Hello Everyone!

I want to start working on air brushing my Gundam kits as I am currently painting them using spray cans (Anchor). I have been looking at two models

1) TAMIYA BASIC AIRBRUSH AND COMPRESSOR SET - Around RM 590 + 100 for adapter
Comes with a nozzle diameter of 0.3mm, beginners should find the airbrush easy to use. From 2mm-thin lines to base coat, this set can be used with ease to paint a variety of surfaces.

Compressor Statistics
Size: length-220mm, width-105mm, height-138mm, compressor weight: approx. 800g. Maximum continuous running time with 7.2V battery: approx. 20min. (1400mAh)- approx. 30min. (1700mAh) Maximum air-pressure: approx. 0.11Mpa (approx. 1.1kgf/) Maximum air output: 20 liters per minute (unburdened)

2) Sparmax AC100 Compressor + Airbrush 0.2mm (brand unknown) Around RM 755

The Sparmax AC100 is a single piston, 1/8HP, zero maintenance compressors. Suitable for very quiet operation of one airbrush at a time (more than one airbrush can be attached, however operation of only one at a time is recommended), with a maximum pressure of 80psi and a sustained working pressure of up to 60psi.

Includes the following:
Motor : 1/ 8 HP AC
Airflow : 16 LPM
Max. Pressure : 80 psi
Weight : 3.9kgs
Size : L24 x W14 x H17(cm)
With pressure gauge - Pressure adjustable
"Easy disconnect" regulator / moisture trap
Spare intake filter
3 airbrush adapters for working with airbrushes from different manufacturers
braided 10' airline

Does anyone here have any experience with these models? Any reccomendations, tips or reviews? Can I do better with a budget of around RM 700?

Thanks in advance!!

The short answer is I won't go for the tamiya set. I did that in the early days of modelling. Didn't like the result

The sparmax set should be ok. Not too sure about the sparmax compressor but the airbrush is definitely better than tamiya's sprayworks set. Although the price you quoted seems a bit high. However I am a bit outdated in terms of compressor prices. You can get the airbrush for RM125 (see earlier threads in this section)

Thanks so much for your recommendation! The sarmax set is a little on the pricey side, but perhaps that is because I asked for a quote from a hobby shop (ie: Gundam retailer). Dont know if I can get it cheaper elsewhere. Appreciate your advice nevertheless. :D

Try HobbyHQ.

last night i saw a tamiya ab the pistol trigger type (forgot the series) was on sale at Toy City Alamanda for RM399...

Thanks for the tip! Is this price only for the Airbrush or does it also inclued the compressor?

ab only...

you might want to get this

http://z12.invisionfree.com/ScaleModelsMal...topic=469&st=30

Hi.

Thanks for the heads up. Good lord, that thing looks HUGE. Being an absolute newb, I assume it comes with the whole think including what looks like an air tank below?

More importantly, from a newbies perspective, is it suitable for painting gundams with itsy teenie bittie parts?

Appreciate any advice

Some pics to show the actual size of the compressor compared to a 1/48 hasegawa F/14A (NOT FOR SALE) box.



Happy modelling!!! :lol:

:lol: :lol:

well... i have both of the stuff u show here Willphang, and mine is also not for sale ...

and the compressor is great despite the bulky look.

as for the concern of tiny bit of parts, i think this compressor will be fine for it also since i think the difference is on the handpiece used & human factor :D

kuman

Hi kindredd

A typical compressor will serve you well for most model related paint jobs, Gundams or otherwise. For extremely fine detailed works, that's where the handpiece and your mastery over the elements of air and water (i.e. pressure and paint thickness :lol:) comes into play. (Was that overly Zen like? :D :D :D)

p/s Gundam kit parts are not so terribly itsy bitsy compared to some aircraft / afv / other kits out there. :lol:

Hi Kindredd

The airbrush is amongst the most important tool to have for any modeller and as such one should get the best possible combination of AB and compressor. All boils down to the budget available.

