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What airbrush to choose

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  • Member since
    November 2005
What airbrush to choose
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, February 29, 2004 6:14 PM
I have a aztec 470 but am looking for somthing a bit better. I have recently bought a few 1/48 german wwii aircraft after building only 1/35 scale armor. I am looking for an airbrush which can paint the tiny mottles on these aircraft. What airbrush can do this and is affordable.

Nick
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, February 29, 2004 6:16 PM
One other thing, how do you regulate air pressure. I've read that this is required to make thin lines.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Hayward, CA
Posted by MikeV on Sunday, February 29, 2004 6:22 PM
Nick,

I think the best bet for your money is a Badger airbrush. Wink [;)]
How much are you wanting to spend as there are several models that will do what you want including the Anthem, 360, Omni and Vega models?

In regards to regulating the air pressure, you need to buy a regulator which allows you control over the air pressure.

Mike

Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom. " Charles Spurgeon
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, February 29, 2004 6:28 PM
mike I want an airbrush for less or around 100$.

Thanks
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Hayward, CA
Posted by MikeV on Sunday, February 29, 2004 6:41 PM
All of the Omni's and Badgers would be under that price range except for the Badger 360. Do you want a gravity-feed model or a siphon-feed?

Mike

Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom. " Charles Spurgeon
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, March 1, 2004 2:14 PM
Mike, I'm looking for a gravity-feed i've head that these are beater for detail
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Hayward, CA
Posted by MikeV on Monday, March 1, 2004 7:54 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by Fisch90

Mike, I'm looking for a gravity-feed i've head that these are beater for detail


That is debatable as all airbrush types can spray fine detail without a problem. Wink [;)]
They are a good choice for modeling as they are a little easier to clean than a siphon-feed and they tend to spray easy at low pressures, although I think siphon-feed's do too most of the time.
If you want a gravity-feed then I would go with the Omni 4000 if I were you.
It has a nice feel, sprays great and has a good sized 1/3 oz cup on it with a lid.

Shoot me an email if you want to buy it mail order as I can direct you to a good Badger direct connection with a pretty good discount.

Mike

Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom. " Charles Spurgeon
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, March 2, 2004 4:21 PM
MIke,

will the Omni 4000 work with my aztec air hose or should i get another airhose. If so do i need new fittings to attach the badger hose to my compressor.

Nick
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, March 2, 2004 8:40 PM
I bought a Badger airhose for my Omni, and it had all of the correct fittings. But my Aztek hose and the airbrush was one assembly, so I'm not too sure if yours will work....you may need to get an adapter.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Hayward, CA
Posted by MikeV on Tuesday, March 2, 2004 9:37 PM
Nick,

The Omni airbrush does not fit on the Aztec airhose so you will need a Badger airhose. I like the 8' model with the quick connects.
The Badger airhose uses a standard 1/4" NPT fitting so if your compressor has that fitting on it there will be no problems.

Mike

Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom. " Charles Spurgeon
  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: The Hoosier State
Posted by plasticmod992 on Tuesday, March 2, 2004 10:03 PM
Fisch90,

I'd agree with MikeV that for the money Badger is a good choice, however if you want "THE BEST" gravity-feed, double action airbrush, I'd have to recommend the Iwata Eclipse HP-CS. Heres why: the most noticeable performance feature of the Iwata Eclipse HP-CS apart from other airbrushes I've used is it's ability to produce truely excellent atomization of hobby paint; from acrylics to laquers. When it comes down to it modelers want the airbrush to do as advertised right out of the box...the HP-CS does this and other Eclipse users will agree, I'm sure. From fine line detail for 1/27nd scale German WWII mottling, camo-outlining , to broad areas and single colors, the HP-CS can do it right the first time. When the paint hits the models surface modelers want the spray pattern to be softly faded without splatteres and specks. While these problems are common with any airbrush...the HP-CS; due in large part to its nozzle/ needle design minimizes this. Sure the Iwata Eclipse HP-CS is a bit more expensive, at approx $105.99 at www.dixieart.com, but In my opinion it will more than pay for it'self in the way it performs and untimately in the supurb finishes you'll begin to produce for your models- you never thought possible. It's not magic, or a secret modelers trick in how they tweek the airbrush, but simple some airbrushes are engineered better than others and more suitable for different media and tasks. The Iwata Eclipse HP-CS, BS, and original Eclipse (bottom-feed) are in my opinion a "modelers airbrush". High quality, durability, user-friendly, and just pure performance. We modelers are very discerning about the acuracy, realism, and believability of our scale finishes...give your models the best! A excellent runner-up would be the Omni 6000. It performs just about as well as the Eclipse in all areas and it is very versitle..a big plus! So there you have it...just my 2 cents.
Greg Williams Owner/ Manager Modern Hobbies LLC Indianapolis, IN. IPMS #44084
  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: The Hoosier State
Posted by plasticmod992 on Tuesday, March 2, 2004 10:07 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by plasticmod992

Fisch90,
From fine line detail for 1/27nd scale German WWII mottling, camo-outlining , to broad areas and single colors, the HP-CS can do it right the first time.


