Needed: Online airbrush supplier

Hi Chris,

I think I'm the only one here who uses a Sparmax I've not come across any Sparmax brush which is a copy of a Badger product - All the ones I've seen seem to be patterned after the "Iwata Style" (for want of a better descrition) airbrushes, but are sufficiently different to make them similar, but not quite copies. All the Sparmax brushes I've seen also include (basic) instructions.

I use a Sparmax SP-35C (0,35mm nozzle). Build quality is excellent, with a very nice chrome finish. It's decently weighted and balanced and the needle has a gentle taper, so control is very fine and linear, meaning that you won't go from fine to flood with a very small trigger movement.

I've been using mine for about 4 years or so now and haven't had any sort of problem with it that was not my own doing (mostly clogs and the occasional "tip dry"). All the parts are original - I haven't bent or broken anything.

Sparmax airbrushes are distributed here in Australia by JB Wholesalers, who are one of the bigger hobby product distributors here, and parts should be readily available. (Hobbyco in Sydney usually carry a range of Sparmax airbrushes and parts).

Thanks for the tips.

Has anyone ever used a Sparmax airbrush?  What are they like quality wise?

I saw one that was an imitation Badger 100LG, it wasn't too expensive (I think around AUD80) at a small LHS.  I didn't buy it because i'd never seen them for sale on any of the online stores i visit or any of the bigger LHS.  Plus, my concern was the availability of spare parts.  Further, it didn't appear to come with any instructions etc.

However, i do have a Sparmax compressor - it's fairly basic but has been doing it's job for the past 3.5 years without any dramas.

Chris.

Phil_H

Hey Chris,

Coast Airbrush may also be worth a look. They're US based but they also list prices in $AUD (for the brushes they have in stock) Not sure about what they charge for shipping though.

PS: LuckyModel in HK no longer handles Sparmax brushes.

I just checked. Hobbyeasy.com no longer carries the Sparmax brand either. Too bad. They still have the other Japanese brands, for a little more moeny. The link can be set in Australian dollar using the currency selector.

In the US, one can find Sparmax airbrush only through cosmetic sellers which charges even a lot more than comparable Iwata.

Hey Chris,

Coast Airbrush may also be worth a look. They're US based but they also list prices in $AUD (for the brushes they have in stock) Not sure about what they charge for shipping though.

PS: LuckyModel in HK no longer handles Sparmax brushes.

Hey Gents,

Thanks for the replies.  Keilau, I must admit, i've only looked at US sites, will look at the sites you've suggested and see how they compare.

I've just checked dixie art again and the site is working!  Must have been my connection the other night, no matter how many times i tried/refreshed etc, just didn't want to work for me.

Thanks again for the help and suggestions.

Chris.

cml

2) an alternative reliable airbrush supplier online. 

I"m based in Australia, but have no dramas having to wait for supplies from the US.

Thanks in advance.

Chris.

You may be able to get better price and shipping from sellers in Hong Kong or Japan when ordering from Australia. The ones in Hong Kong are HobbyEase and Lucky Model both of which advertise at major modeling sites regularly. You are likely to get best buy price with Sparmax. Other brands include Tamiya, Mr. Hobby and Procon Boy.

Did you try Google?  Yes, Dixie Art is still in business.   Many of the model supply retailers do carry airbrushes, however it isn't a price leader for them so they aren't necessarily the lowest priced. But they are convenient when ordering other supplies, hence the reason many stock them.