What airbrush should I buy?

Don't but second-hand, you don't want to inherit someone elses' problem!

Spend a bit more on a new a/b with a 5 yr warranty.

Google Iwata Neo, a new a/b designed by Iwata, but made by a subsidiary, about UKP£47 / USD$70

or Premi Air G35, about UKP£42.50 /  USD$77.00

modeler#1

Hi,guys

I need to find a sutible replacment for my Aztek A470. I would prefer it to be metalic rather than plastic and around the price range of 30-50$. It needs to be easy to clean and I don't care if it's dual or single action.

The Aztek airbrush is unique in its design. If you like the A470, buy another metallic Aztek. If not, what you don't like about it?

The A470 is not an ideal airbrush. But it will be difficult to find one for under $50 in Canada that can match the A470 in allowing as much control of airbrushing. I cannot see you go back to an external mix, single action airbrush from it.

If you want an improvement over the Aztek, save a little more and get a good Iwata model. The Eclipse HP-CS is my favorite.

Badger Patriot 105.

Italian Starfighter

Badger Patriot 105.

I agree. The best overall airbrush out in my opinion.

ok, I was going to start a thread asking the same questions - I have an Aztec airbrush which works really well for general stuff - now that I have the hang of my compressor and the psi control (first and foremost you need a pressure regulator, wish I had that 20 years ago).  I keep hearing the Iwata is the best, but which one?  Once my wife gives me my allowance cost shouldnt be an issue - just want one that does general work and will do fine lines - still trying to get that part down.  What about the new green handled airbrush with the grip (sorry the name escapes me).  Anyone out there tried both and could comment?  Ready for a good upgrade, thanks all

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Irish3335

ok, I was going to start a thread asking the same questions - I have an Aztec airbrush which works really well for general stuff - now that I have the hang of my compressor and the psi control (first and foremost you need a pressure regulator, wish I had that 20 years ago).  I keep hearing the Iwata is the best, but which one?  Once my wife gives me my allowance cost shouldnt be an issue - just want one that does general work and will do fine lines - still trying to get that part down.  What about the new green handled airbrush with the grip (sorry the name escapes me).  Anyone out there tried both and could comment?  Ready for a good upgrade, thanks all

This recent thread at ARC should answer most of your questions and more. If not, do a search on specific brand of airbrush here. Or just scroll down the topics page and you will see several thread on related topics. The "green handled airbrush with the grip" is Grex.

The choice of an airbrush is very personal. I have the Iwata, Harder & Steenbeck and Badger. Any can work well for modelers depending on your need and perference. In my biased opinion, the Iwata Eclipse HP-CS is the best value for modeler because I can get it and spares cheap at local Hobby Lobby. It is NOT necessarily the best airbrush and definitely NOT the best Iwata.

Before you decide, hold the airbrushes in your hand and try the trigger, feel the balance. You should be able to tell which you like best. I also look inside the airbrush and pull out the needle to examine the finish. A smooth nickel/chrome finish makes it more durable and easier to clean, and also an indication of workmanship. It is NOT for look only.

I don't mean to steal the thread, but any thoughts about compressors?  From everyone's comments in this thread and other threads it seems that there are many good alternatives for 1st time airbrush buyers at low costs (seems like it is pretty easy to find an quality airbrush as low as $50 (Badger 105, etc.) but it seems like compressors are where the price hit comes into play.  Most recommended compressors seem to cost $150 and up.  Can anyone recommend a compressor in the $50-$100 range (with regulator, regulator gauge, moisture trap, hose, etc.) that has the quality of say a badger 105 brush?

LeeB

I don't mean to steal the thread, but any thoughts about compressors?  From everyone's comments in this thread and other threads it seems that there are many good alternatives for 1st time airbrush buyers at low costs (seems like it is pretty easy to find an quality airbrush as low as $50 (Badger 105, etc.) but it seems like compressors are where the price hit comes into play.  Most recommended compressors seem to cost $150 and up.  Can anyone recommend a compressor in the $50-$100 range (with regulator, regulator gauge, moisture trap, hose, etc.) that has the quality of say a badger 105 brush?

Your standard is not very high so it is possible to get a cheap one at $50-100. See this recent thread on this forum on compressor.

But just like airbrush, I would recommend the new comers to save a little more and go for the quality stuff. If you like Badger, the $125 Renegade Krome is at a much higher quality point than the $60 Patriot. Most cheaper airbrush will work fine, but higher quality airbrush for modelers are at the $100-150 price range.

The cheapie made-in-China compressor are improving in quality in recent years. Major US airbrush manufacturers are puting their label on those compressors, but the long term reliability is still waiting to be proved. Also, you will see the price of those compressors go up 2-5 times when they get a major brand label. At that price point, I would rather pay for the proven manufacturer such as Sparmax which also sold as Revell (Europe only) or Iwata. 

