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Ok this is going to come as a surprise to some and maybe not to others. I have been building on and off for 25 years. During this time I have never had an AB, please keep in mind that during some of this time I was active duty and well the commands kind of frowned upon us having an AB in our barracks rooms, and it is impossible to have one on board a ship. Anyway I have been hand painting them this whole time, with a quite a few successes along the way (at least according to all that have seen my finished products), however I just have never been able to achieve the right level of detail. Now I am finally going to purchase an AB, however I have no idea the differences between dual and single action AB's, or if a gravity feed or a suction type is a good choice. I have gone to the local hobby shop that I frequent here in Las Vegas (it is a national chain so I won't mention the name), while I have received alot of help in finding the right accessory parts and paint colors that I need from the stock on hand, they haven't been very helpful when it comes to answering questions about AB's, unfortunately some of the employees tend to lean toward the R/C crowd and ignore the rest. I would love some one to be patient enough to answer my questions and help me find the right AB for me to begin with, or maybe direct me toward something like "AB for Dummies" or "AB101".
Check out this website,it can help you make a decision.
sites.google.com/.../donsairbrushtips
Don't buy a cheap combo. Spend like $400 and buy a high quality dual action, gravity-feed AB (e.g., Iwata, Badger, H&S) and a high quality compressor. That way, you would end up with saving your money.
I had read a ton of articles and watched a ton of Youtube videos about how to airbrush before starting airbrushing. However, I learned how to airbrush by trial and error.
Iwata HP-CS | Iwata HP-CR | Iwata HP-M2 | H&S Evolution | Iwata Smart Jet + Sparmax Tank
I don't think you need to spend $400 to get a decent airbrush. For my first purchase, I didn't want to go out and spend a fortune on an airbrush without knowing a couple of things first, such as; am I going to like it? How long will it take for me to get comfortable. I bought a cheap one off of Amazon that has done okay for me to get used to operating one. I am at that point where I want to move up to a better brush and compressor. I have found a Badger 105 Patriot and a good compressor and likely wont spend over $200 including shipping. I totally agree with Tojo, take a look at Don Wheeler's Airbrush site, I found a lot of useful information there.
On the Bench: Lots of unfinished projects!
Personally, I am a bit ham handed, and tend to twist my airbrush during painting. I need a suction feed so I don't dump the paint out. I am serious! I have even spilled paint from my suction Badger (there is a small hole in the jar lid). Also, I have to mix paint in a jar anyway, so I like the idea of mixing the paint in the airbrush jar, and then mixing enough for several sessions of that color. Of course, I have to buy several airbrush bottles and caps, but they are not that expensive.
Downside is it is a bit harder- more effort to clean a suction feed brush after use.
Don Stauffer in Minnesota
I completely agree with Tojo, I learned so much valuable info on Don's airbrush site, led me toward the airbrush that perfectly suits my needs, plus how to take good care of it.
I would recommend starting with the less expensive route, I bought several high dollar airbrushes, my very inexpensive Badgers do it better, user friendly, ultimately reliable, great stuff. My compressor and one airbrush combo cost just over $200 combined, more capacity than I'll ever need. Look for sales and special offers, they can reduce costs tremendously. Again, check through Don's site, time well spent.
Best of luck.
Patrick
I've used a simple and inexpensive Paasche H since the 1970's, and it's been more than adequate.
Just replaced my compressor with a Paache. It's got an airtank and regulator. Around $170 from Amazon.
checkmateking02 I've used a simple and inexpensive Paasche H since the 1970's, and it's been more than adequate.
+1 The Paasche Model H is the only airbrush I've ever used. I've used it for single color, NMF and multi-color camo with good results since 1988. A few examples:
http://cs.finescale.com/fsm/modeling_subjects/f/2/t/162199.aspx?sort=ASC&pi240=1
"All you mugs need to get busy building, and post pics!"
I have an Iwata, two Masters and 3 Badger 200s (2 Gs, one fine one medium, and one bottom feed). The Iwata is the most expensive I've bought, that and the Masters are all double-action. I love the control over paint flow without messing with the needle setting knobs, you just adjust your trigger finger slightly.
Overall, I recommend a $30 airbrush, double-action. It takes you about 2 hours of practice to get the hang of it, seriously, just get a cheap bottle of some art acrylic and thinner and some cardboard. Play with it, learn it, and make sure you invest in a small sealable tub (Rubbermaid or the like) to soak it in cleaner. Just take out any non-metal parts such as gaskets or seals first if you are going to soak it for long. Normally, if you clean right after you shoot, you can just run clean thinner through it until it shoots clear... then tear it down and wipe it clean.
This is the Master I own two of, and I love it. www.amazon.com/.../ref=sr_1_1
Souda90,
It seems asking the question(s) you asked results in a whole spectrum of opinions and there's a reason for it. Many folks have tried various AB's looking for the ONE that makes them happy - me included. Others have bought brand X because it's a highly rated AB. I finally found what I really liked in an Evolution Silverline but that's JUST me. I'm one who now thinks that buying an inexpensive AB for the first one is NOT false economy. You won't know if you like it til you use it. For example, do you like gravity or siphon feed, dual action or single, interchangeable nozzle/needle and cups etc. If you spend $200 on a siphon feed and decide you really wanted gravity that's false economy because you're either stuck with something you don't enjoy or you're out 200 to replace it. If you don't enjoy using it you probably won't. On the other hand you can buy a Master ($30), Harbor Freight ($15 with coupon) or Hobby King ($20) or all three for less than $70 - gravity feed, siphon feed and several nozzle choices. Maybe one of those will meet your needs but at least will give you a feel for what you really want. And, the inexpensive ones do work; perhaps material selection and QC aren't up to major brand standards but they do work well. Personally, I don't think you need help just PRACTICE. Pick out an inexpensive AB (NOT cheap) and have a go. When you've decided what you really want, invest in a high quality one with more assurance you have what you want.
BTW many aren't familiar with HobbyKing so here's a link to that AB:
hobbyking.com/.../__9294__Twin_action_air_brush_set_.html
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