Buying an airbrush.

I have used the Aztek before, and really acheived some good results with it.
The problem with the Azteks is they tend to break internally, causing paint to leak inside the body and gum everything up.
They also CANNOT spray lacquer based paints, the lacquer eats away the rubber 'O' rings, and from there it's pretty much stuffed.
It is a bit of a mongrel to clean also, cause you cant strip it down to the bones like the Iwata and Badger.

IMO the best bang for buck of the 3 is the Badger, giving you an airbrush that with some practice will deliver fine lines and decent atomization.
Of course you will have to purchase tips to suit the work your going to do, fine, medium etc.

I have only read about the Iwata, and they are a good quality airbrush, but they are also pricey to buy, so that bit is up to you.

Personally I am after a detailing brush, and at this point in time, it looks like the Badger 100G is going to be my choice, with the Fine needle ass'y.
I currently own an Omni 4000, and it is great for general use, but the large fluid cup, and the general needle ass'y makes it difficult for me to attain certain paint finishes like squiggle camo etc.

I'm looking at doing roughly the same thing in the very near future (currently use a Badger 200). The Bear Air website is great as you can compare the models from each of these manufacturers at the same site and they are described in the same terms. I have been looking at the Badger 150 Professional set which seems very good value coming with all needle sizes and tips to suit (fine, medium and heavy). The Iwata's look lovely (esp the minature spray guns for my R/C models!) but are outside my price range. I have had an Aztec in the past (base line model) and I wouldn't be tempted to buy another when the Badgers are so reasonably priced. Hope you find the site useful.

out of the three I would first look at the Iwata, but the HP-CS instead of the C (slightly larger needle, better spraying of larger pigments through it) and the Badger 100LG. (former Aztec owner as well and although it worked, tweety's comments are right on with how I felt!)

I previously used an Aztek A430, and had the same problem that tweety1 apparently had his Aztek. Since I had followed all the cleaning and operational instructions, and it still broke, I cannot recommend it, based on its reliability. As far as its actual painting capability, it worked adequately, but I had troubles achieving extremely fine lines, even with a fine tip (tan). Compared to my Badger200NH, a single action deriviative of the Badger Anthem 155, I feel that I could match or possibly exceed the Atzek. Azteks are strongly marketed on ease of use and cleaning. Again compared to the conventional Badger, I found no advantages to the Aztek for a typical non-breakdown type cleaning, and for a breakdown type cleaning, the Aztek is actually a lot more difficult than the conventional AB.

I cannot speak from personal experience on the Badger 100, but from extrapolating my experience with a single size needle 200NH, I would think that the 100's medium or large needle/tip would provide all the broad coverage that you would ever need.

QUOTE: Originally posted by molenz I need an AB that can do fine lines with no splatter but can also put out a broad spray for base coats etc.

Molenz, first congrats on deciding to get an airbrush. You'll never look back second, fine lines with no splatter is a myth. There will always be splatter just keep in mind that it is relative and you try to minimize it. If you expect to be able to sign checks with your airbrush right off you might come up a little short. BTW: writeing your name in cursive as small as you can is a great practice excersize.

QUOTE: I'd like replies from people who have used any of these AB's and their thoughts on the ability to do detail work, ease of cleaning, reliability and action (ease of use and trigger control).

I don't overclean my AB's. I just spray lacquer thinner through until clear and swish with a nylon paintbrush. Switch to next color and move on. More you take it apart, the more problems will come.

MikeV did have a great write up on cleaning though around here somewhere.

My two main AB's are Badger 175 for big and 100G for small. 100G works oK for big too. Alot of people recommend the anthem, you should consider that one too.

This picture was done with my 100G Medium. It doesn't really show off the true ability of the AB because I was going for a soft edge on the camo. Put it this way though, the dots could have been painted with the AB but I did them with a brush to save time.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v325/tarmac04/jagd/060805_family.jpg
EDIT: both are 1/72 - ie they fit about in a hand.

Thanks for all the replies guys, the Aztek is definately off the list due to the reliability issues, I'll be going for the Iwata as a lot of people have been recommending them, I also like being able to get a pre-set handle as an option, I'm sure it would be very useful for german squiggly line camo.

After reading this review I've made up my mind.

http://www.missing-lynx.com/reviews/other/iwata.htm

Molenz - let us know how you like it when you get some "hands on" time.

Will do, it'll be about a month before I get one, I've got to save those dollars first.

Molenz, which Iwata did you decide on, the HP-C? Having switched from Paasches to Iwata HP-CS and the HP-CR, I can say that the Iwatas are great. I hope you enjoy your new AB and be sure to keep us posted when you get it.

I have a 430 aztek and have great results. It took some time to get it right but I just had to learn how to use it correctly. Fine lines I can do with the tan tip. Practice it the key and without it forget about it.