There are too many "Ba and Ma" shop manufacturers in China and the workmanship varies widely. Unfortunately, there is no database to find out what factory the compressor comes from that are sold by US sellers.

If you decide to go with one of these under $100 compressor, get one with the auto-on-off and the off setting at 60 psi or 4 bar or higher. They use metric system in China and pressure is measured in bar unit. Let us know what you find.

Hi,obviouslly i suggest Patriot 105 for the badget .I have three airbrushes:Patriot 105 for large areas,acrylics metallic,trasparent,same kind of primers ( mr 1200 thinned with acetone...).

Badger Renegade Velocity duse 0'2 & 0'3 :every kind of work super fine ,mottled,italian "smoke rings",pre and post shading.Super atomization colour.A great airbrush at low cost.

Iwata HP-SBS HP Plus duse 0'2 :like the Velocity but more control on trigger and very low pressure work.....

In practise i use all my airbrush...........For you a good choice can be:Badger Renegade Velocity (duse 0'2),plus the duse 0'3 (.....also the needle and aircap..) .But the last thing, the compressor, is more important .....it must have  a tank (more is big......), the pressure regulator,the moisture trap........................Ciao Enrico.

P.S.Excuse me for my bad English........

P.S.II For a compressor in the 50-100 $ range you can see those for bricolage 25 liters of tank......but very noisy........and without a moisture trap (but this isn't a problem ....)

I use two brands, one a gravity feed and the other two siphon feed.

Gravity feed = PAASCHE TALON

Siphon feed = VEGA 2000  -  PAASCHE H

I use them for deferent tasks. The three are great but my favourite is PAASCHE TALON, with this one you can make overall painting and also it´s fantastic for very fine detail.

i was happy with my talon till got my hp-cr. the talon is large. haha

don't get me wrong the talon is an awesome brush but i got small hands so the iwata fits in well. i like the feel of the trigger. real easy to clean the also. paasche needles seem to bend easy though. 

all theses companies make awesome products. it all comes down to personal preference. 

Buy the one from China...

modeler#1

Hi,guys

I need to find a sutible replacment for my Aztek A470. I would prefer it to be metalic rather than plastic and around the price range of 30-50$. It needs to be easy to clean and I don't care if it's dual or single action.

See THIS link: http://www.harborfreight.com/deluxe-airbrush-kit-95810.html , and don't let anyone talk you out of it. This is a very good airbrush, it can't be beat for the price. Right in your price range, too.

And don't forget the hose: http://www.harborfreight.com/10-ft-braided-nylon-airbrush-hose-95813.html

ModelNerd

modeler#1:

Hi,guys

I need to find a sutible replacment for my Aztek A470. I would prefer it to be metalic rather than plastic and around the price range of 30-50$. It needs to be easy to clean and I don't care if it's dual or single action.

 

See THIS link: http://www.harborfreight.com/deluxe-airbrush-kit-95810.html , and don't let anyone talk you out of it. This is a very good airbrush, it can't be beat for the price. Right in your price range, too.

And don't forget the hose: http://www.harborfreight.com/10-ft-braided-nylon-airbrush-hose-95813.html

Yes, it is metallic and under $30. But why not stick with the Aztek A470? It is zero dollar.

ok, seeing a lot of good comments on the Iwata, but which is the best model?  I have been practicing with my Aztec doing the thin lines, but I am looking to do the reaallly thin lines- Aztec is nice for general work, but even with the "fine" tip, it does not get down very small.  I really like the gravity feed cup built into the top, which double action is the best with this feature?  Started out with the badger single action, and went to the double action later (emphasis on "Bad" in Badger).  Aztec is a great starter airbrush, but ready to move up again.  Thanks again

Irish3335

 Started out with the badger single action, and went to the double action later (emphasis on "Bad" in Badger).

Are you saying Badger airbrushes are "bad?"

It ain't the airbrush, it's the user.  Buy what seems good to you.  Don't rely on these people.  Use your common sense.

GreenThumb

 

Italian Starfighter:

 

Badger Patriot 105.

 

 

I agree. The best overall airbrush out in my opinion.

  Ditto. That's the one I'm planning on buying soon. There's others cheaper to be sure but sometimes you get what you pay for. 

.........I started with Badger 150...I loved it ,I thinked can do everything............after 10 years I bought a Badger Renegade Velocity......well,I 've sold my badger 150 and  I also have  buy a Badger Patriot 105 (for general use).At the end I 've also buy a Iwata HP-SBS Plus................What you pay you have...........

P.S.The Patriot 105 is a very versatile airbrush......at low cost........Enrico.

Italian Starfighter

.........I started with Badger 150...I loved it ,I thinked can do everything............after 10 years I bought a Badger Renegade Velocity......well,I 've sold my badger 150 and  I also have  buy a Badger Patriot 105 (for general use).At the end I 've also buy a Iwata HP-SBS Plus................What you pay you have...........

