[mossiepilot]

Hi guys
As i'm thinking of getting an airbrush, i've been reading up on this forum to find out what would be best to get. But the more I read the more expensive it seems to get started. I live in a smallish house and do my modelling on a table in the corner of the living room. After reading up on airbrushing I find I need not just an airbrush and compressor, but specialist paints and thinners, a well ventilated area or ventilating equipment. So the question is, can someone on a limited budget and limited space start airbrushing. Please help, I want to improve my modelling skills without breaking the bank.
Tony

[m1ks]

Biggest cost outlay is the compressor, they're not cheap, even the cheap ones if you see what I mean there.
If you're restricted to spraying in the living room and have other house occupants to consider then the only true option is a water thinnable Acrylic, (vallejo i think fit this?)
Tamiya Acryl require IPA or tamiya thinners which has alcohol in, if it's just yourself and you can crack open a window and live the the smell till it clears then Tamiya would be OK in relatively short sessions.
£60 will get you a mini compressor and gravity fed AB kit from ebay, (Iwata-alike), this will be plenty good enough to get started and build your skills then you could add a better AB later if required, I have and still use my original cheap one.
A bathroom extractor fan and tumble dryer hose will make a quick heath robinson extraction unit if routed to a nearby window. I spray in an attic room and just open the window a little when spraying then once the bits are in the drying box i open the window more fully to air the room while I have a drink of coffee I wear a respirator when spraying too

[mossiepilot]

Thanks, looks like I'm gonna have to save my pennies.
cheers
Tony

[stona]

Hi Tony,I build and in our front room which is effectively all mine since the kids left home (main lounge is off limits!). I spray in a connecting corridor between the kitchen and outhouse/utility room. It is not as bad as it sounds and I have a door I can open to the outside patio for ventilation so it's free. There's room for a table and my compressor etc. This system forces me to be well organised with my spraying in order to keep the sessions to a minimum.
You must get yourself a mask,whatever you are spraying. It is an additional cost but you shouldn't gamble on your health.
Cheers
Steve

[mossiepilot]

Thanks Steve, when I was modeling as a kid, airbrushing never crossed my mind so all this is new to me. We have a spare bedroom and I think a bit of negociating - did I spell that right - with my partner is in order. It's my birthday soon so we'll see what the good fairy brings
cheers for the advice
Tony