QUOTE: Originally posted by jcheung5150 Molenz, which Iwata did you decide on, the HP-C? Having switched from Paasches to Iwata HP-CS and the HP-CR, I can say that the Iwatas are great. I hope you enjoy your new AB and be sure to keep us posted when you get it.

Yep the HP-C plus.

I bought my first A/B last year. It's an OMNI 4000 that I use with a IWATA Sprint Jet compressor. I LOVE it! Of all the specialty tools I should have bought when I was younger, this is at the top of the list. I am still learning how best to use it and I'm amazed at how little paint you really need. This forum has been invaluable to me.

Hi All,

I read the whoe thread and got very excited about the IWATA HP-CS, now, where does one purchase such an item, also I was looking at the silent compressors IWATA has on catalogue, namely the shark range, but I can't get any prices. Could someone point me in the right direction. As I live in the land of OZ, western australia, which is a bit like the wild, wild west of USA, there isn't too wide of a choice here, so I would have to order this equipment from the U.S.

I thank all for the great forum thread on airbrushes, a real eye opener,

Best regards to all

Gianni

Gianni - the best place in my mind to oderer from the US is www.dixieart.com,

Hello,

thanks a zillion for the info, appreciate the help, these airbrushes are not badly priced at all, I have an Aztec 470, which was replaced once already because of a damaged O ring, now I only use it for acrylics and water based paints Tamyia and Gunze. I was just looking for something a bit better, would that be OK??


Thanks again


Gianni

DixieArt is where I got mine. They were quick to fill my order.

I've purchased ABs from both DixieArt and Coast Airbrush. they both are good, I believe DixieArt has free shipping for orders over $45 or $50.
Gianni, I have the HP CS and the HP CR and they are both good ABs. They CR is cheaper but still a very good AB. For my purposes I probably don't really need the CS since the CR is such a good AB, but I coudn't resist buying it. They are both very well balanced and easy to clean.

For those that live in Australia, check out http://www.geocities.com/airbrush_ken/index2.html
for airbrush stuff. It has to be much cheaper than ordering stuff from the US.
John

QUOTE: Originally posted by giobosco Hi All, I read the whoe thread and got very excited about the IWATA HP-CS, now, where does one purchase such an item, also I was looking at the silent compressors IWATA has on catalogue, namely the shark range, but I can't get any prices. Could someone point me in the right direction. As I live in the land of OZ, western australia, which is a bit like the wild, wild west of USA, there isn't too wide of a choice here, so I would have to order this equipment from the U.S. I thank all for the great forum thread on airbrushes, a real eye opener, Best regards to all Gianni

It would be cheaper for you to get an AB in OZ try here http://www.air2art.com.au/iwata_airbrushes.htm
you may also want to consider getting a CO2 setup instead of a compressor, I had to order a regulator for my tank from OZ, it's a Cigweld Comet 500 part no. #301681 so you shouldn't have a problem finding one.

Hi Guys,

thanks again for the info, I have checked out the site, cool stuff, makes you drool with all the goodies they stock. One thing I could not find out though is: Do the IWATA AB come complete with hose?

I have a CO2 cyl. which I rent from the supplier, you never own it here in OZ, i bought a regulator, and I re-fill it every year or so, depending on how much spraying I do. Cylinder valves here are protected by a collar, so as to protect the whole thing if one accidentally capsizes the darn thing. I found the compressor to be a hell of a noisy and invariably get a fright when it kicks in as the low pressure in the tank starts the motor, bloody annoying!!!!

Thanks to all again and again and best regards

Gianni

No, the Iwata's do not come with a hose unless it is a set which most are not.
The same holds true for Badger airbrushes also.

Mike

I am probably going to buy an Iwata HPBC Color Set from Dixie based on this thread,
What other accessories should I purchase for a first time setup for air brushing (I have a full spraying system for auto painting including dry and clean air).
For example, should I get extra tips, bottles, cleaning kit etc. Thanks for the help.

Hi there,

yep, I usually get a couple of extra bottles to mix paint, etc., nozzles (A470), you never know when you might need them, (murphy's law).

regards

Gianni

Andres - are you specificallt wanting the bottom feed airbrush versus the gravity feed? just curious.

definitely a needle or two more... it wouldn't be fun to bend one on a Sunday evening when everything is closed... needles are usually about 6 or 7 dollars...

Definatly get the Badger 100LG. It's cheaper but just as good as an HP-C, and It's way better than an aztek. I used to have an aztek. It took almost 1/2 an hour to clean. With my 155, It's just a few minutes. On an aztek, if a part breaks (frequent) it's pretty expesnvie to replace. On a badger, Just that 1 part is all you need.

Wow, I haven't been here in a LONG time.

seriously 1337... I saw your name and it was like - ::blink:: ......::blink::

couldn't believe my eyes!

has it been that long?

seems like it!

ah, it's the 100lg you want.

How's everything?

I've been busy for a while. I've had exams, gf's, driving, and commisioned stuff to do. That's hwy i haven't been here in a while.