Portable Airbrush Review - Is it worth it?
Вставка
- Опубліковано 21 сер 2024
- **Click on Show More!**
After seeing a number of ads for a portable or cordless airbrush over the past year or so, my curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to do a little bit of investigating and try one out.
This video takes an in-depth look at one of them and explores whether or not they are worth it.
There are many different portable airbrush kits on the market. My review is for this one:
Autolock Cordless/Portable Dual-Action Airbrush Kit: amzn.to/34sskX6
If you enjoyed this video, give it a "like" 👍, subscribe 🔔, comment 💬 below, and share it on your social media and model railroad forums.
I have Gear on Teespring. Look for my "In Training" logo t-shirt (and other wearable options).
teespring.com/...
Visit me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram:
/ jcsriptrack
/ jcsriptrack
/ jcs_riptrack
Become part of the creative process at JC's Riptrack through my brand-new Patreon Page:
/ jcs_riptrack
You can also check out my Amazon affiliate links below with my product recommendations for tools and products that can help you no matter what your skill level in painting and weathering is. I do make a small commission off of these links if you follow them and choose to make a purchase:
I have them listed on my Storefront:
www.amazon.com...
*****
Equipment & Software:
Cameras:
Canon HFR800 - amzn.to/2jIG5te
Glidegear TMP100 - Teleprompter
amzn.to/2jKLEY6
Benro Tripod:
amzn.to/2l9ZXWx
Sony SLT-A55 DSLR (Link is for the A68) - amzn.to/2x81GOv
Zoom H4n Handy Recorder: amzn.to/2K3TdBY
Manfrotto 190X Pro Tripod - amzn.to/2Nz4vCu
Adobe Creative Cloud:
Photoshop CC 2018, Premiere Pro CC 2018, Audition CC 2018, After Effects CC 2018.
Learn How to use them: amzn.to/2Nz4z5c
Credits:
Music: "Engine No. 9" by Les Hooper
© 1981 Birch Island Music Press, Sole Selling Agent: C.L. Barnhouse Co., Oskaloosa, IA
Used with Permission
Keywords:
portable airbrush review,portable airbrush review - is it worth it?,model railroad,model railroad airbrush,airbrush for model railroad,portable airbrush for model railroad,cordless airbrush review,cordless airbrush,model railroad scenery,model railroad scenery tools,model railway scenery,model railway scenery tools,jc's riptrack,weathering model trains,airbrush painting,portable airbrush kit,portable airbrush compressor,airbrush weathering techniques, airbrush,
I'm a gunpla builder, and I just want to say that the model train community is fantastic. So much knowledge and a lot to learn from you. Thanks for the review.
I think there's a lot we can learn from the Gunpla community too. I've been wanting to try my hand at one. Any recommendations for a kit for me to do? I could even do a video on it :)
@JC's Riptrack just checked newtype. I'd def go with master grade dynames. Best kit the year it came out
@@JCsRiptrack I would recommend any Real Grade or Master Grade model that catches your eyes. I built scaled aircraft models growing up with my dad and I dipped my toe into gunpla out of curiosity and the way they’re designed absolutely blew my mind! Even if you’re not a fan of the source material, the experience of building something so well made alone is worth it.
I've enjoyed the Bandai Star Wars models. They're first rate, so given that Gundam/Gunpla is one of their main lines, it stands to reason that these are solid models to build and paint.
I've enjoyed the Bandai Star Wars models. They're first rate, so given that Gundam/Gunpla is one of their main lines, it stands to reason that these are solid models to build and paint.
G'day JC, Thanks for this look at a portable airbrush. I purchased a 'NoName' brand unit, just like yours from SprayGunners in the US. It cost me around USD$60.00 and, after a year of working with it, I must say I'm really happy with how it performs.
I got one of these because I had come back to model making after a very long break so, I had zero experience with an airbrush.
I found this was a perfect introduction to airbrushing and, because I didn't know any better, I was able to work out ways of getting the best results from this unit.
For beginners and those of us who modelled as kids, back when there were no airbrushes around for hobbyists; a good, portable airbrush is an amazingly economical pathway into airbrushing.
