It would be the AS-18A\ said:which one is that John
thanks John I think I will get christmas over with and I will probably take you up on tis offer.\ said:It would be the AS-18A
http://www.scalemodelshop.co.uk/airbrushes/accessories/air-compressors.html
And this airbrush http://www.scalemodelshop.co.uk/fenghua-0-3-mm-nozzle-double-action-airbrush-bd-130.html
If you want the AS189 which is a better compressor and a different airbrush I'm sure we can come to some agreement.
thanks for advice\ said:I think John's offer is an excellent way to start. My compressor, bought in early 2013, looks like the AS186 or the AS189. It is excellent and should not need to be upgraded for years (if ever). The dilemma involves the airbrush: whether to go for a low-priced one to reduce the cost if you give up airbrushing because you don't like it but if you do like it, you will likely want to get a better AB and dump the low-priced on; or whether to go for a more expensive AB now in the hope that you will like airbrushing and will stick with that AB but risking loosing its highter cost if you give up.
Go for John's offer I think, but probable add a few quid to get the AS186 or AS189. The 0.3 mm nozzle size is a good starter size (the smaller the size the greater the chance of blocking).
Once you start, as someone else says, practice practice practice. Try varying pressure (start with 20 pounds per square inch pressure and hold the AB about 7 inches away. Vary the amount of pull-back on the trigger. Vary the speed of movement of the AB from left to right. Perhaps start with acrylic paint (easy to clean up) but Stona likes enamels (Whitespirit based). If using Vallejo, their Model Air range (more finely ground) is for airbrushing, not the Model Colour. After every session, clean the AB thoroughly (removing the nozzle and needle and cleaning inside the AB tunnel until you gret experience - some AB users just flush through without disassembling). To clean the tunnel get a set of thoes tiny bottle brushes sold for ABs. Blockages can be disheartening.
I found a funny thing: when I started I had difficulty in getting good results but, by some magic, over the following months it came right, automatically. I have found this in other craft areas.
There are tons of good videos on Youtube. As mentioned by Barry, Flory Models got me going. Watch his builds viseos which have invaluable practical info on airbrushing, seeing a pro at work. Watch several. Keep at it. If it seems difficult, set it aside for a month. Keep in touch. Describe any problems. We are here to help.
EDIT: You might like to try adding about 10% thinner to paint in the AB cup. Put it in first and after adding the paint use a small brush to mix it. Vallejo acrylic paint comes in dropper bottles which make adding the correct amount easier: 2 drops of thinner and 18 of paint = 10% thinning. Thinner can help beginners. Always use the proper thinner for the paint - this removes one possibly troublesome factor. Buy lost of fizzy lemonade (or find an adict) and practice using their big smooth clear plastic bottles sold at Asda and Sainsbury's etc. You can clean them off afterwards.
thanks for advice\ said:Phil - go for it but whatever you do practise, practice and practice. Do not expect it to some easily.
I would suggest a few things to make the transition easier.
1/ Go with the £65 deal to start with but check to see that the a/b is gravity fed and has a needle of 0.3 or more.
2/ Use paints that are designed for airbrushing. By eliminating the need for thinning and bringing that down to merely a preference you will get rid of one of the variables, easing you into airbrushing. The paints I would suggest using are Vallejo Model Air as they are easily obtained from John and are ideal for a beginner.
3/ Look at some training videos. I would recommend Flory Models. You can sign up for £3 per month but there is no tie in so if you want you can access all their tutorials over a month for only £3. These are well worth it and you may even decide to become a regular subscriber as I am. http://www.florymodels.co.uk/today/?SSLoginOk=true To find the training videos once you have subscribed (its not as clear to navigate to as it should) go to the Home page and scroll down the page, look for a link to workshop tutorials in the 'blurb'. You will not regret viewing these as they are the best on the web covering the basics of an airbrush graduating up to more advanced methods. An invaluable resource. There are lots of video builds as well.
Good luck with the airbrush - I know you wont regret getting one.
It's open to all as long as I have stock, just let me know when you are ready.\ said:John will this offer still be around mid to late January ? Im well interested in that offer.
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