Air Brushes

[Thorpe]

Mainly for Dyeing leather Ive got a few questions for some others who might have some experience with it.

Single action vs Dual action

Internal vs. External mix

from what I understand the single action just has one flow of air and paint with a single trigger that you can use to control it. While a Dual action lets you adjust the paint and air flow with a 2 trigger system.

Im not sure about the internal v external mixture however in regards to application possibilities.

any insight would be appreciate..or any brushes to avoid ir that are particularlly good for a beginner.

thanks again,

JC

[Drac]

I'm far from an expert, but I use an airbrush for dying and I couldn't go back to the old way. I gotta recommend using a dual action one too so you can control the flow. there's actually one trigger with a dual action, at least on the one's I've seen and used. pushing down on it controls the air flow and pulling back on it controls the amount of paint or dye. as far as what brand, I've only used an old badger one, although I have a nice (looking, anyway) set that I haven't had a chance to set up yet. there'll be several others here that can help out a lot more than me with this.

[TwinOaks]

Internal vs. External is exactly what it sounds like- it's where the medium is mixed with the airflow. For dyes, I think the internal is better- a more even atomization. If you're spraying finishes, external may be wiser, depending on the finish. If it's something that could get really gummy, like Neat-lac, you just have to be sure that you clean it out well before it dries.

Edited November 24, 2008 by TwinOaks

[CitizenKate]

With single-action spraying, the spray is usually a pretty wide pattern and is either on or off. It can be adjusted, but you have to stop spraying to make the adjustment.

With dual-action spraying, you can make gradual adjustments to the width and intensity of the spray, as you spray.

Hope that made sense...

Kate

[Vikti]

I say, if you have the money, use both. Use the single action for your big areas like your back ground and such and use your dual action for the actual work (image).

As far as internal vs. external, you'll find very few single actions that have an internal mix and you'll find very few dual actions with an external mix. There out there but you really have to look for them.

You can't go wrong with either Badger or Pache. Until I sold both of mine a couple of years ago I never had any problem with either one, not even a hic-cup.

[Peterk]

I use the Iwata SAR single action internal mix airbrush... I was already using it to apply firearms finishes and for plastic modeling so I didn't have to make another investment to purchase. Never used a dauber and/or any other method of dying, and after using my airbrush, I can't imagine changing my method because it is easy to use and get an even coat.

The Iwata is polished stainless and brass so it is weighted for ease of control, and it makes cleaning very easy, and allows change of dye flow and pattern during spraying by twisting the end of the barrel. It is designed to spray a detail pattern but open the needle a bit more and you get a large enough pattern to spray leather works.

Check it out... I didn't want to spend too much for an airbrush but I also did not want to skimp and get a cheaper brush (I've had a paasche before and while useable, it does not compare to Iwata at same price range). The SAR is the cheapest of the Iwata line but I am not disappointed.

Hope my opinion helps.

[badger]

Value for money, it's hard to beat an Aztek. I use them all the time. The best thing about them is the airbrush body is sealed. You simply remove the entire nozzle assembly and dump it in solvent to clean it. Paint never enters the airbrush itself. It comes with all the paint cups you'll need, plus a selection of nozzles for different purposes: Fine, standard, hi-flow, spatter, etc. They usually come with an instructional video as well.

Great all rounder. Should be ableto pick one up pretty cheap from Ebay.

This is the 4709 kit: http://www.hobbiesguinea.com/images/AZK4709.jpg

If you're buying a compressor, make sure you get one with a reservoir (air tank or receiver) on it. A regulator/moisture trap is essential as well.

Hope this helps,

Karl