After about 9 months with my portable unit, I bit the bullet and purchased a modestly priced, conventional airbrush compressor set up with hoses, accessories etc.
Of course, I like the added versatility of a standard airbrush set up and I use it for larger projects as I mainly model large scale 20th Century aircraft.
I still find myself using my portable unit for painting small, intricate model parts while still on the sprues and it is a breeze to paint parts like masked up wheels and landing gear, or small gun turrets, flaps etc.
The reason you should purchase one of these from a hobby specialist is that many versions of portable airbrushes are cheap models designed to apply make-up, or for face painting, cake decorating, hair tinting and fingernails etc. These units are even cheaper and are meant to operate only for short periods of time.
A tip here is to stay away from portable airbrushes that are pink, or glittery, or that have flowers etc. painted on the compressor/battery unit. They also have rock bottom quality airbrushes attached so; my advice is to avoid them at all costs.
I'm glad you were pleased with your portable airbrush, JC. I bet you've found it really helpful while working on your large track set ups. Cheers, BH
P.S. I was really impressed when you successfully used Stynylrez, neat from the bottle. That's something I avoid even with my conventional airbrush kit. That's another tic for the AutoLock portable airbrush and ones similar to it. All the best, BH
Thanks. The Stylnylrez is one of the very few things that I tend to do straight from the bottle. Most of the time I'm thinning stuff, and as my Stylnylrez ages, it is likely to need (Badger) thinner going forward. That's one of my next explorations is seeing what thinners work well with it if they are needed.
I have a backdrop to paint soon, and this portable brush is going to get a workout soon.
Thanks for the review! I had been looking at similar models but Amazon review authenticity can be very hit or miss. Good to know there is at least one decent model. Your channel is always offering great information for us model railroaders.
Glad it was helpful! The challenge with all these different products is that it's hard to know if they actually do work. At least this one, so far, is worth the modest price tag.
Works pretty good. Just make sure all the O-Rings are properly installed.
Looks like this would be perfect for track painting.
Yes, track painting was one of the uses that came to mind. I expect that's where the larger reservoir would be the most useful!
Thanks for making this video. I was considering getting one of these, I'm getting into tabletop miniatures and back into model building and wanted something to speed up priming and base coating. I think this will work for what I want.
Glad to do it. While my channel is model railroading, I learned to weather stuff with my 40K Orks. :) This will work well for you. The Stynylrez primers work well through any airbrush, and they have an advantage that you can use them to spray over foam, which you can't do with a spray can. :) Great for scenery applications :)
According to the ad On Amazon, one of the pictures shows that the button on the bottom can change the pressure from 27 psi to 15psi!
Yes. I only discovered this *after* I had released the review. My bad. It works a treat.
@@JCsRiptrack were you on 15psi or 27psi in this video?
I believe I was on the higher setting.
Thanks this will come in handy
Great new video with plenty of detail.
Thanks 👍
I love these air brushes
The one with the second battery option. Appaires to be the best. Best option for these type of airbrushes is priming. Most primers take aday to set-up/dry.
I am thinking of maybe getting one of these, to paint my dioramas rocks and even practice on painting custom railroad things...
I have the exact same one, and it's actually really good. As long as you take care of it and clean it, you'll be very happy with it.
Very interesting! Something worth checking out! - Jason
Thanks Jason! Curiosity got the better of me, but for the price, it was worth checking out.
thks, was thinking about getting one for scenery work on the layout. good to know I can use my iwatta AB if I want to. good solid review!
Glad I could help, Will! I don't see this as a replacement for a good quality desktop airbrush, but for scenery work it has some real benefits.
Thanks for the good, balanced, review. I found it very helpful.
The best and specific review ive ever seen..still newbie but tend to learn more bout AB..
Cool man , I found your video to be really informative !
