air brush buying tips

MikeV...on second thought, I agree with ya, bad comparison, LOL!

all 3 are wonderful, but I say it's 4000, cs, 150 but it's really really close. the 4000 and the cs are almost identical except price, and the 150 is also really nice, versitile, aged to perfection like good red wine

QUOTE: Originally posted by plasticmod992 The Cadillac of the three, and the extra $ is worth every penny!

Greg,

I wouldn't use a Cadillac as the standard as they are pieces of junk from what I have seen of them.

Good post by the way and very unbiased.

Mike

An airbrush is a tool, no more, no less. And as with any tool the results achieved are more dependent on the abilities of the user than they are on the tool itself. The most expensive airbrush on the market will not turn you into an instant expert, nor does the least expensive airbrush on the market instantly ruin your paint jobs.

Pick any of the ones you mentioned, learn to use it well, and never look back. It is the painter and not the tool that produces a quality finish.

I guess I'll play devils advocate here. I suspect you've narrowed your chioces down to these three and your on the verge of making a purchase. Well, this is how I would rank them. I would rank them according to function, quality, user-friendliness, maintainence, and lastly, performance. The following is sure to stir grumbling from all, so be easy on me guys...this is all MHO.

1. Badger 150
(The DO-IT-ALL work horse!)
Badger's long-standing, highly versital double-action airbrush. Very high quality, with spraying characteristics similar to the Iwata, if not identical. More versital than the Iwata, it's siphon design can spray larger amounts of paint for longer periods of time (depending on how large your project). Also, one can change out the neddle and nozzles to suite your needs (fine , Med. Large). Reasonably easy to clean and maintain, with available parts and assesories available at your local hobby shop that are very inexpensive! This great, high quality airbrush will spray everything from acrylics to laquers with ease. The most value for the money!

2. Iwata HP-CS
(Highest quality, and performance out of the box!)
For modeling, this is a superior quality airbrush that will satify your need for detail as well as general spraying. The Cadillac of the three, and the extra $ is worth every penny! Smooth trigger action, gravity-feed color-cup- this is widely regarded as one of the most easiest airbrushes to use and maintain. It's .35mm nozzle is forgiving with most thicker viscosity hobby enamels and acrylics, and sprays them equaly well, be it fine lines or broad areas. Top of the line!

3.Omni 4000
(Same great Badger quality, Iwata performane only more affordable!)
Another High-quality airbrush, now manufactuered by Badger. Remarkably similar sprayg characterisics to that of the Iwata. It's unique reversagard tip alows you to get closer to your subject, facilitating great fine-line spraying and tip cleaning. Quality construction, user-friendly and easy to maintain, with parts readily available at very reasonable prices, far less than the Iwatas. Same easy of cleaning like the gravity-feed Iwata but, without the extra cost.

Pipe in guys if I'm missing anything...

They are all good airbrushes, from among them choose which fits your requirements and if possible which feels comfortable to your hand.

I started on a Badger 200 & canned air many years ago, but in the meantime found that I prefer japanese gravity brushes with a good compressor behind them.

omni, 150/iwata (tie

Any one of those three ABs would be an excellent choice. I myself have the Omni4000 and it is an awesome piece of equipment. I chose it over the Iwata simply on the basis of price. There is a $40 difference between the two and not having one available to try, I couldn't justify buying the more expensive Iwata.

the difference between the CS and BCS Iwatas are that the BCS is a siphon feebrush and the CS gravity feed...

wouldnt want to try to rank them, they are all good in their own right... depends on what ya want... close in work, general coverage or a combo of the two!