Hobby Essentials

Besides what’s covered in these articles or the e-books, most questions I receive are  roughly : What’s a good ___ to buy ?

All the supplies and tools on here I own, have tested and vouch for.  I never add stuff on that list that I have not used and liked.

I recommend getting most stuff through your local game store,  I do however realize that some of these tools are never available, let alone affordable, from LGS compared to Amazon.

This is broken down into the usual questions:

Airbrush

” I want to start airbrushing, what should I get “

3 Airbrush & Compressor Standard Set

This complete set is the best bang for your buck to get started.  It comes with a good compressor, 3 different airbrushes ( well, 2 airbrushes and a spray gun ) and all the fittings you will need.  It’s the set I’m currently using; you can read more about it here.

“I want to start airbrushing and don’t mind spending a few extra dollars to get higher quality items “

Badger Patriot 105 Airbrush & Master Compressor + Hose

The compressor is pretty much the same as the one from the kit above, and you start with a better airbrush.  The Badger Patriot 105 is a workhorse airbrush that will take a beating; the kind of beating a beginner makes his airbrush go through.

Airbrush Supplies

These are extra doodads that you will need with your airbrush setup, specially as you buy different toys ( Come on, I know we’re all hoarders here ).

Testor Mini Compressor

While I don’t use it on the regular anymore, I own 2 of these blue Testor compressors.

I’ve had them for about 10 years and they are still working fine.

They are the spray gun equivalent of compressors:  you press a button and it does it’s thing.  No options, no mode no bullshit; just an on and an off.

 

Braided Airbrush Hose

7pc Adapter Connector Set

If you buy an airbrush or a compressor as stand alone, you usually need a couple of extra doodads and fittings.

Look at the specs on your airbrush and compressor to buy the right ones.  There seldom is anything more frustrating than buying cool new things and not being able to use them right away.

Other Airbrushes

0.3mm Dual Action Gravity-feed Airbrush

These, or equivalents to these, have been my go-to airbrushes for the past 2 years.  I was quite happy with the version that came when I got the complete set listed at the top of this page, I bought a couple more.

HuBest 0.3 Dual Action Gravity-feed Airbrush

Including this one.  I bought it only because it was red ( they go fasta’ ).  I’ve been quite happy with them.

They are cheap and break easily, but the price is so low, you can buy multiple of them at a time and it will still be cheaper than most brand name airbrushes.

The Badger Spray Gun

Badger Spray Gun

This spray gun is a beast.  I use it for terrain, primer and base coats.  It’s simple to use and fits with my general hobby motto: Get shit done.

You can find the complete review on the Basic Spray Gun by clicking here, or check out this review on YouTube

The Badger Sotar 20/20

Badger Sotar 20/20 Airbrush

The Cadillac of airbrushes, the Sotar is for the painter that wants to take his game to the next level.  You can find the complete review of the Sotar here.

The product listed on this page are all my affiliate links.  If you buy through there, I get a couple of dollars at no additional cost to you.