Hi john, Some of those portable airbrushes have a Generic Hi/low pressure control switch or button on the air canister. The locations are not very obvious at first glance. They are usually locates somewhere on the bottom, underneath the can or maybe near the neck. I'm not sure if the one you reviewed has one or not but I know a lot of people miss it and later discover it. The instruction don't always indicate it's existence either if the instructions are in English. On another note.... There are some portable kits that come with a short air hose that could be used to get the can out of the way so you can get closer sprays a bit easier. My portable didn't have that but I plan to set up one for it.
The only button on mine is to check the battery level, I'll check to see if there's something less obvious, or if that button also switches air pressure. This one also doesn't have an "on/off" switch save for the valve at the top of the unit. I get the sense that this one is always ready to go, and is just waiting for the valve pin for activation.
@@JCsRiptrack at the bottom below the power indicator light is the pressure regulator switch which switches between 20 and 27 PSI
And here I was assuming that it was just to test the battery. :) I checked it out, and you're absolutely right. :)
were you able to connect the compressor to a air hose? It would be perfect for weathering track if you could connect it to a air hose.
Hi, an interesting review. I wouldn't be surprised if in the near future one of the major airbrush brands provides a portable rechargeable compressor to complement their airbrush range. The ultimate scenario would be to have an affordable universal portable compressor so that multiple ones can be bought for long sessions where a changeover is required with a quick release connection; ideally a short hose to connect and an optional mac valve to dial in the pressure manually. A one off accessory would be a hip holster for the compressor.
Curious to know if there is any moisture generated by these little beasties ...
Cheers
I haven't seen moisture build up so far. The length of pipe between the battery-powered compressor and the airbrush is almost non-existent, so the chance of water build-up seems to be pretty small. However, I can't verify this. I just haven't had any yet.
G'day Dimitrios, I think you're absolutely right. I reckon we've just seen the beginning of a revolution in airbrush usage. For many users a large, sometimes noisy, air compressor with a power lead, hoses and water traps etc. just aren't practical or even affordable.
I think we'll see large firms like Iwata etc. coming up with a range of high-end portable airbrush units.
The ones we have now are easily take airbrushes from just about all manufacturers and they can take different fittings that would be on hoses.
As soon as someone comes up with a more variable pressure portable unit then, I think, many more modellers will catch on to these.
I mainly do WW2 Allied aircraft so that means I'm, basically, spraying up to, say, 10 different colours on a regular basis. I use my big airbrush kit for large flight surfaces and the fuselages but I use my two portable units for all the smaller paint jobs. It works out well.
So far I've had no 'watering' issues at all.
Cheers, BH
I am an armour modeler, I have always brush painted my models, recently I started thinking about getting an airbrush like this or with a small compressor in one kit, just to make the painting a bit easier and to start get into the airbrushing process. I haven't bought anything yet and that's because I wasn't sure if these sorts of airbrushes with compressors were reliable. Do you think that an airbrush like this for example, would be good for painting rather large open spaces on tank models? I am also asking this because I have a limited budget and don't want to spend hundreds of euros on a compressor alone.
Thanks in advance for replying!@@BillHalliwell
Great review, can’t get my Iwata HP-c to work. It’s like the pin is just a little to short to engage.
Edit: Fixed it, used a small plastic tube on the end of the valve piston in case anyone else has a similar issue
Excellent you found a solution. With my Grex it can be hit or miss, so I will make use of this.
Great unbiased review - thanks for information.
Thanks for the review. I have seen one in MicroMark for some and have wondered about that model. One other use i can see for this is if you work at the Club, or Model show. It would sure be more portable and East to pack then a whole air compressor set up.
Particularly on that latter point, yes! Small, quick, easy, and gets the job done.
love the intro, you go straight to the point. make sure the camera is angled slightly down for the face shots, as it is here it is angled slightly up which from a cinematic point of view is not ideal. with that small change and keeping everything else the same it will look amazing. the content is already sound.
For fine work on models, that would be done at the bench anyway, I'll stick with my airbrushes. For scenery, this would be better than moving the compressor over and risking breaking other bits of scenery with the hose dragging over everything. On the other hand it may get heavy quickly with the compressor attached. Certainly more controllable than a spray-can.
Yeah...I think it would wear a person's wrist out quickly. I'd still want a short hose.
