air brush

[megganpowell]

I have two setups that I alternate between depending on what I'm working on.

For smaller or more detailed projects, I use the Neo Iwata Airbrush with the mini air compressor...

https://www.amazon.com/Gravity-Feed-Dual-Action-Airbrush/dp/B004INERK4

https://www.amazon.com/Iwata-Neo-Air-miniature-compressor/dp/B00DV4PTCQ/ref=sr_1_cc_3?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1474423626&sr=1-3-catcorr&keywords=iwata+mini+air+compressor

For bigger projects and large-area dye jobs, I use a $12 airbrush from Home Depot with the Senco PC1010 air compressor...

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Senco-1-Gal-1-2-HP-Portable-Electric-Air-Compressor-PC1010/100615090

I don't need two setups - it just worked out that way. It depends on what projects you want to use it for. I am glad I started with the nicer Iwata airbrush, though, as the cheap one I have is not dual-action and I would not have known the difference.

I will say that I wish I would have researched how to clean my airbrush before I just jumped in to using it. It would've saved me the headache of cleaning dried up acrylic out of the tip. Check out airbrushtutor on Youtube.

[megganpowell]

This guy knows his stuff, too. I use GoGreen to clean out my airbrush instead of buying expensive airbrush cleaner, though.

 

Hope this helps!

[JLSleather]

I personally think folks should be working leather.  But if you absolutely have to watch tv (instead of working leather) check why-tube for ed hubbs.

 

[Boriqua]

The Harbor freight works fine and I still use it for some things but the Iwata hp I bought about a year ago is amazing. I used the 40% coupon and got it at hobby lobby so cost me about $70. I might have been able to get it a bit cheaper but my local hobby lobby only had it combined in a little kit with some paints and other junk so if you can find the brush alone it should be cheaper.

I used a large 2gal compressor for a couple of years but about 6 months ago I bought the small airbrush compressor from harbor freight and it has been wonderful. The cheapy 2 gal I bought was NOISY as hell and not only messed with my mojo but I live in a quiet retirement community so I wouldnt use it before say 9am and I like getting started earlier. If you are an apartment dweller or noise is a concern you may want to consider it. I wouldnt think twice. So far it has been great.

DONT buy those chinese kits from ebay. My first one the compressor died in days and I bought another set and the brush itself was miserable to use and lasted about 3 months.

[mustangman2]

This is awesome info, lots of good opinions and ideas. thanks everyone

[glamb]

Amazon you can get complete kits knock offs of iwata now Master brand ,including compressor ,airbrush $70-$80 bucks. If your not going to detail much get the brush with .08 needle.this is a gravity feed brush. Works great.