That is 1/72nd scale, type-o.
Greg Williams Owner/ Manager Modern Hobbies LLC Indianapolis, IN. IPMS #44084
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, March 3, 2004 2:06 AM
Yes, I've noticed that the Eclipse has much better atomization of the paint for a given air pressure compare to my Badger, but I'm able to control my Badger better than my Eclipse right now. The trigger feels better on my Badger.

As for getting Fisch90 getting a better airbrush. I think you can just practice the German camo job with your Aztek unless you are really having problems using it. That's a skill you can take with you when you do get another airbrush.
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, March 3, 2004 4:57 AM


Hi there,

I need double action airbrush for fine detail for 1/72 and 1/144 scale model so please inform me for model that you suggested for better quality for my require to make fine detail and tiny lines.
If you can make two choice of models first in range of 150$ for less or around and second for models up to 150$ to 300$
Also please suggested to me model of air compressor and model of air pressure regulator and good connection for mail order.
Waiting for your prompt respond on my requirement.
With thanks in advance,

  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Stockton CA USA
Posted by roosterfish on Wednesday, March 3, 2004 12:39 PM
Welcome to the club, Teona!

All airbrushes with the correct size larger needle will spray a fine line. Do not make a mistake and get an AB with a smaller needle made for spraying watercolors or you will have a headache of sputtering and clog problems. A .4 or .5 mm nozzle/needle size would work very well.

The best airbrush to make fine lines is not the airbrush but the operator. Do a lot of practice on a "junk" model to see how fine and consistent you can make the airbrush work.

Iwata makes superb quality ABs like the Revolution HP-CR for modeling. Thayer & Chandler (Badger) makes the Omni series and Badger makes the Model 360 that work almost as well at a cheaper price and cheaper parts.

For the air compressor I do not go cheap on. I use an extremely quiet Silentaire 20A and it is not cheap at about $370 or more. But it will last a lifetime...or two.

How much do you want to spend for a compressor and airbrush?

Winners never quit; quitters never win.
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, March 3, 2004 4:02 PM
Is the Iwata Eclipse HP-CS that much better than the omni 4000. Is the eclipse really worth 40 dollors more than the 4000.
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, March 3, 2004 4:04 PM
what is the difference between the omni line. 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000.
  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Stockton CA USA
Posted by roosterfish on Wednesday, March 3, 2004 4:30 PM
If I didn't tell anyone which airbrush I used to paint a model then no one would know the difference between the Iwata or the Omni. You would have to look very hard, magnifying glass hard, to see a smoother difference. And the difference could be negated by the skill, or lack of skill, of the operator.

Either one will do the job quite well.

The difference between the Omnis are basically the size of the paint cups. And the Omni 6000 has the side cups. Check out this page:

http://www.dixieart.com/Omni.html
Winners never quit; quitters never win.
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Midwest US
Posted by balta1 on Wednesday, March 3, 2004 5:51 PM
I'm not an airbrush expert but I have been using the Badger 350 and 150 for years and I've been very happy with the results.
Just recently after hearing many people talk about the Iwata's I picked up the HP-BCR and I was very impressed with the feel, after using it several times I decided to pick up the HP-CS. I may sound cheesy but I feel more intune with the Iwata's than with the Badger's not to say that the Badger's suck but man o man the Iwata's feel soooo sweet!
I think it's up to the individual and what they feel most comfortable with.

Stir not the bitterness in the cup I have mixed for myself!

 

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Hayward, CA
Posted by MikeV on Wednesday, March 3, 2004 7:19 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by balta1

I may sound cheesy but I feel more intune with the Iwata's than with the Badger's not to say that the Badger's suck but man o man the Iwata's feel soooo sweet!
I think it's up to the individual and what they feel most comfortable with.


This sums it up in a nutshell Balta1.
What is most comfortable to you is the best airbrush for you regardless of the brand. Wink [;)]Thumbs Up [tup]

Mike

Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom. " Charles Spurgeon
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Hayward, CA
Posted by MikeV on Wednesday, March 3, 2004 7:23 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by Fisch90

what is the difference between the omni line. 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000.



Roosterfish is right.

Omni 3000- Siphon-Feed
Omni 4000- Gravity-feed 1/3 oz cup
Omni 5000- Gravity-feed 1/8 oz cup
Omni 6000- Side-feed 1/3 oz cup

They are internally identical except for the Omni 3000 which has no needle bearing.