Comes with a small hose in the other option 😂
An airbrush and 3d printer are the two tools I want to get and try, but both are out of my budget currently. BTW, ive sent 2 emails for the ddwc, but recieved no repley yet.
Hi Das. I received one, just replied! Sorry for the delay. Airbrushes are definitely worth the investment, whether a cordless airbrush is a good idea as a first one is something I wonder about.
@@JCsRiptrack I live in a small apartment with not too much space, so a portable may be useful for that reason
great vid thanks
I love my portable airbrush
Nice review, I tried mine out today and walked around the layout touching up scenery with some Tamiya thinned with alcohol. I wanted to try my Iwata cs on the compressor but different sizes . Any idea what size the compressor end would be? Thanks again.
Great review, very interesting, thanks!
I use Badger and Iwata and my Badger with Iwata adaptor works just great. I am sure there is a similar adaptor available for any quality airbrush. When buying mine I checked the reviews to see the top contenders. The actual airbrush kit only cost about $10 more than the compressor on its own, so I took that option, just to have another "spare". Great review though I would have preferred you paint something bigger in 1/48 or 1/35 scale.
Thus slow psi was great for model kit and make some shading on kit
JC, any thoughts on how a plug in portable might produce better constant pressure ? I need one for traveling....
I've found that this provides better consistent pressure than my (non-tanked) plug-in compressor does. One doesn't have as much control over the precise pressure, of course, but there is some merit to something that doesn't cycle in pressure like my older mini compressor does.
Thats a very nice unit. I like the fact that its interchangeable!
Great review ... thanks
That looks really handy. Good review! I'll get one of these for sure, and give it a try. It looks like it would pretty much solve the "water in the line" thing during humid weather, but we'll see when the time comes. I am building various model kits...aircraft, ships, tanks, and even the odd car now and then, and I mostly use Tamiya acrylic paints. How much do you suggest thinning the Tamiya paint before spraying it? I figure 50% is good, but I've heard some people add as much as 70% thinner...or isopropyl acohol. What's your approach to that?
how did the compressor hold up after all this time?
I know I'm late to the party, but after wanting to get back into model building for a while now I finally bit the bullet.
I even found my old airbrush from 15 years ago.
now I just need a compressor and due to space limitations a portable one would be nice.
So far so good. It still holds up. As a combined unit, you get the airbrush and the battery powered compressor. Whether it works with your old airbrush will be a matter of fittings.
Would this be suitable in a studio apartment? I have just a desk that I will cover, and the floor and the wall behind. Would i be okay from overspray? Just doing small models only
It might be worth a try. I wonder if a short hose would work so I can get in tighter? There are times it could be good just to get in and out for something quick and short. Wondering how long would it take to recharge if I needed more than an hour. If it takes asy 6 hours to fully charge? Would it be worth the trouble. I have a compressor with a tank and I can shoot with two brushes at the same time. Thanks Ron.
On this particular unit, I don't think a short hose would work as the trigger mechanism is built into the top of the portable compressor. However, other units might have this option.
Im considering this type. I only need it for painting wood jewelry
I think it would suit it well for what you're doing. Sometimes a standard airbrush is better when you're sitting at a desk, but since compressors and higher-end airbrushes can be pricey, this is a great way to bridge that gap. I think this would work well for painting wood jewelry, even though I have no experience with that at all!
Hi john, great review on the cordless airbrush.Been considering getting into airbrushing for awhile now, would you consider this cordless airbrush as a starting point for beginners? the amazon pricing seems relatively affordable as micro mark also has them for a higher price.
Yes, absolutely. I started airbrushing with a cheap single-action and very quickly decided to invest in a more expensive dual-action airbrush and compressor. This option gives you a taste of airbrushing with a dual-action, and also gives you a portable option. I've already found myself using it in places that I didn't expect because it isn't tethered to a compressor.
@@JCsRiptrack this would benefit me greatly as I don't have a designated place to set up an airbrush station so I do mostly all my painting outside [weather permitting]..thanks john.
