Airbrush Recommendation

You are going to get many different opinions. Generally, a double action, gravity feed airbrush is preferred by most. The popular models around here are the Badger Renegade Velocity, Iwata HP-CS and Paasche Talon. All can be had for under $100.

See one of the threads on this topic. Do a search on the airbrushes mention above to see more posts on them. Some of the ordering tips are useful.

I'm pretty fond of Badger products. I have their 150 IL and their 155 Anthem. Both are pretty simple, reliable and work very well. Check out www.dixieart.com. They have a lot of AB products at some of the best prices. They have a spread sheet on their site which shows you what each model of AB is best suited for.

ANdy

If you're new to using an airbrush, I would avoid the double actions.  I would recommend either the Paasche H, Badger 350, Badger 200 siphon feed or Badger 200 gravity feed. 

The Paasche H and Badger 350 are both siphon feed, single action and external mix.  Many modelers started with these airbrushes and still use them.  They will cost about $50 to $60.

The Badger 200 is a single action, internal mix.  The spray tends to be more fine than the external mix airbrushes.  The Badger 200 can be a little more difficult to clean and maintain than the Paasche H and Badger 350.  They can run from $60 to $100.

Remember, an airbrush is a tool.  A tool is only as good as the user.  Buying a $150 airbrush doesn't necessarily mean you'll get a better paint job.  I say, learn the basics (paint to thinner ratios, air pressure, painting technique, etc) before spending a lot of money on an airbrush.  Would it make sense, when learning how to drive, to start in a Ferrari?

-Jesse

Thanks for the advice all.

Jesse, I think you're right. It makes sense for me to get something like the Pasche H or Badger 350 rather than spending a fortune on something I can't use (yet)!!

Actually do you have any advice on a compressor option for these airbrushes, again without paying an arm and a leg?

Thanks again!

Some people like the bigger "construction" style air compressors.  They cost anywhere from $60 to $200.  The biggest drawback is their noise.  I don't use one because it would bother the neighbors.

I can't really comment on the air demands for a Badger 350 since I've never owned one.  However, the Badger 350 is very alike to the Paasche H which I have been using for years.  These siphon feed, external mix airbrushes need higher PSI's than gravity feed airbrushes. 

If you plan on getting a "hobby style" compressor, I would recommend one with atleast 1/8 horsepower, auto-shut off, a regulator, and a moisture trap.

If you use Ebay, here are two links to a compressor and Paasche H setup you might be interested in:

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-PAASCHE-H-Single-Action-AIRBRUSH-SET-AIR-COMPRESSOR_W0QQitemZ190280843746QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item190280843746&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

http://cgi.ebay.com/PAASCHE-H-SET-AIRBRUSH-w-Quiet-AIR-COMPRESSOR-with-TANK_W0QQitemZ190280367716QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item190280367716&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

I actually use the second setup (the compressor with tank) and it works fine with my Paasche. 

Of course, you can also do a search on compressors and airbrushes here on the forum.

-Jesse

mbuk wrote:

Thanks for the advice all. Jesse, I think you're right. It makes sense for me to get something like the Pasche H or Badger 350 rather than spending a fortune on something I can't use (yet)!! Actually do you have any advice on a compressor option for these airbrushes, again without paying an arm and a leg?

The Paasche H is a real classic and my first AB dated back to the 80's. Today's package looks identical to mine and still costs about one single box model.

It requires "Recommended Air Pressure .5 to 1 CFM @ 20 to 45 lbs (psi). depending on tip size and fluid being sprayed". The flow rate and pressure are beyond those provided by most low end airbrush compressors. See the June 2008 issue of FSM for comparison of compressors. The money you save on the airbrush is more than eaten up by the need of a more powerful compressor.

After many years with the H, I finally change to an Iwata HP-CS. I never want to look back. Yes, it costs 3 times more than the H. The smooth and precise control, the ease of cleaning are worth every penny. The ease of cleaning compared to the Paasche H is the most important change to me. It also allows you to pair it with the lower power, thus cheaper, compressor.

I will recommend the Paasche H for modeler who use it a few times a year. If you paint with airbrush regularly, invest in a better AB upfront. It allows a much faster and smoother skill buildup. You won't regret the extra investment of only one box of typical model.

Probably the best Economy airbrush you can get is a Paasche H model (single action).

Now personlly I hate single action, but that is just because I am not used to them I guess (My first airbrush was a double action Paasche VL ).

You can also get a good mini air compressor for about $80-$100 at walmar or sears or some other hardware store. Make sure it comes with a regulator and a tank -- don't buy a tankless compressor as you will surely regret it!

Now I only use Iwata airbrushes; however, they are a bit pricy.

Visit http://www.arttalk.com/iwata/ for a look at all Iwata airbrushes.

I have 3 myself:

The Eclipse HP-BCS, Eclipse HP-BS (for detailed work) and the Iwata Revolution HP-CR for high volume work:

 http://www.arttalk.com/iwata/hp-cr.htm

cbaltrin wrote:

Now I only use Iwata airbrushes; however, they are a bit pricy. I have 3 myself: The Eclipse HP-BCS, Eclipse HP-BS (for detailed work) and the Iwata Revolution HP-CR for high volume work:

No, Iwata are not pricy at all for the quality you get. Specifically, any of the AB you mentioned can be had for under $100 each by internet order or at Hobby Lobby using the 40% coupon. They are the easiest to get replacement needle locally. That makes them the cheapest to own over the long run.

True. Iwata makes expensive AB such as the Micron series for artist. But the Eclipse and Revolution series are very reasonably priced for modelers.

I only use Badger anymore.  Now that I have switched to double action (100LG and 155), my single action 200 is relegated to base coating and future coats.

Sing it with me!

Badger, badger, badger........

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QG5AwGitZbs

Hehe. Chris

cbaltrin wrote:

Now personlly I hate single action, but that is just because I am not used to them I guess (My first airbrush was a double action Paasche VL ).