tips and Pipe cleaners. But cleaning is one the most important steps in keeping an air brush in good working order. Long winded I’m sure. But if you keep it simple, practice and keep them clean. you’ll have many years or service from what ever air brush you buy. Good luck to you.
I had looked at a Badger 200 as well, but think I just plain like the simplicity of the model H. Here’s an example from my site of how the brush would be used:
Generally speaking, in pretty broad strokes, that is, no real fine lines. I use a combination of weathering powders (Bragdon) in addition to the paint. Aside from using a mask for Z scale ties, I’'d also like to use it for shading rock faces and highlighting areas of static grasses.
I just came across an article in an old Model Railroader, and it shows a man who customizes locos via painting and weathering using what I believe is a single action external mix brush, an old Binks Wren.
Thanks for the plug 1337. But unfortunately I made a trade with FSM author Pat Hawkey just a few days ago, so the Paasche-H is no longer available. However; I still have an Excellent Iwata Eclipse HP-BCS for $50. I replaced the needle, nozzle and cleaned it with an autoclave doohicky and its emaculant. I’ll throw in bottles, a crown cap and an extra hose. Let me know…my airbushes are going fast!
First of all, I would like to welcome you to the FSM Forums. jcubbin, it is best that you state your budget for your airbrush purchase in order for your friends here to advice you what airbrush they can recommend. Consider the quality, customer service and the availability of the parts for your decision to purchase an airbrush. [2c]
Plastic, il consider your hp-c if its still for sale… however, im a little short on money cause of the badger i ordered, but please, put it on hold for like 2-3 weeks and i will pay you for it. thanks