Might be a silly question but is it possible to increase the spray size on these things? So if I wanted to spray a larger area I could adjust it?
that looks interesting - Q. where u got the rubber cover for the brush trigger ?
I bought a rubber comfort grip for my Grex Genesis XG a little over a year ago. I had to take it off to use it with the portable compressor. The green rubber cover was part of that set.
@@JCsRiptrack oic - hmm guess got to look elsewhere ( i use Iwata ) thx
the instructions say to use a water based "product". does that mean you shouldnt use Testors oil paints in this brush?
Great, very helpful, background music a tad annoying, but useful review, think I'll take the plunge.
Thanks. It's a handy little unit. It won't replace my main airbrush, but for applications on larger projects or where a compressor would be too cumbersome, it's great.
Does the airbrush work well for applying gloss cote
Not bad
Can you change the tip sizes on these? Mine is a 0.2mm and I'd like a 0.3mm but don't know if they will work if I buy other ones off amazon
No. Unfortunately not. The needle is a single stock size. The cups are different. There may be some newer versions that have multiple needle sizes.
@@JCsRiptrack Thank you so much for your reply!
Wouldn't you be better off attaching a hose to compressor to the airbrush for better handling?
I don't understand how an Iwata hooks up to this compressor--both have male fitting connectors, and seemingly different diameters to boot? Do you know what size the fitting connector on this thing is? If Iwata is "standard 1/8 inch" what is the size of this smaller compressor fitting?
can you do a review of the Grex airbrush you're using with the cordless compressor in this video?
My Grex Genesis XG is an older, and I believer, discontinued model. They've since replaced it with the Genesis XGi, which allows for changing needle and nozzle sizes. I've been debating if I should get one.
@@JCsRiptrack how about your opinion on Grex airbrushes in general...i.e. quality, durability, longevity, etc.
They're good. I've had my Grex Genesis for 12 years so far, and aside from needing to replace the needle every once in a while, it's a solid, good quality airbrush. It also happens to be compatible with Iwata fittings as well.
I am using Tru Color air brush solvent paint which calls for 20 to 25 lbs spray pressure. will this compressor do this?
Where did you get the adapter and how is it called?
Hello, do you know how to set up different psi on the handheld compressor?
Yes.The button on the bottom lets you switch between low and high. I didn't mention it in the video, but I am aware of it. Handy feature!
I have always used a Aztek, is it possible to get a hose adapter? What is the best type of adapter to use?
will the compressor fitting work with Badger airbrushes?
I am not sure if it will. I can only speak for Iwata and Grex as they have similar fittings.
How did you get the Grex airbrush to fit the compressor? Is there a special tool? I can't sem to be able to remove what appears to be the part you removed.
I should draw a diagram or do a video of it, but you unscrew the airbrush not where it attaches to the hose, but rather at next attachment part above that. This is is the top of the valve control. This part will match up to where the battery-powered compressor valve control is. The fittings should be the same.
@@JCsRiptrack Please do a video ASAP! Thanks! I just got the Grex airbrush and Autolock airbrush kit from watching this video so I could do the same but it just may be factory tightened.
@@JCsRiptrack or send me a diagram. I know where you mean it's just a very tight fit and I don't want to force it or mar it with a plyers
@@JCsRiptrack Well, I was able to remove the air inlet but the size of the threads on the airbrush are bigger than the size of the ones on the compressor.
I was considering buying one of these after watching your video..(Question would you say the kit would be a good kit for spraying model cars?and could you spray metallic and candy paint with this airbrush?
While I haven’t worked with metallic or candy paints, if it sprays through a standard dual-action airbrush, it should have no problem with the cordless airbrush. At least this one. I can’t speak for other brands or makes.
@@JCsRiptrack alrighty awesome brotha thank you for the feeback..definently going to pick one up off amazon..👍👍
Would it be good for action figures?
Yes. It can work for action figures, as it is a functional dual-action airbrush. It won't give you higher-end results, but it certainly works.
This doesn't look all that bad espec the larger paint hopper container
Its compatible with iwata neo cn too?
