First airbrush help

The Badger 350 or Paasche H have long been used as the 'first step' airbrush.

I still maintain that choosing a 'top end' airbrush, like the Badger 100LG or Iwata HP-CS is preferable. They are not that much more difficult to learn to use, you can use bottled air with those as well, and later upgrade to a proper compressor. Bottled air is quite expensive over the long haul.

Scorpiomikey

I know this has been posted alot, but what im after is a cheap airbrush to see if this is actually the way i want to go. Ill be running it off bottle air for now untill i decide wether this is the path im taking in my modelling. At which point ill upgrade to a better airbrush and a propper compressor. So my question is. whats a good cheap beginner airbrush?

Ive seen a Badger 250 and a 350 but ive heard bad things about the 250, like its a reusable rattlecan.

Seeing that you build mostly 1:72 scale airplanes, I agree with Bill Grigg that a Badger 350 or similar may not work too well for you. It is good advise to invest in a better airbrush and a compressor.

Since you are in New Zealand, I understand you probably will pay 2-3 times more for the same airbrush locally. You may want to consider mail order from Hong Kong. Sparmax has good after sales support in nearby Australia, you can order from EricYY & Van in Hong Kong. LuckyModel.com is another reliable source in Hong Kong, but they sell mostly Tamiya airbrushes.

I will recommend the Sparmax DH103 for general purpose modeling. I hope that Phil H will see this thread and post his opinion on this. Any of the Sparmax compressor on the YY&Van page should work fine for you.

Good luck and let us know how you decide.

I started with a VERY cheap airbrush, roughly $25USD. It's from Testors and purchased at a retail store (Walmart), it is still the only airbrush that I use. Only slightly better than a rattlecan, but you can get the custom colors!!!!  It is limited though, no fine lines, and German mottling and squiggles are not doable with it, but it's not bad for a starter. It fits the Model Master paint jars perfectly and clean up is very simple, I just use a pipe cleaner.

keilau

I will recommend the Sparmax DH103 for general purpose modeling. I hope that Phil H will see this thread and post his opinion on this. Any of the Sparmax compressor on the YY&Van page should work fine for you.

Hmmm -  I seem to be the only person on this forum who uses a Sparmax brush.

I can't speak for the DH-103 as I haven't used it, but I do use the SP-35C which is very similar (The DH-103 is a 0.3mm nozzle and the SP-35C is a 0.35mm).  It's a nice little brush, well built and having a decent weight to it. I've used it for about 4 years now and never had a problem apart from the occasional "tip dry".

In the time that I've had it, I haven't bent or broken anything (touch wood) and only had to remove the nozzle maybe three times (once to clear a major blockage). I think, though, I may pick up a spare needle and nozzle when I get a chance.

Using acrylics exclusively, cleaning and maintenance is quick and easy, most cleaning only requiring a wipe of the cup, backflushing and spraying clean thinner through it. When more aggressive cleaning is required, I just put a few drops of lacquer thinner through.

It will handle most any task you will encounter in modelling (assuming you have a steady enough hand). I've even tried freehanding the rubber tyre portions on a 1/72 Pz IV wheel as an experiment and had passable results. Someone with a steadier hand than I may have better results. Control is very fine and very linear, meaning that you have a decent range of control and won't get a sudden flood unexpectedly if you move the trigger just that tiny fraction of a mm too far.

The only real problems I have is with (Tamiya) metallic colours because the metallic flakes in Tamiya's paints are quite coarse and can cause blockage. 

Here in Sydney, the best price I can find (ironically, at Sydney's most expensive hobby shop)  is $82.50 at http://www.hobbyco.com.au/product/show_item.php?plu=SPSP35C 

The DH-103 mentioned above is $79,95 http://www.hobbyco.com.au/product/show_item.php?plu=SPDH103

Most other specialist airbrush suppliers here in Aus seem to have these brushes listed in the $125.00 - $139.00 range.

I saw both of those around. wasnt so sure about the cup on top. Im looking at going up to 48 scale once ive cleaned out my stash (must update my sig) But both of these should be ok for 48 scale too right?