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I would recommend not going cheap. You don't have to buy the high end stuff but no need to mess with problem products upfront. In regards to paints just start out with Createx. Readily available and designed for airbrushes and common at Hobby Lobby and other similar craft stores. No need to thin, no need to strain, no need to do a lot of stuff as it just works. For an airbrush I would go with something like the Iwata Neo CN dual gravity feed brush. Just a decent starter brush from a company that makes solid products. Compressor with water trap. If you don't have one and are just starting out I would recommend either getting a pancake compressor nail gun kit as something every homeowner should likely have. They are typically loud but get the job done. I started and still use a Craftsman set up at times but mainly switched over to a small California Air Quiet flow 4710 model and very quiet in regards to compressors, light weight, and a joy to use. I also have a Fusion 1000 airbrush compressor that is very portable, small, and quiet but only bought it because on clearance for 25 bucks but also are normally in the same price range as the compressors above (less CFM however).

Yah. this is what I was finding as well after further research. bulk is best. thanks for the guidance. cheers

Exx1976 - This post has drifted into alternative materials. This IS allowed. The original post highlighted specific problems with the use of wood, and alternate materials do address these problems. If you don't like plastics then fine, use wood. Personally I have room for both. All materials have positive and negative characteristics, there is no perfect material and wood does not even come close to perfection. It would be a shame to ruin your own post with a touch of animosity! Dave

Personally I'll use anything that's most convenient for me, but I recognize a lot of people are preferential to the qualities/aesthetic of handmade wood baits and have no interest in foams, resins, plastics, etc.

Would adding some runny super glue to the areas to be carved beforehand help them to carve more evenly?

Print them in PET-G. Higher temp threshold. Probably 4 walls and 40% gyroid infill. The cost difference of the filament is negligible. I print lures but can't CAD for the life of me so haven't gotten to molds yet.