I'm new to airbrushing and I'm thinking of ordering a Badger 175-7 airbrush kit and a Testors Aztek AC200 compressor to get started. My goal is to be able to paint some good looking German armor camoflage patterns, and not have the brush hold back my abilities.

While I know I could go much more expensive, I don't want the combo to hold back my budget too much either.

So, that said, would you recomend this setup?

Thanks, Fritz

I can't address the compressor but the brush is GREAT. I have one and it is a solid work horse. Keep it clean and it will treat you Very well.
Personally I use the color cup almost exclusivly.

What compressor do you use with it? Also, is the moisture trap that necessary, or should I think about getting a standard "compressor only" rig, and add the regulator and trap later?

Thoughts?

I use this compressor
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?cat=51199&dept=5428&product_id=4021&path=0%3A5428%3A51199%3A4093%3A3915%3A4338
It is great. The tank eliminates the need for a moisture trap. I would Highly recommend one if you go tankless. It'll only take one spattering due to moisture before you go out and buy one.

The regulator is up for a bit more debate. If you have good control you can get away with out one if necessary.

If you price it this one is comperable to a bunch out there with out the tank and regulator. Not sure where you live so I don't know how available these would be.

I have several Walmarts in driving range, and I like the price of this thing. How noisy is it? I mean, could you compare it to something? Do you have any idea what a regulator for this costs as well?

Thanks,

It is AWSOME. The noise factor is a 2 on a scale of 10. Its great because it has a cut off switch. You turn it on and it runs fairly quietly for a compressor. Once it fills the tank the compressor turns off automatically. You use it in total silence until the pressure in the tank falls below a certain point. The compressor turns on again (automagically) and fill it again.

Wonderful Wonderful Wonderful

Looking at the specs on this thing...........it comes with a regulator already? So for professional results, this would be the only air compressor item I need?

Without question - it would the only one you need. I have had mine for 1.5 years and had no problems at all.

I would recommend it without hesitation.

Thanks for the tip buddy......I'm on the phone with Walmart now to see if they have it in stock.

:-)
Good deal! Glad to help

Walmart only has the fp2002 and fp 2040. the 2002 looks like a heavy duty 6 gallon tank version and I can't find much info on the 2040. You think the 2002 will do the same as the 2003? Any experience with these other models?

Some more info........the FP2040 sells for 89.84, which is the same price listed on their web-site for the FP2003. I wonder if its the same unit........I'll be braving the snow in 1/2 hour to find out.

I also bought the moisture trap for this when I got mine at WalMart- it wasn't too much more money and I have noticed some (very little though) water at the bottom of the trap.

Looking back, I wish I had gotten the largest compressor as there are so many things you can do with the compressor aside from attaching it to your aribrush!

I can't really offer advice on the other models. I tried to find out some information and couldn't.
I does seem like the 2003 is a bigger tank. I'd go as big as you can afford.

Sorry if this is late and you're already in the snow - work - it always gets in the way #:-)

I got the FP2003 right after Christmas.

I have had some lengthy AB sessions over the past couple of months and the capacity has never been a problem with a pressure of 25-30 PSI. If you plan to run other air driven tools such as a nail gun or larger spray gun, I don't think the FP2003 will be adequate. If you want to only AB and fill the occasional tire, you should be ok, IMO.

I have a moisture trap on my set up for insurance. I also open up the moisture valve after EACH session. I have a nightmare of corroded tank interior!

I just got back from Walmart and picked up the FP2040, a moisture trap, and some quick release connectors. It looks like the 2040 is the 2003 but it says "50% quieter". It also claims to run cooler for extended operation, (I assume than previous versions), has a storage bin and clips for the air hose and power cord. Now all I need is that Badger 175-7!

Thnaks for the tips guys. As soon as I get the brush I'll let you know how it paints.

If you haven't already ordered your brush, Check out Dixie Art. They have great prices and free shipping in the lower 48.

Bebe
Good deal, you're 1/2 way there. Now you may need to wait till sunday for the 175. I got mine at a Michaels Craft store. I waited till sunday when they have a 40% off on one item coupon. Brought that bad boy in a got almost 1/2 off.
I'd call 1st (as you did with Walmart) they don't always have them in stock.

Question: Where did you mount the moisture trap on the compressor? I'm trying to attach it directly to the compressor, where the yellow hose would be attached, but I would need opposing threads to get this to work since the trap gets so close to the unit that I cannot turn it to screw it in.

Just called AC Moore.........they have the Crescendo 175-7 for 109.99, and my wifey has a coupon for 50% 1 item....................looks like I know what that's gonna be used for!

I don't have an extra moisture trap. My tank holds/retains all the moisture I build up. I have read that as long as the trap is somewhere along the hose it'll function. When you get the 175 you'll get a hose with it. I would set it up this way tank:Yellow Hose:Moisture Trap:braided 175 hose. Mine is Tank:YellowHose:Braided Hose. You'll get the benefit of the extra length also dissipating the moisture.

Not sure if the 2003 had this, but the 2040 has a fan that runs after the motor runds for awhile. I mention this because I heard that the 2003 runs hot sometimes and maybe they solved this.

Well, I got the brush yesterday at AC Moore, who was the only craft store to have the Crescendo 175-7 and I love it.......not that I have anything to compare it to mind you. I just did some rust on the Panzer IV I've been building and I think it looks great. All in all, this was a very cheap collection of toys compared to what I thought I'd be spending.

I took Slodder's advice and went to Walmart and got a FP2040 (new version of the FP2003) and I love it. Its got the 2 gallon tank, the regulator, which I don't know how I would have lived without, and I picked up the extra moisture trap for 11 bucks. I also bought a hose fitting pack at 6 bucks, so altogether, the compressor was a total of $106 - a far cry from the $300 I thought I'd have to spend to get a good compressor setup.

As for the airbrush, I also took Slodder's advice and checked out the local craft stores' weekend specials. AC Moore accepted one of my wife's Joanne's Fabrics 50% off coupons so I ended up getting the airbrush kit for a steal too. I picked up 5 extra bottles and the kit for a grand total of $65, $4 less than I saw it anywhere on the internet.

In reference to a previous post, I attached the moisture trap directly to the Badger airhose, then attached a quick release nipple on the compressor side of the trap. This in turn goes directly into the quick release mechanism I have permanently attached to the compressor. This made more sense in that the only time I'll need the moisture trap is when I'm airbrushing anyway.

All in all I'd have to say this is a great setup, especially for the price. I just need to keep practicing on my trigger skills, as it can be hard for a beginner like me to control the double-action trigger of the Crescendo.

Thanks again to all who contributed to this post!