Trying to decide on airbrush--have questions

I agree with Chris as those two would both be good choices.

Mike

i would chose either the omni 4000 or iwata eclipse hp-cs. the hp-cs preferably. but both are capable of the lines you are talking about, but you'll have to practice quite a bit to get good at the fine lines you speak of. later.

Mike, salty et. al., thanks for the input. I should have included more info about what I needed in my first post. First I need an airbrush that's compatible with my Testors mini blue compressor (as yet without a regulator). What I 'm really looking for in terms of capability is a double action AB that will allow me to do something like the complex camo schemes on the sides of Luftwaffe aircraft with all their mottling & soft edged splotches, something that my $30 Aztec is completely incapable of doing. In short, I need lots of controll with just enough overspray to create a convincing soft edge camo pattern. Therefore I'd be needing to paint a line that's maybe 1/8" to 3/16" thick minimum. From what you guys have said about the gravity fed AB's I think this would be the best way to go,
& it appears from your testimony that the Paasche line would definitely be out since I've only got a Testors mini blue compressor. Having said all this I'm going to review the Dixieart site one more time & then see if you guys have any more advice for me tomorrow. You've really been helpful. Thanks.

Hey Noel, which procon model airbrush do you have? From what I know only the single action has a .4mm nozzle the double action ones are either .2mm -.35mm
and are for the most part the same as Iwata airbrushes with some cosmetic changes. Any nozzle opening above .35mm should spray metalics with no problems.
John

I tried the Badger, Iwata, and the Aztek. For their top-of-the-line models, they seem to be the same. Not until I tried using metalizer paints. Only Gunze's Procon Boy is currently designed to prevent clogging. If I were you, I would consider this airbrush as well. My birthday was July 4. I too had it as a gift from my wife. I love it.

Noel

I would agree with John's post. The Paasche VL does use more air and I personally do not like the fat-bodied airbrushes like it and the Badger Crescendo, but maybe you will. The 155 Anthem and the Crescendo are both excellent airbrushes if you want a siphon-feed model.
I prefer the Anthem any day over the Crescendo as it is a better design all around. It all depends on whether you want one of these siphon-feed models or a gravity-feed model as many of us prefer.
My favorite all-around modeling airbrush is the Omni 4000 as you probably know by now.
What are you modeling and what do you want an airbrush to do?
If you want to be able to do detail airbrushing with little overspray then the gravity-feed models are better as they can reliably spray at lower pressures than the siphon-feed models do. If that is not important to you then the Anthem would work just fine as it sprays very nice also.
Sorry I can't comment on the Revolution line of Iwata's airbrushes as I have never used one. I do however have an Iwata Eclipse HP-CS that SaltyDog mentioned and although it is a fantastic airbrush I would agree that they are a little pricey. The choice ultimately is yours.

Mike

from what i gather, it sounds like you are trying to stay under the $80 dollar range to be able to get the brush, hose, and color cups needed. however, i would go with a gravity feed model if you are using it for strictly model painting, that would eliminate the cups. it also allows you to spray at lower pressures thus cutting back on the overspray, plus, i helps achieve a finer line. check out the iwata hp-cr and the omni 4000. i have an omni 5000 which is the same as the 4000 except with a smaller resevoir, and it will do all that a modeller can ask for.

but, i can't let you go without saying that if price is no matter, the iwata eclipse hp-cs is the best airbrush i've ever used out of the box. it sells for $105 and an iwata hose is around $18. yes, that is a little steep, but it was well worth it to this modeller. later.

BTW, by the looks of that mig you have on your sig, you dont need an airbrush!!! nice job!!!

better for metalics

All are good brushes, I would go with the Badger, Omni or Iwata because the vl consumes more air to work the right way. If you have a big compressor it is not a problem but if you have a hobby compressor it is too much gun for it. I like the 155 as it is a really good general airbrush.
Thad, the revolution has a larger nozzle size .5mm so it will be harder to spray thin lines with it easily as that is not what it is designed to do.although it does spray a fine enough lime for most modeling applications except really tight detail.
John

I have a Iwata revolution and Iove it. I guess if there is a draw back I want a different hose than the one that come with it. 2nd (this is probably me) but I cant get a fine line like I want to with this gun. Maybe a differnet needle will help? But all in all it is a good gun for me.

Thad