Mike

Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom. " Charles Spurgeon
  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Lower Alabama
Posted by saltydog on Wednesday, March 3, 2004 9:34 PM
i have an omni 5000 that i adore. i also have a deep dark secret, i just ordered an iwata HP-C from dixie just to check it out. i get spare change by renting my backhoe out to my plumber so i decided to spend it on another airbrush. the 5000 is an excellent airbrush to me, but i just want another gravity feed with a cap on the color cup. ive read quite a few posts in this forum and other places on the web about how good the iwata's perform. i build houses and cabinets for a living and i do know one thing for sure, you can go buy a black and decker plastic piece of junk (or craftsman power tools for that matter)from wally world or sears and it just wont hold up to the riggers of everyday job site ventures. or, you can opt to go pay alot more money for say a DeWalt, Delta, Powermatic, or Grizzly, and you got yourself a tool that will last. not only are the tools mentioned more expensive than "week end warroir" tools, they do a better job and make your work look better with less hassle. yes, experience with any given tool is essential. in my opinion, i would rather pay 3 times more money for an item that is of top quality and will make my life easier with less hassle, than pay for the same item 3 times that does the samething but is of less quality. that rule of thumb may not apply to airbrushes, but im gonna find out for myself by purchasing one ever so often and trying it out. later.
Chris The Origins of Murphy's Law: "In the begginning there was nothing, and it exploded."!!! _________ chris
  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: The Hoosier State
Posted by plasticmod992 on Wednesday, March 3, 2004 9:36 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by Fisch90

Is the Iwata Eclipse HP-CS that much better than the omni 4000. Is the eclipse really worth 40 dollors more than the 4000.


I would say yes, having used both in a comparative head-to-head performance test. I've been modeling, not to mention airbrushing models for over 20 years and I have yet to use a finer, higher quality, better performing airbrush than the Iwata HP-CS. IMHO And if your like me, you don't want to scimp on one of, if not; the most important modeling tool in your workshop for finishing your scale models. You work hard, by after market sets, and other tools to spruce up your kit, why finish it with an airbrush you don't feel tottaly confident with. I won't lie to ya, I am very bias to the Iwatas, because after using it for the first time..the feel, the performance, ease of use....I couldn't bring myself back to my old Testors Aztek A470, Badger 150, 155, 360, Paasche-H, and VL. It has been a journey for me as it has been, and starting to be for new modelers alike. Since purchasing my Iwata HP-CS I have come to journeys end but a new begining in finely finished models. Sounds very commercial and cheezy, I know; but it's true. Just my experience...

Greg Williams Owner/ Manager Modern Hobbies LLC Indianapolis, IN. IPMS #44084
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Hayward, CA
Posted by MikeV on Wednesday, March 3, 2004 11:08 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by saltydog

i also have a deep dark secret, i just ordered an iwata HP-C from dixie just to check it out.


Say it ain't so brother? Big Smile [:D] Laugh [(-D]

Mike

Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom. " Charles Spurgeon
  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Stockton CA USA
Posted by roosterfish on Thursday, March 4, 2004 12:45 AM
I've been spoiled with the quality of an Iwata since I started using one in 1984. I still use it and it works just as good as day one. I thought all airbrushes acted this smooth but I found out after trying other brushes that the Iwata is king of quality. Other airbrushes don't have the same reassuring quality feel that Iwata's do.

I started with a quality airbrush and learned through the dissapointments of trying other airbrushes that Iwata airbrushes are #1 quality. Iwata airbrushes do cost more and parts cost more but then I've been using my first Iwata for 20 years and never had to replace it or any parts. I'd say this is an inexpenise airbrush in disguise.
Winners never quit; quitters never win.
  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Lower Alabama
Posted by saltydog on Thursday, March 4, 2004 8:09 AM
QUOTE: Say it ain't so brother?


Mike, i knew would scold me man!!Big Smile [:D]Big Smile [:D] i just couldnt help myself......please forgive meDisapprove [V]Big Smile [:D]! LOL. later.
Chris The Origins of Murphy's Law: "In the begginning there was nothing, and it exploded."!!! _________ chris
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Hayward, CA
Posted by MikeV on Thursday, March 4, 2004 7:47 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by saltydog

QUOTE: Say it ain't so brother?


Mike, i knew would scold me man!!Big Smile [:D]Big Smile [:D] i just couldnt help myself......please forgive meDisapprove [V]Big Smile [:D]! LOL. later.


Haha. Laugh [(-D]
No problem Chris. I may even try one myself one day if someone will give me one. Wink [;)]Big Smile [:D]

Mike

Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom. " Charles Spurgeon
  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Lower Alabama
Posted by saltydog on Friday, March 5, 2004 8:03 AM
Mike, i believe your spoiled now my friend. if i had someone back a dump truck into my backyard full of badger airbrushes and dump them as you did, i wouldn't expect to have to pay for an airbrush again either. LOL. later.
Chris The Origins of Murphy's Law: "In the begginning there was nothing, and it exploded."!!! _________ chris
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Hayward, CA
Posted by MikeV on Friday, March 5, 2004 11:16 AM
There's a dump truck full in my back yard? [:0]

I have to go look, I'll be right back. Clown [:o)]

Mike

Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom. " Charles Spurgeon
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, March 9, 2004 5:56 AM
QUOTE: Originally posted by Fisch90

mike I want an airbrush for less or around 100$.

Thanks



Whoops... Newbe here. Try DixieArt .com
Badger 360-9 in wooden box = $107.00 w/free shipping! Other 360's cheaper...I'm gonna buy when I can afford!
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