Purchasing New Air Brush

From what I've read here and in magazines, websites and other forums (believe me, I've been researching extensively, the list is as follows:

Paasche VL
Paasche H
Badger 150
..Aztek 470, but you probably already have one

On the high end...
Tamiya
IWATA

I'm buying an Aztec 470A & Paasche VL or H for starters, 'cos overall they're listed by all as good starter brushes.

Hope that helps.

This place needs a FAQ!! :D

When I first started, I had a Paasche H which requires two different motions for air and paint. I now have a VL, which controls both with one motion and found it easier to use after a little practice.

I used to swear by (and at) my Botch...er... Badgers. But since I got my hands on an Iwata....HOOBOY!

I've got the Eclipse, and it's a double-action. Double-actions are sometimes tough to get used to, even if you've used another d-a type before, but this was a sprayer's dream! It's also a gravity feed, so paint flow problems are a thing of the past. I took a buddy's Iwata for a test drive and just had to have it. It was so comfortable to initially get on and spray. Never had that easy a time before with a new brush.

They're more expensive than Pasche or Badger guns, but they're also more durable and hassle free. No stinkin' teflon bearings buried in the body, no maddeningly frustrating assembly/disassembly for cleaning. Not that the Badgers or Pasches are tough to take apart, the Iwata is just that much more simple. Though I admit, simplicity is a plus in Steve's Dungeon! LOL

Anyhoo, the slightly higher cost is worth it, if you're really into it and will be using it alot. Another brush that I've used and like is the Badger Sotar, or as I call it, the Zoltar airbrush. LOL HOWEVER, that's quite a bit more expensive than an Iwata Eclipse or any of the other "standards" that are out there for modelers.

The other important factor is your air supply. You can have the "greatest airbrush in the world", but if your air supply sux, it won't be worth a damn. So take that into consideration as well.

I suggest trying out a pal's, like I said, that's how I came to have the Eclipse. Plus it's just an excuse to hang out with your modelin' buds.

Fade to Black...

I use a Badger Crescendo. It has 3 tips and needles, plus small color cup. Got it at Michaels. The price was $110.00, but I had a 50% off coupon. What a steal. I love it.
Lee

QUOTE: Originally posted by midnightprowler I use a Badger Crescendo. It has 3 tips and needles, plus small color cup. Got it at Michaels. The price was $110.00, but I had a 50% off coupon. What a steal. I love it. Lee

WHAT!?!?!?!? [:0][:0] 50% COUPON!!?!?!? WHERE!!! GIVE!! PUHLEEEEZZZZ!!!!

Actually, I think it was 40% now that I think of it./ Still a good deal. Michaels usually has a ad in the Sunday paper, and they usually have a couple of coupons, 1 being a 40% off any 1 item coupon. I had one when I went to look at airbrushes, and there was no way I was going to pass up a gorgous double action for the price of a single action!!
Lee

i only got an aztec right now

QUOTE: Originally posted by midnightprowler Actually, I think it was 40% now that I think of it./ Still a good deal. Michaels usually has a ad in the Sunday paper, and they usually have a couple of coupons, 1 being a 40% off any 1 item coupon. I had one when I went to look at airbrushes, and there was no way I was going to pass up a gorgous double action for the price of a single action!! Lee

Thanks for the lead Lee....we bought a Badger 350...a decent starting brush (kit, actually), with everything we needed (included air canister) for $30! Thanks!

No problem Modelmann. Glad I could help. I was looking at the 350, but the wife said to go ahead and spend the extra 20 or so and get the better brush. Lucky guy I am. Enjoy it, I think you'll like it.
Lee

Single or double action???

Which one is better????

Or does it really depend on the person???


Ron

What is good for a first brush????


ron

It depends on what you are building. For single color subjects like cars, or single color aircraft, a single action will do just fine, but if you are going to do camo, etc, a double action would be better, as you can control both paint and air flow. Hope this helps. A Badger 350 would be a good first single action unit. I use a Badger Crescendo double action unit.
Lee

QUOTE: Originally posted by midnightprowler It depends on what you are building. For single color subjects like cars, or single color aircraft, a single action will do just fine, but if you are going to do camo, etc, a double action would be better, as you can control both paint and air flow. Hope this helps. A Badger 350 would be a good first single action unit. I use a Badger Crescendo double action unit. Lee

True....it's a starter brush for my son & I. I just won an E-bay auction with a 200-I & Badger 80 compressor...so we've two single-action to get started! The double-action is better, and permits a better control, but our needs are simple. Once we get kicking, we'll move up to a IWATA, most likely :D

QUOTE: Originally posted by ModelMann QUOTE: Originally posted by midnightprowler It depends on what you are building. For single color subjects like cars, or single color aircraft, a single action will do just fine, but if you are going to do camo, etc, a double action would be better, as you can control both paint and air flow. Hope this helps. A Badger 350 would be a good first single action unit. I use a Badger Crescendo double action unit. Lee True....it's a starter brush for my son & I. I just won an E-bay auction with a 200-I & Badger 80 compressor...so we've two single-action to get started! The double-action is better, and permits a better control, but our needs are simple. Once we get kicking, we'll move up to a IWATA, most likely :D

Paasche H is best. Its cheap and it lasts long and works really well.

I bought a Hansa 281 which is a combined double action.
Let me explain:
At first you will only get air when increasing the air flow the paint will start to flow.
So you have the advantages of double action without the difficulty of combining the airflow with the paint.
I like this system.

I agree with Midnightprowler on the Badger Crescendo. I also have a Paasche VL, and a Sotar for extremely fine work, but I use the Crescendo 80% of the time. I paid $60.00 for it and think for the price, it is well worth it.

For acrylic, I use an Iwata HP-C for coarse spraying, and a Badger 100SG for fine spraying. I have a SOTAR that I use for watercolor illustration; it works OK for very, very thin acrylic, but clogs somewhat easier than the 100SG.

-Neil

Buy your brush from Bearair.com. I got mine 30 dollars cheaper and it came with a video and brush cleaner.

I use a Badger Cresendo, it is GREAT!, 3 tips no waiting easy to clean. And if you are a big guy like me and have large hands it is user friendly!
MCCABER

ok, i was just on that bearair.com site,looking around... one question...... i noticed that many of the air brushes come in fine medium and large.... what does thi mean????

I just recieved my new Tamiya HG superfine airbrush ...the only thing I can say is wow!! I can paint a single rivit head with this baby ...write my name like it was a pen..now what else can I say ...I think I'm in love !! ...going back to practice some more before I try it on my Karl!!

Richard

I definitely think I need to try something besides the Aztec. Not too happy with it. But hey, at least it's warm enough to paint outside most days now.