Well ok maybe it doesnt and maybe im just an utter biff with it, however.....
I have a badger 200 airbrush as i though cheap and cheerful was the way to go until i got the basics. Sadly i appear to have been very badly wrong. The badger 200 has an underslung paint holder which i am having an utterly awful time getting to grips with. Firstly the the paint holder is comfortably large enough to respary the SS Great Britain without the need for a refill(why!!! its a hobby airbrush!!!), and secondly unless i fill up the paint holder to the top it decides it doesnt want to draw any paint up and through the brush. As a result im going through paint like its going out of fashion. What i would like to know from you good folk is this, should i replace it with a model with the paint holder located on top and capable of holding a tad less paint? or should i just realise that all Airbrushes are the work of the Devil and his little minnions, and it wont make a jot of difference what i buy?
Cheers

Chris
Is your paint thinned enough? That could be the reason for the airbrush not spraying. Also, what kind of pressure are you using on your compressor? I spray around 20-30 psi and usually thin my paint 60/40 paint to thinner..

Dave

Dave,
i was using Tamiya acrylic with Tamiya thinners, tried all sorts of mixes just doesnt seem to make any difference unless the paint holder is full. Im afraid i dont know what psi im using as its from a can, however i do have a ltlle control via the valve, but again unless the paint holder is full its a non starter.
Chris.

Chris,

I am pretty certain that when I used one of these, amongst so many airbrushes over the past years; that you can replace the removable glass bottle with a Badger Cup. The cups can be bought from many sources, if you want a localish one that will supply it by post, if in stock is:-
Model Junction, Bury St Edmunds, 01284 753456.
If you ask to speak to David, he will be able to assist I am sure. To mind the figure of about. £8.00

I had a quick look on the Hannants site and the item you want is:-

7cc Colour Cup 150/200 Series

You will find things more controllable

John

Jon,
Thats superb, thank you very much.
Chris

All four of mine hate me. You just have to sort of beat them into submission. By that, I mean keep trying to get better and make an effort not to throw them across the basement. I have just recently passed the throwing stage.

Good luck, and remember, the only thing that can make you feel dumber than an airbrush is your dog...


Shaun
/Anyone that owns both will know exactly what I mean

You really ought to try getting a compressor. Cans have a habit of running out of omph even when they are not empty - boyles law or something like that. But definatley use a cup - much less unweildy.

If you decide for a compressor i can give details of a web site that sells reasonably priced ones - pm or ask in reply if you want

Andy

Definately follow the reccomendation to get a cup, as well as a replacement bottle and lid/draw tube(you might just have a crummy one). A steady air source would help too. I used to think cans were worth the trouble until I got a compressor. If you build enough models, the cans cost a lot more then a good compressor in the long run.

Here's what I think:

You should definately get a compressor. It'll cost less in the long run, plus it can double to do household stuff. (I got a fairly large compressor that I can also use to blow the dust out of the garage) Also, you'll know the psi as well as be able to adjust it to a good degree.

You should get a smaller paint holder. I personally think that more refills is less annoying than left over paint.

The paint itself is a pain the butt. I have an airbrush that's cheaper than yours, trust me. Its crap cheap. (10 bucks, seriously) However, once I got the mixture right, it's priceless. My friend gave me a good advice (that worked for me): "Make it to where it feels like milk. Not pudding or water, but milk."

*That's all I can tell you because I'm still learning to use an airbrush, too. Hope it at least helps you somehow!

Happy Modeling!

Hi

I'm new to this hobby so can't help with the technical stuff yet. What I can let you know however is that I have just bought a nice compressor for £51.00 from a company called Everything airbrush. The sell on e bay which is where I bought mine. Incidentally I also bought a gravity fed double action airbrush from them for £19.00! I only wanted cheap tools as I am a beginner but they are very good and I'm already getting some decent results!

Cheers

Tim.

Ive had my badger 200 airbrush for five years and i use it for everything. I use it both with a jar and cup and have never had any problems with airbrushing however i opted to use a compressor rather than using it from a can as i feel this helps controll the psi

Yes its boyles laws, but in more general terms, the ideal gas law. So the point im trying to make, keep the can warm while spraying by placing it in a warm cup of water. It will keep your pressure up.

Ideal gas law is:

PV=NRT
Pressure*volume=constant (NR)* temperature.

Thank you for reminding me of the ideal gas law - it's been 20 odd years since phyziks O Level - and i'd forgotten that. Warm cup of water not withstanding i'm glad i bought a compressor.

Andy

I have never used anything but a Badger-200 and the paint must be sufficiently thinned,also you need a gauge to know what your psi is

The Badger 200 is a good airbrush. I had one for 20 years. I used old clean paint jars to spray from. I used a compressor at the time. A good constant airsupply is important for any airbrush. As far as problems painting make sure the pickup tube fits tightly, the jars vent hole is open, the paint is properly thinned, your seals are working, and the airbrush is properly cleaned. The only times I had problems was when one of the above items had a problem. The airbrush should easily pick up any paint in the jar until the jar is empty so there should be little waist.
Greg, Cheers .