I think the compressor that willphang showed is good as it has got a header tank,pressure gauge n moisture trap. Currently i am using a double action by Gunze and i get relatively good results (hahaha..PoohBear is right..it's all in the wrist, paint mix,etc). My current compressor dont have a header tank nor pressure adjustment valve. :( ,but it is very small and easy to lug around.

Despite what Poopeh say about the Tamiya Sprayworks, i had good experience with it (BTW,Poopeh, i still owe you 1 747-400. Will pass it to HHQ soon :rolleyes: ). If you intent to just build Gundam models without much camoflage colours, then i think the Tamiya Sprayworks is also suitable.

sllim

Hi everyone.

Thankyou ALL for the invaluable advice you have given me. Now at least, I have a better understanding of what I should be looking for in a compressor. I am sorely tempted to place an order with WillPhang. However, I just spoke to a collegue of mine who used to be a graphic designer and he is offering me his second hand unit. He will be picking the AB and Compressor from Ipoh in 2 weeks time. I will have a look at the setup and ,give you guys feedback.

Thanks again!!

For RM500 I got myself an Aztek ( RM260 incl shipping ) and compressor ( RM240 ). Badger F150 bought earlier was RM240 ( incl shipping ).

Thats really good value. Is this a mini compressor? Are you happy with the setup? Do you mind mentioning where you bought it?

minorly off-topic....

can scuba diving air tanks be used as a compressor?

thanks

Here's a linky over at ARC where the guy converted a CO2 airtank into a compressor.

so this means it can be done right?

CO2 tanks and even tyre inner tubes have been known to be used. Problem is you nnever know when you'll be running out of air and there's no regulator. Perhaps suitable more for single action 'spray guns'. A rattle can is the most basic.

kindredd,
Mine is a made in Taiwan/China type with a reserve tank which looks like a bomb.
RM240. It's placed on the floor and not one of those mini table tops ( around RM400 in Penang ) used by artists. The set-up has a regulator and moisture trap ( inline for Badger ) and a separate unit near the air outlet for my Azrek. The lowest I can go is 10-15 psi. The maximum indicated is 170
( kids, don't try this at home )and 105 is the red zone ! Very versitlie and can be used for pneumatic tools and even to pump tyres......and footballs.

On the downside it takes up about twice the space of a table top and might disturb the occupants in your own house in the dead of the night but not really your neighbours. Unless he's a picky SOB. What they'll hear is only a whirring sound which is even softer than an air cond starting up. The motors starts up automatically when the tank is about half full. A completely empty tank takes about 1 and a half minute to fill up. I timed it. A half tank about 30 seconds or a bit more. That's not too much of a ruckus. Check it out at most hardware stores and run it before deciding whether the noise level is too high for your liking.

Cheers
Patrick

Hi guys!

I found this compressor at my plant's warehouse.Operator use it for gun-stapler all spare parts boxes. I already asked their supervisor on that compressor.He said that it was from Taiwan & the price was RM300.

Can I use this compressor for airbrushing my aircraft?

Arghhh....so tempted to get myself a AB+Compressor now!! But still accumulating $$$ :(

Looks similar to mine in terms of size. you can use it but you'll need to get the right fittings. Of course that being made in taiwan,. who knows how is the quality.

Musangpulut...
I think with the right accessories and the compressor has a regulator,then is should have no problem. regardless whether its China or Taiwan made it's still a compressor. Bear in mind,stuffs from US these days are from either these two provinces as well.
I got one a size of a shoebox (well,slightly shorter and taller) and paid for RM600 years ago. For me, as long as it does the job at the end of the day,though it's a bit noisy but then what the heck?!! :lol:

hi there...
i was planning to get a complete AB set in a few months time and am still scouting for something between rm700-rm900...
i think rm700 kinda low la but thats an average estimate from me la..
btw, i saw willphang's compressor and wish to know, anybody got it beside him?
i just want to know the performance and the kinks of that particular compressor...
i'm scouting for a compressor that can at least running without overheating for 45min to 1.5hrs...
i pmed willphang but no answer from him...
help and advice appreciated..
thx..