P.S.The Patriot 105 is a very versatile airbrush......at low cost........Enrico.

Enrico, I am very curious about what the Patriot 105 can do that your Renegade Velocity will not do?

This thread started out as Irish3335 wanting a "really fine line" airbrush to supplement his general purpose Aztek. I believe that he meant a detailed airbrush with minimum overspray. It will allow him more freehand details. I think that either the Badger Krome or SOTAR 20/20 may fit the bill.

If he does not want Badger for whatever reason, the Harder & Steenbech Infinity or Revolution are good choice too. Some may say it is the user, not the airbrush. That may be true for very skillful modelers. For most, the airbrush makes a huge difference in what he can do with ease.

Irish3335

ok, seeing a lot of good comments on the Iwata, but which is the best model?  I have been practicing with my Aztec doing the thin lines, but I am looking to do the reaallly thin lines- Aztec is nice for general work, but even with the "fine" tip, it does not get down very small.  I really like the gravity feed cup built into the top, which double action is the best with this feature?  Started out with the badger single action, and went to the double action later (emphasis on "Bad" in Badger).  Aztec is a great starter airbrush, but ready to move up again.  Thanks again

stay away from the Neo. theres really no best Iwata in my eyes. it depends on what your doing with it. i find my HP-CR to do almost anything i want. fine to large coverage. if you want real fine detail then you'll want the HP-CS. for the price you can't go wrong with the HP-CR.

@Keilau:for example you can't spray a primer like Mr surfacer 500 (acetone thinned...),or if you want a large coverage ,or if you want to spray same metallic paints named Flakes...............Anyway everyone can choose the airbrush that prefers........but to make a good choice he should try pratically the airbrushes.......they are work tools and their estetic should be the last thing to look at.I like the Badger for their low cost and good quality,even if there are several airbrush very good,like Harder,Efbe,Grex,De Vilbiss,Paashe,Richpen,Iwata..................the sea is very big........Ciao Enrico.

P.S.I haven't understand your previous post,but you are comparing a Sotar20\20 with a Iwata revolution while you should compare the Sotar 20\20 to a Iwata Custom micron.........!!!!!!!!!Finally if he needs a detail airbrush the  Arbour Freight can't  be the right choice............................?He necessarily look at those airbrushes over 100$(very over..........) or he can choice a super economic China-clone.

Italian Starfighter

P.S. I haven't understand your previous post,but you are comparing a Sotar20\20 with a Iwata revolution while you should compare the Sotar 20\20 to a Iwata Custom micron.........!!!!!!!!!

You need to read my post correctly.

I mentioned the Badger Krome and the H&S Evolution both of which are 0.2 mm nozzle. I have them and know what they can do. Both are about $120 and a good detail AB for modeling. I do not have a SOTAR 20/20 which is similar in price and nozzle size. Thus, comparable. In fact, the light weight and small cup of the SOTAR is designed for detail work.

The only Iwata I have is the HP-CS with the 0.35 mm nozzle. It is not usually considered a ultra fine line AB. It is my go to AB for general modeling task.  I do not have the Custom Micro and cannot imagine it for modeling work, too expensive.

The Badger Renegade Velocity is very similar to the Krome and a good detailed AB. I don't have it. I have the Patriot 105 fine needle which is definitely NOT a detail AB.

p.s. I just noticed my typo on the H&S.

keilau

 I have the Patriot 105 fine needle which is definitely NOT a detail AB.

That depends on whose hand is wielding the airbrush and what you consider "detail" I suppose.

@Keilau:I agree with you, a detail airbrush must have a fine tip (0'18-0'23)......but if sameone can do the same work with a Patriot 105 (that I love....) i say:Bravo.Hi all.Enrico

Italian Starfighter

@Keilau:I agree with you, a detail airbrush must have a fine tip (0'18-0'23)......but if sameone can do the same work with a Patriot 105 (that I love....) i say:Bravo.Hi all.Enrico

With some practice you can airbrush practically anything you will ever need for modeling with an airbrush in the class of the Patriot 105. The high priced Japanese airbrushes designed for artists and automotive airbrush work is total overkill for this hobby for the most part.

GreenThumb

keilau:

 I have the Patriot 105 fine needle which is definitely NOT a detail AB.

 

That depends on whose hand is wielding the airbrush and what you consider "detail" I suppose.

 

It does not matter which airbrush I use. I will not paint as well as MikeV, yet, period. (And may be never)

As I said before, for the less skillful, some airbrushes are more helpful than the other. It is NOT completely subjective.

wow, I really stuck a stick in the hornets nest - suppose its like asking which car was the finest muscle car of the 60's (71 hemicuda, but I digress).  Thanks for all your suggestions, I at least have a driection to go in