What type of airbrush should I get?

[Wolfpack39]

I'm not looking to spend a lot of money. Is there a difference?

[Jason C]

There's a difference. As far as I know, airbrushes can be single-action (SA) or double-action (DA) and they can also be internal mix (IM) or external mix (EM). Some cheaper "basic" brushes are EM & SA. For example, look at Aztec A220 (I think that's the #). It has an external paint cup and is SA. A much nicer one like the Aztec A470 is DA and IM. Internal mix gives a smoother application with less splatters and as indicated, mixes the air/paint internally. External mix is easier to clean up as the paint never enters the airbrush, but it will give less fine control and quality.

Really, the differences between SA and DA is being able to control paint flow and air flow at the same time. SA limits you to control the paint flow (or amount you spray out) separately from the air trigger ( This may be better if you're new to this). This is usually adjusted by turning a needle valve at the end of the unit.

DA brushes allow you to control how much paint you want to spray and the air flow at the same time. For instance, the A470's DA trigger can be depressed more or less to control the air flow and pulled back more or less to control the amount of paint to be sprayed (very handy, but probably better for those more experienced).

I also like Badger airbrushes. The 200-3 Deluxe set is a pretty good deal (about $40-$50) as it comes with a can of gas to get you started right away, all you need is paint.
I suggest using Faskolor as it's water-based so clean up is easy (important to keep an airbrush clean) and you don't lose brain cells from Pactra paint fumes.

[ 06-20-2001: Message edited by: Jason C ]

[HauntedMyst]

I use an Aztek A3205 for one of my back up airbrushes. It's single action, but simulates dual action. I like it a lot. It's super easy to clean and change colors with. The different nozzles give you different spray patterns in addition to being able the brush adjustments.

It runs about $50.00 in stores and is a more then adequate airbrush to use with R/C Cars. Eventually, you'll want multiple brushes, but this is an excellent one to start off with. In fact, for $10 more, Testors sells this kit with a bottle of compressed air so you can airbrush right away. Beyond that first bottle, I do not recommend using canned air at all. One will only last about 1 body if your lucky. By the time you buy 10 to 15 bottles, you would have paid for a good air compressor with a moisture trap.