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Just a curious question. What airbrush(es) do you use? Also, what are your MUST HAVE pieces of equipment?

Currently using a Paasche VL and a $15 no-name I got from Harbor Freight. Dont laugh, this thing isnt much for detail but can put out GW paints with almost no diluting. The VL is just a legend. My big pick for MUST HAVE is my spray board. Its a piece of 2 inch thick cork on a small "lazy susan". Incredably useful.

So lets hear it Dakka

I managed to get myself an Iwata Eclipse HP-SBS at a good deal and the Iwata Sprint Jet air compressor. I've only used it once so far and really enjoy using an airbrush. Recently I've moved so I haven't set it up yet, I also need to figure out how to set up a proper station to spray in without killing myself with fumes or harmful particles. If anyone's got pics or suggestions on station setups I think those would be awesome to see as well

I use an Iwata HP-CS and HP-B+, along with a paasche d3000r compressor.

Badger 200 syphon feed for undercoating large batches etc, and an H&S Infinity for everything else.

Most useful bit of kit? Apart from the airbrushes of course, it'll have to be the little ab holders on my compressor.

After doing TONS of research, I decided on a Master Series G44. It's basically the same as the Iwatas, but cheaper so it fit into my budget. I really like it so far.

I also think that my Lazy Susan is a great thing. I've got a wooden box I built just for airbrushing minis, and the Lazy Susan is inside. I also always wear gloves, and use squirt bottles for Windex and Water.

The Iwata HP-C Plus - awesome control and handles beautifully.

http://ik-painter.blogspot.de/2012/02/tools-of-trade-iwata-hp-c-plus-airbrush.html

The Compressor is a Eurotec 60A.

http://ik-painter.blogspot.de/2012/02/christmas-came-early-my-new-compressor.html

As for must have equipment, I don't want to be without my airbrush cleaning pot any more. This little thing has been so good for the quality of air in my room - definitely recommend getting one of these:

http://www.airbrush-city.de/equipment/cleaning-pot/ (german)

Cheers,


IK-Painter

itsacoyote:

If youre looking for a cheap but effective way of spraying heres an idea. Get a large box and cut one side (maybe two) off of it. Use this to prevent overspray. Now set up next to a window with a large fan pointing OUT. This is usually enough but if you want a little more get a micro filter mask to wear. Cheap enough and it will work until you can geta proper station set up. Of course if you dont have the room or you the quarters are very tight you might have to be a bit more creative.

I have the Infinity and the H&S Compressor. Love it! not the cheapist but very high quality

Badger patriot 105 bought from the US for £37 with free shipping to the house of a friend who was travelling back home for Christmas and an AS186 compressor. Then use the box that carried the compressor and made a spray booth with .

H&S Infinity 2-in-1 with a Passche D3000R Compressor

Must have? My MACK cleaning kit. It has everything.

SkeTcHy LaRRy wrote:
itsacoyote:

If youre looking for a cheap but effective way of spraying heres an idea. Get a large box and cut one side (maybe two) off of it. Use this to prevent overspray. Now set up next to a window with a large fan pointing OUT. This is usually enough but if you want a little more get a micro filter mask to wear. Cheap enough and it will work until you can geta proper station set up. Of course if you dont have the room or you the quarters are very tight you might have to be a bit more creative.

Just make sure people don't have cars parked in the direction your fan is pointing, as you'll slowly mist whatever is below outside with your paint.

I use a similar set up with some important tweaks (or at least important imo)

Large box -1 side
Tape box fan (and tape it to seal it "airtight" to the open side) blowing outwards
Affix appropriate sized air filters inside in front of the fan


I don't even vent this out of a window, it just points straight at a wall in my painting area. White wall, not a spec of color on it after months of airbrushing. The air filters (i use two, one crappy which is the 'first line of defense' and then one nice with a much tighter weave right behind it. I replace the crappy one when it gets gross, but that takes a whole heck of a lot of paint and time to do, and the air filter is ~$2. I've actually yet to replace it, and have painted a couple armies with the airbrush already...

edit: important note, only spray acrylic when you set up like this, your typical fan motor is not sealed, so if you spray flammable paint or combustibles through it (enamel, oil, mineral spirits, etc) you can start a nasty fire.

Target wrote:

SkeTcHy LaRRy wrote:
itsacoyote:

If youre looking for a cheap but effective way of spraying heres an idea. Get a large box and cut one side (maybe two) off of it. Use this to prevent overspray. Now set up next to a window with a large fan pointing OUT. This is usually enough but if you want a little more get a micro filter mask to wear. Cheap enough and it will work until you can geta proper station set up. Of course if you dont have the room or you the quarters are very tight you might have to be a bit more creative.

Just make sure people don't have cars parked in the direction your fan is pointing, as you'll slowly mist whatever is below outside with your paint.

I use a similar set up with some important tweaks (or at least important imo)

Large box -1 side
Tape box fan (and tape it to seal it "airtight" to the open side) blowing outwards
Affix appropriate sized air filters inside in front of the fan


I don't even vent this out of a window, it just points straight at a wall in my painting area. White wall, not a spec of color on it after months of airbrushing. The air filters (i use two, one crappy which is the 'first line of defense' and then one nice with a much tighter weave right behind it. I replace the crappy one when it gets gross, but that takes a whole heck of a lot of paint and time to do, and the air filter is ~$2. I've actually yet to replace it, and have painted a couple armies with the airbrush already...

edit: important note, only spray acrylic when you set up like this, your typical fan motor is not sealed, so if you spray flammable paint or combustibles through it (enamel, oil, mineral spirits, etc) you can start a nasty fire.

Huh, I hadn't though about the cars just outside my window I think I may have some way to avoid that. And thanks for the info on the flammability of fans, I'll definitely keep that in mind!

I use a badger patriot 105 airbrush and a pancake compressor with a a badger regulator.

Paasche talon and paasche d500sr compressor.

I use an Iwata Revolution BR and Iwata smart jet pro compressor.

Must have bits of equipment are a respirator (a proper one thats rated for organic vapours) and a simple cleaning kit.

I use a paasche VL that my mom bought AGES ago. I have used it once... which I think is more than she has.

As for equipment that I never want to be without.

1) Screw type compressor (holds like... 120 gallons, super quiet, and costs at least 12 grand). Also provides clean, dry air (I use a moisture trap in case the hose isn't)
2) Fume hood (think chem lab). Nice and powerful fan, no chance of igniting fluids, and super bright light. Also nice because it has tons of space. I also rattle can primer in it.
3) Nitrile gloves. I can hold models and get paint on my hands and not have to wash them!

I like my job sometimes. If only I could airbrush better.