starting with air brush

I have an omni and I am very happy. I also have a diaphram Testors MiniBlu Compressor. When I bought a regulator for it yesterday it became a different compressor...much better. If you go cheap on the compressor for whatever reason buy the miniblu and buy a pressure regulator with moistertrap and it will work fine for a long time til you can upgrade.

QUOTE: well said! get an expensive airbrush, you will not regret it because you don't need to "upgrade"

Thanks, but I didn't say "Expensive" I said get a "Good" one. The good ones aren't necessarily expensive and the expensive ones aren't necessarily good for what we use them for.

well said!

get an expensive airbrush, you will not regret it because you don't need to "upgrade"

avoid aztek for your first airbrush

get double/duel action

get a good compressor, try to avoid diaphram, i use one but it's not the greatest

good compressor's cost more than airbrushes, but its worh it in the long run

Asking the guys around here what is the best airbrush is a lot like walking into a racetrack and asking who is the best driver. The best airbrush is the one that you like and are comfortable with. Get a double-action and go with either a Badger, Iwata, or Paasche and you'll never be sorry. Get a cheap airbrush and all you'll ever do is hate it and wish you had gotten something better. My personal choice is Badger (specifically the Omni line).

Jfrejo's advice is very pertinent:

QUOTE: Remember that it takes practice before you become proficient with an airbrush and buying a expensive one isn't going to make it easier to use.

Very, very few people unwrap their first airbrush and immediately become proficient with it. It takes practice, and a lot of it.

You also need to consider what your air source is going to be. An airbrush is worthless without air. The canned air such as Propel are virtually useless so I'd recommend either a compressor or air tank. A compressor is more expensive but you don't have to get it refilled. A tank is totally silent except for the hiss of the escaping air, but they run out after a while.

Any compressor will work, however getting one that is quiet can cost a bit of money. I use a Porter-Cable compressor I got at Lowes for about $100 and while it works great it is quite noisy. Hobby compressors specifically designed for airbrush use are quiet but the good ones are pretty expensive while the cheap ones are not worth wasting your time on.

The omni 4000G is a top notch brush (yes salty I finally used mine )

www.bearair.com
www.dixieart.com

Both those places has them and more at decent prices. Double action is your best bet.

The omni 4000,5000 are excellent airbrushes that do not cost that much and the replacement parts are cheap as well asuming you live in the USA. The Iwata mentioned is a excellent airbrush too but it cost more and parts are expensive. The Iwata does have a better fit and finish than the Omni's-my one grip about Badger products( I shouldn't see machining marks on the airbrush) but the Iwata isn't going to spray any better. Try to hold different airbrushes at a store as how they feel in your hand will make a huge difference when using it and if you like it or not. Remember that it takes practice before you become proficient with an airbrush and buying a expensive one isn't going to make it easier to use. Good Luck.
John

well, the best deal i've seen is offered by mikeV who has a 40% discount on badger products. he should be here shortly, or you can email him and get all the info you need.

however, if i were you i'd look into an iwata hp-cs. an excellent brush that sells for $105 at dixieart.com. i have 2 iwata's and they are the best brushes i've ever used. later.