Need suggestions on airbrushes

HawkeyeHobbies

Which ever airbrush you decide to purchase, make sure it fits your needs and your hand.

Airbrushes-The Right Fit

Yes, the shape and size are important. Please, include discussion on the weight and balance too. I know what I like, but am very interested in the expert opinion too.

Gosh thanks for all the advice everyone! I am learning a lot and will be ordering my airbrush today from Coast. (Still deciding exactly which one, but I plan to get an Iwata).

Which ever airbrush you decide to purchase, make sure it fits your needs and your hand.

Airbrushes-The Right Fit

Little late on this but Artsupply.com, chicagoairbrushsupply.com and amazon are the places I get my needles and spares. Get on their newsletter and you can get discounts (got my Iwata through a 13% discount on top of the best price I could find).

robtmelvin

purchased a Iwata Elclipse HP-CS powered by an Iwata Ninja Jet compressor (seems adequate for my needs), both from Coast Air Brush.  I'll let you know how it works out.

One last request - any suggestions on spare parts, accessories, ect? 

If you can find a Hobby Lobby Store locally, you can't beat their price on Iwata spares using the 40% off coupon. If not, try your local hobby shop or art supply store. They probably can order the parts for you without charging shipping. It may be cheaper than internet order.

Hey, let me know what you think of that ninja jet please!  I considered buying one of those for smaller jobs when I don't want to fire up the big shop compressor, or at night when the Wife is sleeping.  I hear they are mostly silent, but the max 18psi thing scares me off a bit.  It'd probably be fine for my gravity feed brushes, but for siphon, after a 10' braided hose, I wonder if there'd be enough air pressure?

Thanks!

Chris

Thanks everybody, for your suggestions and information.  I knew I couldn't go wrong casting my net for information here - and I was right.  After reading your posts and checking manufacturer's and vendor's web sites for more information, I discarded the idea of the Aztec and purchased a Iwata Elclipse HP-CS powered by an Iwata Ninja Jet compressor (seems adequate for my needs), both from Coast Air Brush.  I'll let you know how it works out.

One last request - any suggestions on spare parts, accessories, ect? 

Thanks again for all your help.

Bob

I second the DIXIE ART suggestion as your source for all things airbrush. I've dealt with them for years, and they are absolutely tops in every regard.

I'm going to throw a Paasche Millennium into the mix. I purchased it from BearAir.com for around 75 bucks, and LOVE it. Sturdy, feels good in my hand, very versatile.

I've been playing around with it for about 6 months, and no complaints so far...

Some folks say that Paasche A/B's are difficult to clean, but I've had no issues in that respect.

One con, the paint cup sits a little awkwardly on the side of the 'brush, so I mainly use the jars supplied...

For versatility, ease of cleanup, and a very nice spray pattern from fine lines to 1 1/2" coverage, the Badger 100LG with medium needla and tip is my favorite.  I use mine almost every day, and love it! 

http://www.coastairbrush.com/proddetail.asp?prod=100%2DLG

You can get one from Coast at the link below for $60.00  I have used them before, very reliable and helpful.  Plus, Badgers are made in the USA and the owner, Ken, is a super-nice dude who will email or call you if you have a question or problem.

Good luck and welcome back!

Chris

There a lot of brushes to choose from. I was in the same boat and found it staggering on which airbrush to choose. What I have found, that works for me, is a brush that atomizies well and cleans easily. Cleaning even takes priority over atomization. So my choices were an Iwata HP and a Harder Steenbeck Evolution. Both break down fast and simple and are tops for accuracy. Either brush breaks down so fast and simply, I could not believe it. This, also changed my attitude about painting, which I love, but dreaded cleaning. Not anymore...

Bob,

You could get the 40% off coupon for Hobby Lobby and pick up an Iwata eclipse for pretty cheap. They are a good starting point and will do you for a while. Badger also makes a pretty inexpensive model that works well (the Renegade Velocity) I have both these brushes and like them both. Cant comment on anything I do not own. I also have the Aztek (first one I bought in 1990's) I still have it and use it but for me the all metal of the Iwata and Badger work much better, especially if you ever let paint dry in the aztek (buying new nozzles sucks). Good luck making your choice.

As far as I've read, the Testors Aztek doesn't have a very good reputation. I'm sure someone a lot more knowledgable than me will chime in, though.

Personally, I use a Paasche H single action that I've had for years. Like you, I veered away from modeling and recently returned (two small children pretty much necessitated a hobby I could pursue in fits and starts). The Paasche was a holdover from my old modeling days, and when I unpacked it it was caked with decade-old paint. Soaking the tip and needle in laquer thinner overnight knocked it all off, and now it sprays like a champ. Not necessarily the finest line or the greatest degree of control, but it's extremely rugged. Great workhorse airbrush.

I also recently picked up an Iwata HP-C Plus. Had a Badger Crescendo back in the day that pretty much set me running screaming from double-action brushes, but the Iwata is so smooth and so easy to clean (easier than the Paasche, even) that I've been converted back. 

I've found myself using the Iwata for the bulk of my painting, and pulling out the Paasche for the big jobs. Primer and clear coats and the like.

EDIT: My experience with the Crescendo was likely more a combination of user error and good old inexperience. It didn't work for me...at all...but your mileage may vary.

Dixie Art has a program that all Badgers have the shipping cost built in, or for free, depending on your mindset.

The Patriot is $73.50 delivered in the US, and is capable of just about anything modelers need.

I use a 20 year old Badger 150. I want to get a Badger Patriot with the top gravity feed cup, it's about $100.

I did get a new 1/8 hp compressor at Harbor Freight for $59. It's a good, quiet compressor with a regulator and water trap. I have done 2 kits with it and really like it.

Bob: As far as airbrushes go I've been using my Paasche H for over 30 years works as good now as when it was new. ACESES5

Almost forgot.  A little more information that might help anybody offering suggestions.  My modeling focus is primarily U.S. naval vessels (from P.T.s to battleships) of the WW 2 era.

Thanks again.

Bob