Purchasing a first airbrush and accessories - HELP!

In my personal opinion, the Badger Patriot meets your criteria for an airbrush.  It's sturdy, very easy to clean and maintain, will paint from fine lines to medium coverage, and Badger has excellent support.  There is a review on my website.

Don

Do you have a Michaels store near you?

http://michaels.shoplocal.com/michaels/default.aspx?action=entryflash&noredirect=y

Friend,

 I would recomend an Iwata on the grounds that you mentioned "you did not want to replace it real soon". These airbrushes have a lifetime warrenty. Another name to look at is GREX, they offer a whole line of high quality, inovative products.

As for the compressor, Harbor Freight is currently selling a Central Pneumatics, 3 Gallon - 100 psi , oilless pancake compressor for $39.99 - reg. price $74.99. I don't think you will find something you can use any less expensive than this. This set up would benefit from a moisture trap but this will not break the bank.

I friend has purchased this compressor and it is working well for him. He is an excellent modeller and a serious critic so his trial with this compressor holds some weight.

I hope this is helpfull. Let me know if I can help in any other way.

Vaw,

I have an Iwata Eclipse HC-CS paired with an Iwata Silver Jet compessor.  I haven't been able to use it too much since I bought it, but so far I've been very satisfied.  The compressor is really quiet and so far has given me all the power I need.  The airbrush itself is easy to clean and well made.  Should last for many years.  I got mine from Coast Airbrush Products and their customer service and delivery time were first rate.  I'd do business with them again for sure.

I hope this helps a bit.

Bob

Thanks everyone! I have spoked to Coast who actually recommended the Iwata HP-CS with the SmartJet. The SmartJet's a bit expensive though. The cheapie from Harbor Freight seems to get recommended a lot, but can one adjust the pressure with that one? And does one need a tank with it? How about noise on that one?

vaw1975

Thanks everyone! I have spoked to Coast who actually recommended the Iwata HP-CS with the SmartJet. The SmartJet's a bit expensive though. The cheapie from Harbor Freight seems to get recommended a lot, but can one adjust the pressure with that one? And does one need a tank with it? How about noise on that one?

 

Coast pushes Iwata pretty hard. I recommend Badger airbrushes personally.

They also have a lifetime warranty and the best customer service in the business.

The Badger 105 Patriot will do everything the Japanese airbrushes will do and for less money!

Hey Marine Sniper,

I've heard that cleaning the Badger 105, one really needs to disassemble the airbrush, whereas Iwata recommends not to. Any comments?

VW

vaw1975

Hey Marine Sniper,

I've heard that cleaning the Badger 105, one really needs to disassemble the airbrush, whereas Iwata recommends not to. Any comments?

VW

That is not true. All airbrushes are the same and I do not recommend breaking them down each time you clean them. Some people disassemble every time they clean them and that is fine if you want to do that, but doing so is really unnecessary and increases the chance of damaging the needle and tip. A thorough cleaning and back flushing works on all of them and I only disassemble mine every 5th or 6th time I paint with them to clean them more thorough.

vaw1975

Hey Marine Sniper,

I've heard that cleaning the Badger 105, one really needs to disassemble the airbrush, whereas Iwata recommends not to. Any comments?

VW

You can physically get at every part of the Patriot that touches paint just by removing the head.  And, it's finger tight.  The head itself doesn't need cleaning except maybe a brush with thinner on the front to remove back splash.  The tip falls out and can be wiped out with a piece of paper towel.  A rolled piece of towel will also fit in the channel from the front to the cup.  The needle pulls out the back without any dis-assembly.   I do this routine every time because I'm a clean freak with my brushes, and it takes less than 5 minutes.  But, the Badger 105 manual says you don't need to.  I seriously doubt that there is an internal mix airbrush that is easier to clean.

Don

PS.  Did the people at Coast tell you that?

vaw1975

Hey Marine Sniper,

I've heard that cleaning the Badger 105, one really needs to disassemble the airbrush, whereas Iwata recommends not to. Any comments?

