Since I
just started modeling a week ago, I have also been looking for "the"
airbrush.
The
research I have done so far: Primarily
on Badger (T-C), Iwata, and some Paasche
Gravity
Fed or Siphon Fed. --- I believe I want gravity fed. Pro's: Ability to drop
pressure and do finer work. The questions / concerns: Depending upon the size
of the cup it could be top heavy...although can not imagine to bad? Also is it in
the way of sight to model / surface?
I looked
at Side Feeds: Iwata had this on their site ” Side-feed airbrush features a 0.35-mm needle
and nozzle combination with the option of four cup sizes ? the standard 1/8 oz.
side cup, a 1/4 oz. side cup, a special 1/2 oz. gravity-feed side cup or a 1
oz. siphon-feed bottle”
Is the ¼ oz
a misprint I didn’t see it for sale somewhere. I do not know how long a 1/8 oz
cup lasts if I am painting a single color base coat. I am sure there are many
factors but are there any estimates?
Are there
any disadvantages to side feed?
I will go
double action, internal mixed. I believe I can learn the up/down/back/fwd movements.
(hope anyways).
I would
like to have the ability to do fine to at least medium work. I assume many
smaller modeling is in this range….I have started with 1/35 scale King Tiger.
I am
confused a bit on needle/nozzle combos. .3-.35? If I buy a fine or medium then
whichever I choose is all I have? Or are there airbrushes where you can change
out needles and nozzles for fine, medium, etc…?
Looking at
specs for all Manufactures Fine = hairline/pencil up to 2” while medium goes up
to 2.5” so seems that fine should be good for what I am working with. The extra
½” doesn’t seem needed.
Is it
technique / paint / air pressure that dictates the range of scale?
There
seem to be many options for different models....once I choose a model
are the options still available or do I have to choose which option I
want?
With all
that being said….mostly restated from the good resources on this site…I
have narrowed it down to the following:
If no
disadvantages of side-feed…
1) Iwata HP-SBS
Eclipse Double Action,
Side Feed, 1/8 oz side cup, 0.35 mm nozzle & needle: $109.97
2) T81 Set contains Omni 6000 side feed
airbrush with 1/3 oz. side color cup,
wrench, protective cap, and instruction
manual in a corrugated box. $87.50
3) Badger 100
SF …didn’t see on Dixie Art ?
If Top
feed is better….
1)
Iwata
Eclipse Double Action, Gravity Feed, 1/3 oz. fixed cup,
0.35 mm tip & needle: $109.97
2)
4000G
Omni Gravity Feed w/ 1/3 oz. cup: $69.95
3)
Badger
100LG Fine Tip: $60.95
All prices
from Dixie Art.
I am
leaning towards the Iwata’s then Omnis. Badgers were the early favorite but for
some reasoned went towards the bottom. Although I think all will be good.
With some
of these I believe may not be entire kits….hoses, etc…so I would have to go
back and check on that?
I plan to
go to the big town this weekend and look at some badgers, and iwatas so I can
hold one in my hand to see what feels best. I did not find any hobby shop with
the Thayer & Chandler. Are they a mix of the 2 as far as feel? Thick, thin,
balance…
I know
this has been on many posts but if you would please put your feedback here on
the above choices so I can have them consolidated.
Who knew
that modeling could be such a detailed and seemingly challenging hobby! Ha, I
just wanted to put a tank together since I played Battlefield 1942 and others.
But I like challenges….end results normally are more rewarding if you have to
work at it a bit.
Thanks for
all the help and I apologize for the long post.