Recomendation for a first airbrush

I know some will disagree with me but I bought my first airbrush and compressor from Harbor freight.  I did a review of it here

http://www.happinessismandatory.com/misc/Tools/Compressor.htm

I have since upgrade my airbrush to an Iwata HP-CS.  The Harbor Freight is a dual action (why start with single action, when a double action more useful, no point in learning something twice).  It is a pretty good brush I still use mine for bulk painting (terrain & diromas) due to large cup on it.  I even bought a second one (15 bucks) for oil paints a parts.  The Iwata is a much better brush, but for learning and seeing if you you like airbrushing a complete set for right under 100$ is not bad.  I still use my compressor and no intention of trying anything else.  I have used mine for a year or so about one a week and never had any problems.  To be honest if and when it breaks I will buy another harbor freight compressor.  I would buy some extra regulators though.  Some of the comprossors they now do have better regulators so it may not be needed.

 Thanks
Jon

I have an Aztek 470, Badger 200 and 200G.

If you are just getting into airbrushing, don't get a straight dual action AB right off the bat, get either a single action or a variable action, that way you can practice.  Straight double action for a beginner can be a bit of a challenge (at least for me it was).

Also, I have wrist problems and the push down pull back motion of double action wasn't agreeable with me after some years of owning the 470, hence why I now have the 2 badgers.  So comfort and how you want to hold/use the AB might be something to think about. 

As far as compressors go, get something that has a pressure regulator/moisture trap on it.  Pressure adjusting is critical to getting a decent paint job, and top feed models also require less pressure to run than bottom feed airbrushes.

Hey fund, I was in the same place as you about a year ago after doing brush painting for like twenty years. What I did comes under your budget, and I couldn't be happier with my set up;

Iwata HP-CR and Senco PC1010 compressor, if bought from amazon should come to under 250.00. If the hose is like mine you'll need a connector between the compressor and the hose, but thats a $2 part from a local hardware store. The Airbrush is really forgiving and a good all-around brush; I actually prefer it over my Eclipse. Its dual action as well.

The compressor has its own regulator but doesn't have a moisture trap, thats a few more dollars if you want to spring for it but I don't have one and I seem to do fine in my climate. Its got a sizable tank, is quiet and that regulator allows you to do a wide array of pressure settings. The senco is a keeper that you can use to upgrade with a wide range of airbrushes.

All in all this set up allows you to do everything you might want to do with an airbrush, without much compromises. The only limitation might be really fine lines but even that you can do in a sinch. I can't recommend it more, as it really rekindled my love of the hobby.

What are the main differences between a top of the range or a cheap but good airbrush? Is it just a finer line, more precise spray?

I'm a beginner and my cheap, perhaps resonably priced is a better term, airbrush works okay for me. I find most mistakes are due to distance from subject and thinning. Amazing how close you need to be to get a good cover.

My airbrush, the one I previously mentioned, has one disadvantage in that the compressor has no pressure gauge so when you read in a magazine use 15psi I've no way of setting it. Other than that it's a good brush. I'll have to post pics of my Hampden and Stirling models.

fund899 wrote:

DogTailRed2 Your link was also helpfull. It is making me think maybe I can spend a little less for a brush to learn with and invest what I saved into other tooling and kits.

The link that DogTailRed2 provided is very interesting. The house brand airbrush looks identical to the Sparmax SP-35, but at much lower price. In the US, you will have to spend about the same as the Iwata to get this Sparmax airbrush.

On the other hand, some of the Airbrush-Depot (TCP Global) Master brand or the BearAir Peak brand airbrushes are quite good at a fraction of the Iwata cost. I prefer the Iwata because they last a long time and I can get replacement needle and nozzle cheap at Hobby Lobby.

How much you want to spend on the airbrush and compressor depends on your commitment to modeling. If you are there for the long haul, invest in the set you will use eventually now. You will not regret it.

DogTailRed2

Your link was also helpfull. It is making me think maybe I can spend a little less for a brush to learn with and invest what I saved into other tooling and kits.

Keilau

 

Thanks for the link. I like the idea of buying a combo and this is in my price range.

Don

Thank you for the article, all information is helpfull.

I'm a beginner and wanted a cheap but good airbrush to learn with before commiting to something more expensive. So I bought one of these.

https://airbrushes.com/product_info.php?products_id=3213&osCsid=33374a6a7aec363331c9e566891e30b9

Took me a few hours to master but it sprays well, easy to clean and I love it. I've no doubt the Iwata's and other more expensive airbrushes are better for the advanced modellers. But for me this does the job.

fund899 wrote:

I am fairley new to plastic models and would like to purchase a new airbrush and compressor. I read alot on the internet and tryed to educate myself on airbrushes. Can any one out there recomend a good quality airbrush and Compressor that a new model builder could buy and learn on. I have about a 250.00 budget and think I would like to start with a dual action airbrush. Any information you can share will be greatly appreciated.

Check out the Iwata HP-CS with ABD TC-20T compressor.

I won't try to advise you on which to buy, but you could read some of my thoughts on the subject here if you'd like.

Don