If you are staying in KL/PJ, I will advised you to take a walk and have a lot in Viena Art in Jalan Petaling, they are selling some good AB and compressor.

But, if you are looking for a mini compressor, you can get it with RM550 at Graffity at BTS.

There is one of wilphang's compressor at Hobby HQ and used that over there before. Its not too bad. It broke down once but I don't know what was the problem and somebody fixed it.

Personally i feel the tank capacity is not that great but then again, its only a personal opinion because I am used to having a big tank. So for a small tank, it will run out of air very quickly and to recharge in the middle of the night will be very noisy.

Good thing is the small size. Again personal opinion for a compressor this size I prefer those that is in a black box. Its quiet so you can run it at night with no problem.

Conclusion, if you airbrush at night, get a quiet compressor. Otherwise, if you are getting a noisy one get one with a big tank so that you won't have to recharge at night.

I also wanted to have an airbrush setup. All that I have now is the compressor (almost exactly like the red one shown in this tread) but haven't decided which one airbrush set that should I get.

Its Either this one

(Double action)
Or this one

(single action)

Anybody can help me to choose?

And how to connect it to the compressor? I heard that you need a regulator thingie?? What it's look like?

How much is the Revell AB? For the regulator and moist trap thingy, I think you can get them at some hardware and machinery shop.

The Revell will cost around Rm290. But while surfing the internet, I found out this is what i need. I think I will go and grap it tomorrow. But the whole point that I need to know is, how to setup this to the compressor...

i would recommend the Gunze's FWA platinum which have big capacity top feeded cup and pressure regulator at the hand piece. come with crown head too.
http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10034445

Couple of my frens using it and have very good feedback.
u may order online or just ask the local hobby shop to order one for you!

This is the latest 0.3mm which come with the moisture trap!
http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/image/10056540a/20/1

the new 0.3mm trigger type double action:
http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/image/10052619b/30/1

Wave also come out quite some range of airbrush which the price is quite ok.
this is new products with changeable cup and nozzle:
http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/image/10061330a/20/1

there are more airbrush to choose:
http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/list/364/0/1

Wow!!!

I didn't know Wave has a/b...

The changeable cup and nozzle one will be very useful.

I already got the ab and already try it out. It run smoothly. But I still got problem with the connector. In KK, there is no supplier for the connector because the ab using US adapter (what I mean is the part where the hose connect to the ab). I have to mod the adapter with a aquarium hose and at lest it still work. I will take some picture to show here. Can anybody help mo to find the adapter there in KL?

I bet you can look for those connector in KK. Try to look for it in those hardware store specialize in pneumatics. I was able to find the right connector in a hardware store in Sandakan when i install my own moisture trap. You just have to do some research on what type of connector that you need and look hard for it. :D

Thanks eehtsitna for your tips. Yes, I finally find suitable adapter for the hose. I find it at pneumatics specialize shop.

Here is the setup to my compressor...


To the compressor.


To the bloody expansive connector (RM85) to the airbrush.


The airbrush and the hose.


My compressor (actually my father compressor :P )

And this is my latest project (Without airbrush... Manually using brush)

i think u need 1 regulator ler...if not the pressure direct frm the compressor is too much.....

There is a built in regulator on the compressor. At my first pic there ( I didn't know it's big), there is a big black and red line round things. That is the regulator adjuster. The compressor has 2 outlet. One cannot be regulated and the other one can be regulated. Anyway, I'm still new in this airbrus, what is the right psi to be use while air brushing. Is the reading (psi indicator) taken while letting the air out or while it's in standby mode?

The pressure reading at the pressure regulator is the outlet pressure at that point. I usually keep this pressure not more than 14.7psi (normally at 10psi).

Kenny, why is 14.7 psi??
Is your regulator is precision type?? the one that can read up to 2 decimal point??
i wonder la...hehehe

At normal atmospheric, 1 atm is equal to 14.7 psia or 101.3 KPascal...
your gauge is then 14.7 psiq ... or 28.4 psia [correct me if i'm wrong..]

so why is it 14.7?? something got to do with atm??