VW

I have the Badger 105F (F for fine needle) and the Iwata Eclipse HP-CS. They both have the drop-in self-centered type nozzle which makes them easy to clean. I don't see one over the other in this regard. The information you got is NOT true.

The difference is in the feel and control of the airbrush. The Iwata is quite a bit heavier. The biggest difference is the control of the trigger. Iwata has a long taper needle which gives the control a long and gentle stroke. The Badger has a short taper and double cone needle which allows quick release of paint to cover a larger area quicker. The badger is also more tolerant of paint thinning due to the larger nozzle tip. With the Iwata, you will have to thin the paint more and use light, misty spray in multiple layer to get the same solid coating.

Personally, I prefer the Iwata type control and feel. Besides, I can get replacement parts for the Iwata locally at Hobby Lobby at very good price.

But I also know some modeler on this forum prefer the Badger type trigger control.

vaw1975

Thanks everyone! I have spoked to Coast who actually recommended the Iwata HP-CS with the SmartJet. The SmartJet's a bit expensive though. The cheapie from Harbor Freight seems to get recommended a lot, but can one adjust the pressure with that one? And does one need a tank with it? How about noise on that one?

The Harbor  Freight compressor is so much cheaper, it may be worth a gamble. But make sure to get their highest powered airbrush compressor which should give you enough pressure for the Iwata. It has been reported here as being very quiet. However, the long term durability is a big unknown.

You may also want to look into the BearAir 1000 or 2000 compressor. Cheaper than the Iwata, but has solid reputation and tested by FSM.

You get what you pay for.

keilau

 

 

The information you got is NOT true.

Come on Keilau, this is MikeV .

Marine Sniper

I've heard that cleaning the Badger 105, one really needs to disassemble the airbrush, whereas Iwata recommends not to. Any comments?

keilau: 

The information you got is NOT true.

Come on Keilau, this is MikeV .

I expect MikeV to use a F-15 Eagle for signature, not a F/A-18.

keilau

 

Marine Sniper:

 

I've heard that cleaning the Badger 105, one really needs to disassemble the airbrush, whereas Iwata recommends not to. Any comments?

keilau: 

The information you got is NOT true.

Come on Keilau, this is MikeV .

 

 

I expect MikeV to use a F-15 Eagle for signature, not a F/A-18.

Look closer my friend that is a Group Build badge.

Marine Sniper

Do you have a Michaels store near you?

http://michaels.shoplocal.com/michaels/default.aspx?action=entryflash&noredirect=y

Michaels has some older model Badger airbrushes and the diaphragm driven compressors. Not much for those we are talking about here.

Search for Badger at Michaels.

Thanks again for all the suggestions. I was just about ready to order the Iwata Eclipse HP-CS today when I read about the Harder Steenbeck Infinity..... A much more expensive brush but also no negative comments anywhere. Someone who reviewed it said he had endless trouble with an Iwata Eclipse. Now what to make if that? Is the H&S Infinity overkill for an occasional modeler?

Vivian

For an occasional modeler I'd probably stick with the Badger Patriot 105. For the price, you really can't go wrong. The airbrush has a solid feel, and excellent spray characteristics. Coupled with the fact that you don't really even need to disassemble it to clean it, spells win-win to me. I've been using mine for about 4-5 short to long painting sessions thus far, and the brush is consistent, with no issues whatsoever. I think the next time I will actually take it apart to clean it, but I already did it once just to familiarize myself with the brush, and honestly, it took 10 minutes on a first try, to take it apart, and put it back together again, all of it done with no requirement of any additional tools except your hand.

If you are a bit more anal and wish to remove the needle each time, you can do so without taking the brush apart, clean it, and slide it back in, in about a minute flat.

My recommendation would be to look at the H&S Evolution Silverline instead of the Infinity. Same brush, but the Infinity is a lot more expensive.

The Iwata HP-CS is very reliable. If somebody has had a lot of problem with it, I would say it is user related.

I've got a 30-year-old Badger 350 that is still going strong.  It's easy to use and easy to clean.  I've got both medium and fine nozzles that can handle most situations.

