Double action airbrushes

The Best??? Ask 5 modelers and you'll get 5 answers.

It depends a lot on how much you want to spend... I use Badgers, but I like Itawa and Paasche as well.

I have a Paasche compressor. The main thing about a compressor is to make sure you have a regulator, and a tank is a good idea as well.

Right now I own a single action Paasche. But I would like to get a double action. Also I have an air tank with a regulator, but I am getting tired of having to go into the garage just to refill it. So I was looking into getting a new air compressor.

QUOTE: Originally posted by J-man I had a couple of questions. First of all I was wondering are the best double action airbrush? Second how big of compressors do you all use?

The best Double-action airbrush is the one that feels right for you.
All of these are high-quality, double-action airbrushes and any one of these will be excellent:

Thayer & Chandler Omni
Thayer & Chandler Vega
Badger Anthem and 360
Iwata Eclipse

As far as compressors go anything that has an air holding tank and provides steady pressure will work, it all depends on what you want it to do and how much you want to spend. You can buy a Craftsman or Campbell-Hausfeld industrial compressor, a small airbrush compressor like the Iwata Smartjet and Simair Intruder 2000, or if you want high-quality and superb craftsmanship you can buy a silent compressor like the Jun-Air unit I have, although they are expensive at about $600-$800.
I bought a used 1/2 hp Jun-Air motor and mounted it on a cart with a 5 gallon tank and a cooling fan for the motor. It is built more for T-shirt airbrushing but I am going to use it for model painting also as it is real quiet at about 30 dB.

Mike

An opinion - I recently lucked out and found a CO2 tank for cheap, had it filled and tried it. I love it. Instant regulation, clean & dry. Even if you buy a tank & regulator new, the cost is comperable to a compressor with a tank, regulator, water trap, etc. And no electric charge.

QUOTE: Originally posted by Hoser An opinion - I recently lucked out and found a CO2 tank for cheap, had it filled and tried it. I love it. Instant regulation, clean & dry. Even if you buy a tank & regulator new, the cost is comperable to a compressor with a tank, regulator, water trap, etc. And no electric charge.

You have a point there Hoser except the compressor does not run out of air in the middle of a paint job and it doesn't cost $15 to refill.

Mike

Thank you all for the suggestions. I will find an airbrush and compressor that fit my life style and Budget.

J-man, check out the Iwata Revolution HP-CR. It goes for $59.00 at www.dixieart.com and performs exremely well for the price and your getting standard Iwata high quality. The Revolution is a gravity-feed, double action A/B with a .5mm nozzle/needle. It also features solvent-proof bearings that are laquer friendly. I own several Iwatas and I use my Revolution for general all-around spraying and some detail for my 1/72nd scale aircraft. IMHO this is the best airbrush hands down for the price, quality, and performance. I use a C02 cylinder of compressed air for my air source. I purchased mine locally through a carbon dioxide sales dealer and they provided all the regulators and fittings as well as a fill-up for approx. $155.00 (in my area). I also use a badger Million-air silent compressor...it is very nice but pricy. Good hunting!