Buying a New Airbrush

matt_richo1 wrote:

Im currently using a cheap single action suction feed airbrush and im looking to upgrade to a double action gravity feed. i would like spend around $150 - $200 australian  What are the important things i need to consider (needle size, spare nozzels, spare needles, etc) any suggestions of a good airbrush around this price

Matt,

From some of the earlier posts, some points that seemed to be agreed by many:

(1) It is cheaper to buy from the US than buying locally even after adding the shipping. DixieArt and BearAir ship to Australia. But shipping is NOT cheap. Ask for total price quote before ordering.

(2) Iwata and Badger have local stockist when you need replacement parts (needle, nozzle etc.) when they wear out. But the dealer changes often and are not always easy to find. You may want to order the spares when ordering the AB.

For your budget, you can easily afford the Iwata HP-CS or the Badger Renegade Velocity with the 0.3 mm needle. These are the most popular choices for all round modeling at this forum. Iwata needles are cheaper and has a long lasting reputation. One major consideration is how easy to clean and NOT to bend the needle. You should do a search to find older posts and read the diverse opinion youself.

I live in the US. The situation in Australia were learned second hand here. Good luck in your shopping.

Well, despite being a lowly single action, I have been using with great success, a Passche H for YEARS for many kinds of airbrush jobs. It has THREE different needle sizes to choose from, 1,3,5, 1 being smallest. I like it because the airbrush itself as well as the parts are reasonably priced, it is easy to get replacement parts for it, easy to clean, and you know the company will be around tomorrow. Of course, any airbrush is only as good as the compressor you are using. I have a Silent Air 30. A little pricey but worth every penny. I have more expensive airbrushes, like an Iwata HP-C for very fine work, but the Passche H is a workhorse and has never let me down.

BTW, you can likely find a good deal on a Passche H(or others) on EBAY. I see a LOT of airbrush equipment up for auction there. I seems a lot of folks buy them thinking it is the airbrush alone that makes you a an airbrush artist.  When they learn the truth, the stuff goes up for sale! Take advantage of it.

If you still insist on a double action, I might suggest looking at Iwata product. 

MJB 

I personaly use the bader 155 Anthem. I got the deluxe set at my lhs for 125.00 usd. I have had no issues with it.

I use an AB like the Badger 100LG (Mine's an Omni 4000). It costs about $75.00 USD. I believe mine came with the medium tip. In my opinion, it's a great value. Sprays nice and tight lines when properly used. It's gravity feed which is nice for celanup. You might want to get a spare needle and nozzel just in case.