I started off using canned air (expensive) and a spare tire (inconvenient) as air sources, but soon purchased a Badger reciprocating compressor that still works well after 30 years.

I bought a internal mix Badger 150 about a year ago, but really haven't used it much yet.

Mark 

denstore

My recommendation would be to look at the H&S Evolution Silverline instead of the Infinity. Same brush, but the Infinity is a lot more expensive.

The Iwata HP-CS is very reliable. If somebody has had a lot of problem with it, I would say it is user related.

Second on both counts.

I have both the Iwata HP-CS and H&S Silverliner and like both. I still use the Iwata for most of my modeling task.

3rd on the Harder & Steenbeck brushes.

As has been said, if you like the look / spec of the Infinity, but them numbers are difficult to justify - you should seriously consider the Evolution. The standard Evolution costs even less than the Evolution Silverline again & retains the same core components of the Infinity. Other than the attractive, cut out rear end & paint volume control, they differ little. Needles from 0.15 > 0.6mm are available, as well a paint cups from 2 > 100ml.

H&S brushes really are well built & simplicity to strip & clean. OK, I am slightly biased - but its all true. 

I know this is an old thread.  A friend sent it to me sometime ago and I never really got a chance to do a proper related post to clarify some of the mis-information presented here, and of course blow my company's horn a little.

Despite the tardiness of my post I am hopeful this may serve to accurately benefit others who are new to the craft of finescale model finishing and have the same question as the initial poster.

Anyhow, here goes.

1.  I know of only one airbrush manufacturer who has a lifetime warranty.  They are also the only exclusively American manufactured airbrush producer.  Yes it is Badger.  Badger has a lifetime warranty and anyone who has had cause to take us up on it will testify to its legitimaticy. http://www.badgerairbrush.com/Service-Supprt.asp

Iwata has a 5 year warranty and an automotic $25 clean up and diagnostic charge. http://www.iwata-medea.com/index.php/support/iwata_warranty/

(Badger has no charge to check out your airbrush or for that matter to clean and refurbish it back to proper working condition)

HS has a 10 year limited warranty, which I could not find details on their website, so I cannot speak on the details or the limits of it.  I have had numerous users tell me they could not find out where to get their airbrush serviced when they needed to, so it sits out of commission.  

2. You do not need to disassemble your airbrush to clean it if you follow proper cleaning procedure.  This is for any airbrush.  Badger's cleaning recommendation is here. http://www.badgerairbrush.com/PDF/airbrush101printfinal.pdf

3.  Badger, Iwata, and HS all make high quality products.  They all also have various levels of performance addressed in their product lines.  Detail-wise, there are infinitys and HPs and Renegades, - General purpose-wise their are eclipses, evolutions, and Patriots.  Arguably in each category Badger's American Made airbrushes are more affordable (another consideration for new airbrushers).  Yes, you often get what you pay for, but with reputable products the best is not always the most expensive.  Of all of the airbrushes that are recommendable to a new airbrusher, like the poster of this thread, only one of them has a lifetime warranty and the ability to support and stand behind its product with absolute American manufacturer integrity.  To the new airbrush user this is a critical difference.  Experienced airbrushers usually have less cause to be as concerned about the service and support aspects as the "newbies" do - it's a logical fact of the matter.  I know hundreds of high end, experienced, talented, contests award winning Badger airbrush users - they don't use Badger now because of our service and support - they use Badger now  because of the reliability of our products and thier confidence in it.  The same is true for experienced Iwata and HS users.  To the contrary, the new user needs an abundance of product support, and it should be a factor in his deciding which airbrush he chooses.  In that regard, I don't care what any Badger naysayer Iwata cheerleader says, Badger is unequaled.

I don't get here that often, so if you want to argue with me about my Badger ownership related, supported by fact, opinions, please feel free to email me directly at kenbadger@badgerthayer.com

vaw1975

Thanks again for all the suggestions. I was just about ready to order the Iwata Eclipse HP-CS today when I read about the Harder Steenbeck Infinity..... A much more expensive brush but also no negative comments anywhere. Someone who reviewed it said he had endless trouble with an Iwata Eclipse. Now what to make if that? Is the H&S Infinity overkill for an occasional modeler?

