Self-contained portable airbrush?

[basementcalling]

Ok, that clarifies things -- thanks.

But using "peteski logic" it seems to me that the task you were using that airbrush for would be just as easily done with a conventional airbrush and compressor.

I think that a self-contained cordless airbrushes would be most useful for tasks where it is not handy to use conventional airbrushes. Things like weathering track, or other features on the layout.  It would be easier to do that without having to drag the air hose across the scenery.  But OTOH, the compressor/battery unit in most self-contained airbrushes is an unwieldy appendage under the hand-piece. I think that this would make low-angle spraying (like weathering the rails) awkward or even impossible.

I guess I expected someone with that type of airbrush to report their experience, but so far nobody used it for that type of task.

To clarify further, I was testing it at work in my classroom after school. I was easily able to work right at my desk by my computer, which comes in handy if you are looking at online photos of a prototype. I don't think it is a replacement for a full airbrush and compressor set up, but if you want to keep the noise down in an apartment or townhouse, the battery and compressor are not nearly as loud as a full sized version. It would be easy to do this with a portable paint booth in the TV room if you were using acrylic paints.

I had pretty low expectations given the reputation of Amazon's amazing collection of made in China junk they sell, but my initial test pleasantly surprised me. I think this could be a useful tool, especially for on layout scenery coloring as others have pointed out.

[Lemosteam]

I have been meaning to post this for a while.

Earlier this year I purchased this unit from Amazon.  The kit comes with a 3 foot hose to allow for remote compressor use.   

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CP82T1CD?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1



I LOVE THIS THING!  I have been using it exclusively, with stinky and water based paints. Really low overspray when I painted a recently added spur to my layout using old Woodland scenics paint.  I am utterly sold on this airbrush and I think its a great investment for me.

I decanted some Tamiya primer, and sprayed that right away (after the propellant was gone) and it worked perfectly.  All of my recent printed models of aggregate equipment have been painted with this.

I have never tried spray weathering, but I might now with this thing.

I only made one small modification to it- the metal cup had a burr at the bottom that would keep some paint in the bottom, so I used a 3/16" diameter spherical grinding ball to remove the burr.  The cup is aluminum so no rust.

On a second note, I have converted to cleaning it using acetone from a can of Brake Cleaner.  You can use the nozzle tube to power into the mixing chamber and through the nozzle to blast out any residue, a plus is no pouring or messes.  A light press of the nozzle into a small stainless cup provides enough fluid into a washing bowl if needed.

[MK]

So for $40 you get an airbrush SYSTEM that is suitable for anything N-scale related?  I think I'm in!  Going to give it a try after the (crazy) holidays.

[samusi01]

I purchased a similar one back in July, they work well save for they are battery powered and accordingly one is limited in duration. "Upgraded" to this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9NJZHJS?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1 which is not battery powered, and has a few more features on the compressor. Still very quiet. My big compressor, a california air tools one, hasn't been used much for painting of late. It's one of their quiet models and is still quite noisy compared to the two cheap ones. Apartment dweller so noise is a factor...

addendum: if I recall, they are compatible out of the box with iwata and an adapter renders them usable with paasche. Which is good, as the OEM airbrush isn't all that...

[Lemosteam]

I have not been able to use the full battery time yet.  I have let it sit for weeks and have a near full battery when I return.  I think the reason I want with this one is the max pressure output, at 35psi, but 48psi is huge.

[MK]

Oh nice!  Choices!  @samusi01 do you know where/what the adapter is to get it to work with Paasche airbrushes?

No more dragging out the compressor and painting in the garage (cold during winter)!   

[peteski]

MK, you might be disappointed that while the compressor unit is small and portable you don't have control of the air pressure (which to me is important part of using an airbrush over spray can).  These things were designed for decorating fingernails.

As far as the specs go (the max air pressure), from previous experience with Chinese goods, the specs could be wildly inaccurate.

[samusi01]

The corded one I linked to has a low (~15-20 psi) and high (~40 psi) setting. So not nearly as nice as a proper compressor but it works. I'm not at all a painting expert.

@MK what I purchased looks like this one: https://www.hobbytown.com/grex-airbrush-adapter-badger-ab-to-grex-usa-hose-gxxad16/p814655

[thomasjmdavis]

Are the little mini-compressors available separately?  I don't really need another airbrush- I've used a Paasche and Badger for the past 5 decades, and have a cheapie Testor one as well.  But I could see that little compressor as really handy, especially in the summer, when my compressor ends up in the garage most of the time.

[MK]

MK, you might be disappointed that while the compressor unit is small and portable you don't have control of the air pressure (which to me is important part of using an airbrush over spray can).  These things were designed for decorating fingernails.

Peteski, but wouldn't the dual-action airbrush give you some (not total as you would in regulating the compressor) kind of air control?

Thanks @samusi01 .

[Jesse6669]

I picked one up about a month ago, it has 3 settings low/med/hi pressure and it's fantastic (so far).  Low is around 20psi, med 30s, high 40s I'd guess.  I've done some very fine lines with it using it close to the model although my basic use is full coverage/clear coat etc.  These things at this price will put a dent in Badger's business (maybe they'll respond with their version?)

[peteski]

Peteski, but wouldn't the dual-action airbrush give you some (not total as you would in regulating the compressor) kind of air control?

Thanks @samusi01 .

I have couple of Badger airbrushes and the dual action while the trigger allows accurate control of the needle (paint volume), it does not have very good control of the air. Besides, what I'm talking about is to be able to have variable adjustable air pressure from the compressor.  The pressure regulator I have on the compressor allows that.  That way I can set it for 5, 12, 15, 20, 22, 30 psi or anything in between. I also prefer a steady source of air pressure.

[Lemosteam]

The button on the one I posted controls the on/off and the pressure. I have not tested the accuracy of the pressure, but I am sure it can be done.

[basementcalling]

I still like mine 2 years later. Great for fade coats on cars and engines, and general solid color applications to cover an area.

Much easier to break out and use than the regular airbrush and big compressor, and much less noisy.