Very Basic Question...

[BuddingAir]

Okay as per my introduction I am not actually airbrushing yet - it is more the investigative part of starting a new hobby.

Part of the question is really how best to get started. The forum has a wealth of advice but as of yet I have yet to be able to source local suppliers of equipment and materials or a local classes (Perth Western Australia).

I do not want to spend a fortune on the start up of a hobby but also want to make sure that the equipment I do invest in is good enough that it will not casue me undue frustration in the difficult period of starting a new hobby, basically I don't want it all falling down on bad tools or atleast I will know the tools are good and it is my that fails.

Faced with the prospect of buying equipment from the web from eiher Eastern Australia (one supplier to date I have found) or abroad I am in a situation were I cannot get hands on feel for the stuff I will be buying before hand. Something I am not to happy about.

I know there are no answers available and anything fed back is personal opinions only but I seek answers to the following questions:

How different are the feel and weight of the various airbrushes and how important is it that it just feel right in your hands? Or is it just a case of practicing with the model chosen till it feels second nature?

Any Australians out here on the board have any information on Australian Airbrushing and airbrush supplies?

As a complete art novice while in the period of getting things together for an airbrushing hobby would it be worth my time taking some basic art classes or is airbrushing so different that they wont really be of benefit?

In life as in everything some things just scream user and beginner friendly, is this true of airbrushing equipment? Which brands/models should I be considering?

Thanks for any answers I may receive.

[vilner]

I can say this every airbrush does feel different in your hands and I think if you find one that you like you will enjoy airbrushing more but if you learn the basics and practice you can be successful with any airbrush. It is my understanding that Badger airbrushes and parts are very expensive in Australia and Paasche airbrushes are reasonably priced. Personally, I would stay away from Chinese knock off airbrushes as the quality just isn't there and getting parts will be a problem. I would first decide on what type of airbrushing you want to do before buying one and we can help you better with suggestions.
John

[BuddingAir]

This is part of my dilema really. I had hoped to find some classes so I could find what style I may have taken to. It seems I will be unlucky there though.

To be honest I think it was more of a hobbying artform. Perhaps a few items be they canvas, stone etc - I wasnt looking to making a living out of it just fun, perhaps even a few Tee-shirts for the family the odd xbox case/computer case. To be honest I find myself spending to much spare time in front of the computer and was looking for a hobby that might atleast get me into the garage

Given that the answer i tried to give was probably a non answer I guess I would be looking for a good general purpose airgun that will allow me to attempt many styles. Doesn't help much I know - sorry...

Updated:

Found a model shop that actually does carry Airbrushes, although they do not have stock at the moment they carry both Paasche and Badger models. Given the helpful review section of the forums I have requested by email information on both a Paasche VL and a Badger 150 sets.

[heartless]

dont forget to look at cost & availability of replacement parts for both of them before you purchase.
needles get bent and tips do crack - replacing them shouldnt be a struggle. nothing worse than not being able to use your brush cause you need new parts and cant get them.

[BuddingAir]

Thanks for the tip off,

have chased up my email with another to enquire about spares and availablility on the models I have asked about.