Vivian

What did you get after all? Would you let us know.

I was torn between Badger and Iwata Eclipse but in the end went for the Iwata Eclipse HP-CS since amazon sold it for just $93.51. I got the SmartJet compressor from them for $208. Both free shipping and no sales tax! Now if I can just get myself to fire it up and try it. Have never airbrushed before. I think I am a little afraid of the fumes and the mess so I need to make a plan about a spraybooth.

Try it out with some ink or water with food coloring, no fumes and clean up with water.  Spray on some paper towels.  You won't have to worry about thinning.  Do some doodles.  Write your name.  Practice shading. Try different air pressures.   It's the best way to get a feel for the airbrush.

Don

vaw1975

I was torn between Badger and Iwata Eclipse but in the end went for the Iwata Eclipse HP-CS since amazon sold it for just $93.51. I got the SmartJet compressor from them for $208. Both free shipping and no sales tax! Now if I can just get myself to fire it up and try it. Have never airbrushed before. I think I am a little afraid of the fumes and the mess so I need to make a plan about a spraybooth.

Don Wheeler

Try it out with some ink or water with food coloring, no fumes and clean up with water.  Spray on some paper towels.  You won't have to worry about thinning.  Do some doodles.  Write your name.  Practice shading. Try different air pressures.   It's the best way to get a feel for the airbrush.

Don

I started with Paasche H 20 years ago. For a long time, I took it out only when I absolutely have to. I have 6 airburshes now starting in 2008. For the last 5 AB, I did what Don Wheeler suggested. I use fountain pen black inks. They are cheap and easy to clean. Nothing works better to bring confidence to handling the AB than practice.

It usually take 4-5 times playing with water and ink before I feel comfortable with the AB's balance in my hand and the trigger action.

I still do not have a spraybooth. So I stick with acrylic paints. For larger job, I paint outdoor on a calm, sunny day.

Hello vaw

I may be bucking the general consensus here, but I have been using a Pashe single action airbrush for 25+ years. It works well and is very easy to clean. I also have a Pashe double action, but this is a bit more difficult to clean.

Cannot offer any advise on the compressor as mine was built by a friend that works for Air Products.

Best of luck with the purchase and the modelling rediscovery.........

I purchased the 3 gallon compressor from Harbor Freight and it works great for me.  It has two guages on it.  One is the preassure in the tank and the other the preasure in the hose.  It has a knob to adjust the pressure in the hose from 5psi on up.  I've been experimenting with the pressure and the paints to determine what works best for specific painting needs, since I'm new to airbrushing.  I will eventually purchast the Iwata Custom Micron CM-SB for the small detail and blending I want to put into the figure models I'm working with.

Craig D

i guess you made a purchase already, but i still like to share my experience.

i have a badger 150, 3 iwatas, passche vl, master g22, passche vl is the worst and ended up spraying coarse primers only. everyones is correct---badger has the best customer service, cheap and abundant parts, so cant go wrong with badger, iwata is more expensive, but high quality and high precision made, if use properly you probably dont have to replace any parts for very long time. i only replaced a needle in 10 years for 3 of mine because i dropped it on the floor, otherwise its probably good for another 10years. one thing that nobody mentioned, it may not applied to all badgers but at least to mine is when i push down and pull the trigger, the way it is designed will some how rub against the needle, making the needle not perfectly centered when pull back, where as iwatas, the triggers are perfectly sit and stablized, and thus no needle wobbling. to me it doesnt have that much impact because i am spraying models, but what it does is it will accumulate more paint on one side of nozzle cap, if i dont clean it up ofter, it will spit and which is not good. in this case even my made in china master g22 does a better job than the badger 150 i think having a needle not perfectly centered when pulling back has a bigger impact on fine detail work and art work. this problem is totally a design issue and iwata should have alot of credit for such a precision design and i hope badger have fixed on the newer models. the average badgers are around $100, and iwatas are around $170, i am not sure how important that extra money to you. to me i like my iwatas more because of that feeling when pulling the trigger and the feeling of that material when its in your hand.