Hey John; I want to say this as "gentle" as possible... I found your youtubes when looking at "Puzzles" and have watched ALL of the Riptracks that I could find, and I have thoroughly enjoyed them all, to the extent that I am currently building your "Ops" layout. (I ESPECIALLY enjoyed the on with your son "driving" the train during the ops session)... Thank you and Keep them coming... so Why my comments???? there is one thing that drives me crazy and keeps me turning OFF your youtubes... the Broken Record background sound track drives me CRAZY... most of the times I have tried to fast forward or move it around but the STUCK Record is so distracting that I can NOT was your youtubes back to back or even START to FINISH.. I want to hear what you have to say but the background is impossible to listen to for hours at a time. the SAME over and over and over stuck track just loud enough to prevent me from listening to the whole video. sorry, but I REALLY thought you would want to hear this opionion... NO background sound would be SO much better... there are thousands of other youtubes that are as anoying...but I REALLY, REALLY, really WANT to hear your video... I've just gotten one of the cordless airbrushes and have NEVER used an airbrush, so Watched this video but I can not get past the STUCK RECORD
I really wish you would complete a sentence to actually know if this thing is good or not! I highly recommend preparing a script to have before making your videos to help organize your thoughts
Does anyone know the adapter needed to attach an iwata neo/eclipse?
Peculiar that you can't adjust the air pressure. I always thought that the little metal thing at the back of the unit could be turned to reduce/increase airflow but I guess I am either mistaken or this model doesn't have a valve and it's just an end-cap for show?
Mind you, I have never used an airbrush before so I only go by what I see on other videos. Curiously though, when I looked up this particular model on my local Amazon in the Netherlands; the end-cap looks different (more like a knurled knob) and one user gave it a 1-star review claiming it was single-action instead of dual-action. That was peculiar...
One thing the review doesn't show is that there's a button on the bottom that switches between lower and higher pressure. I feel silly for having missed it in the review.
How do I clean it? Very frustrated.
Hi Greg, cleaning is essential to any airbrush. You can clean it the same way you would most other dual-action internal mix airbrushes. Usually what I do is dump out the paint, and unscrew the rear (black) shell of the brush. I then fill the cup with thinner/cleaner (most of the time it's alcohol as I use acrylics), swish it around and dump it out. Next, I put more cleaner into the cup, put my finger over the end of the nozzle and push air through it as if I was airbrushing something. This will create a gurgling in the cup that loosens/works on the paint further down in the brush. I dump that out, fill the cup again with cleaner/thinner. I then loosen the needle, pull it back, working it back and forth to use it to work paint that's in the tip. I pull it back, dump out the cup, and use a Q-tip/swab to clean out the base of the cup without he needle in it. I usually pull the needle all the way out and wipe it on a paper towel. I then blow out the cup and any remaining thinner. Using the same q-tip, I then wipe the nozzle tip before putting the needle back in the brush.
If there's been some paint sitting in it for a while, I sometimes let the thinner sit in it for a bit. I always clean it after I use it, but there have been times that I've forgotten, and have had to take some drastic measures to get it cleaned up!
I just want a mini compressor
What's the max psi and battery life of the compressor?
Battery life is about one hour, maybe a bit more for continuous spraying. It doesn’t take long to charge either. PSI is only a guess, probably about 23psi tops. It says 20-25, but it’s hard to say.
products from non capitalis is more cheaper,
Delete about 20 minutes of this "comparison". Really don't care what it hooks up to, comments about 'other portable airbrushes are unfounded. They basically work great for painting rail, light weathering, and shooting Tamiya acylics at about a 50-50 mix with 70% isopropyl alcohol. Biggest issue is having enough power left to clean out the airbrush before the paint dries in the needle/nozzle area. Run a little IPA through it before storing it for next use. Don't waste money on a second battery, The two units I've seen require unsoldering/soldering a replacement battery to actually use, NOT very convenient, A fully charged unit will run about solid 25 minutes. Shoot some distilled water through a fully charged unit and check YOUR timing. Full recharge takes about 45 minutes. 'Top it off' before starting a project.