What airbrush would you suggest?

Model crazy - I have three Badger braided hoses, they came with the AB's I bought You're welcome to one, brand new, never used, free to a good home, postage on me. If you want to have one just send me an address direct to my FSM registry box, it's on the top of this page.

No scam, I don't try to sell anything to unsuspecting members, glad to help if you can use it. Best regards.

Patrick  

I just now bought the Badger 105 for $81 including shipping off eBay. I'll check out Chicago Airbrush Supply for a hose.

modelcrazy

Thanks for the link guys, I'm still torn between the two. I know I can get the Patriot with a new hose for just a few dollars more, and my present hose has a pinhole in it.

Steve,

I was looking at Chicago Airbrush Supply earlier today and found the 105 for $89.95 and you can pick up a 10' air hose for $16.  $105.95 w/ free shipping.

Thanks for the link guys, I'm still torn between the two. I know I can get the Patriot with a new hose for just a few dollars more, and my present hose has a pinhole in it.

Don's Airbrush tip site:

sites.google.com/.../donsairbrushtips

modelcrazy

.

What is Don's website URL? I've must have missed it somewhere.

I think I've pretty much boiled it down to the Iwata Eclipse HP-CS or the Badger 015.

What is Don's website URL? I've must have missed it somewhere.

Hey Steve,

         I have been using a Badger 105 Patriot for a little less then a year now with fantastic results.  I picked up mine a Michaels Arts and Crafts with a 50% coupon!

I spent a good portion of yesterday reading through Don Wheeler's webpage about airbrushes.  I have to say, its one of the best airbrush reviews that I have seen.  Of course, now, after reading it, I'm in the decision mode of what airbrush to purchase.  I had never used an airbrush before and ended up grabbing one off of Amazon.  I got the Master G-22, as Don stated in his review, its not a great brush, there are some cleaning issues that I have come across and I am finding that the o-ring on the nose of the brush is beginning to fail.  And putting the thing back together after a good thorough cleaning can be somewhat of a pain.

I like the look of the Badger airbrushes, specifically the 155, the 105 Patriot and the Krome.  I like the gravity feed, but cant make an honest comparison to a siphon feed since I have never used one.  I also need to upgrade my compressor.  Currently, I have one of those cheap "Master" compressors that came with the G-22, I'm not even sure what psi it puts out, I do know that it is not adjustable.

Ahhhhhh, the frustration!!!  

patrick206

<SNIP>

it's so important at the personal level to find the one that best serves your needs. But it's not a brilliant idea to have purchased 19, (like some dummies,) looking for that "best" one.

Best of luck finding the best one for you.

Patrick .

Patrick,

Don't want to hijack this thread but I really got a laugh - 19 AB's - you've got me beat!!!! But at least we found the ONE that suited US.

Model crazy- First, I also recommend a thorough cruise through Don Wheelers website, I did and ended up with my all time favorite, (for me,) airbrush. I've been airbrushing for well over 45 years, have owned 19, tried many of the brands out there, Badger, Paasche, T&S, Iwata. I wish Don's site had been around many years ago, I could have saved a LOT of cash.

Second, Bick is right on the money, it's so important at the personal level to find the one that best serves your needs. But it's not a brilliant idea to have purchased 19, (like some dummies,) looking for that "best" one.

Like Bick I have my "go to" AB, for the same reasons, quality of paint application, feel, easy cleaning, etc. That AB is the Badger 100G, gravity fed small cup. I have all three of the needle/nozzle combo's, that little bugger does it all very well for me. Once in a while I'll get out the Paasche VJR or Badger 200G for one reason or another, but likely >80% of my work is with the 100G.

Bought it at Chicago Airbrush, seasonal coupon sale, think I paid about $70, including freight.  Many great brushes out there, chance of your finding the best one for you on the first try is questionable, perhaps it's best to keep the costs as low as possible as you do your searching. I bought my very old used Badger 200 siphon on ebay, excellent condition, $30, works great. Good AB deals can be found, might just take a little time.

Best of luck finding the best one for you.

Patrick .    

@ modelcrazy --  I'd say you deserve a new airbrush.

Don

I'd love to get a H&S airbrush but it's too expensive budget-wise. I've been eyeing a NEO for Iwata gravity-feed dual action airbrush at Hobby Lobby for quite some time.

I'm not a brand loyalist when it comes to AB's. I have several including the HF deluxe but would think you're at the stage where personal preference becomes very important. It did for me. All major brand AB's work well. For me the H&S Evolution Silverline is a personal favorite because (in order of importance to me):

1. weight, balance and comfort in use (really the most important)

2. it always works consistently/reliably

3. gravity feed with interchangeable cup sizes

4. wide range of accessories including various nozzle/needle combos

5. ease of cleaning

6. adjustable trigger tension

7. readily available replacement parts

Don has nice reviews on a number of AB's so check his site. There are a number of very nice ones in your price bracket. AND this is not a bashing of any brand!!! An Iwata Revolution CR was my most used until I found the H&S. My old Badger 200 still works well after 30 years.

Don,

There's nothing wrong with my present AB's. One is a Central Pneumatic I got from Harbor Freight and the other is an equally cheep one I got from eBay for detail work. All the builds I have posted to date were painted with these two AB's. I just want to play with big boy toys now.

I have three Iwata airbrushes: HP-B+, HP-CS & Revolution CR.  The HP-CS is my all time favorite airbrush.  It can do everything from spraying primers to applying tight camo patterns.  Many professional AB artists swear by the HP-CS according to theairbrushforum.

I just got myself an Iwata Eclipse HP-CS it's a well made double action gravity fed.A sturdy easy to use and clean.

Google Don Wheeler.He has an online site where reviews and explains different brushes.Very informative and well written.

I remember starting this journey.....still going.

Mick.

The 105 is a nice airbrush, capable and easy to care for.  For $200, you could buy two and get change back.  Is there something you don't like about your present airbrush?

Don