Reccomendations on buying an Airbrush

I own an Aztek and a Paasche airbrush, both double action, internal mix airbrushes. Both have worked great for me, though I generally stick with the Aztek. It's my opinion that in the long run- dual action internal mix will be the best choice, regardless of brand. Not to say single action isn't useful, but if you're going to have one, I think dual/internal is the way to go. Still- that's simply my opinion.

If you can, try out a few, maybe at a local model club meeting. Seek opinions to help you decide.

Keep in mind though- ultimately it's the hand that controls the airbrush that counts. Whatever airbrush you get, you'll only get good results if you practice and seek out as much knowledge on using it as you can.

Opinions on airbrushes can often be a polarizing topic, so don't be surprised by a variety of opinions. Still, I think everyone would say it's up to the hand that holds it in the end.

Hope this helps!

Welcome to the boards! 

For the best results with an airbrush, you'll want a double action, internal mix, but before you commit yourself to an expensive airbrush, I'd suggest picking up a cheap one to make sure it's for you.  Not everybody enjoys using an AB, so it's better to find out when you're only in the hole for a couple of bucks.  I'd suggest getting something along the lines of an aztek ($50), or if can spend a few bucks more, perhaps an Iwata Revolution($70).

To help with some of the terms, here's a quick breakdown

Double Action - brush has a single trigger, pushing down on the trigger opens the air valve while while pulling the trigger back open the paint nozzle (by moving the needle back).  This set up gives you best control over air and paint volume.  These are internal mix brushes

Single Action - brush has one trigger, pushing down on the trigger open the airvalve.  There is no control over the paint flow.  The air moving across the paint feed (cup/bowl) creates a vaccuum and draws paint into the airstream.  These are typically extrenal mix brushes.

Internal mix - the atomization of the paint in the air stream occurrs in the brush, before it ever gets to the nozzle.  You have much more thorough atomization.

External mix - The paint is introduced into the airflow at the very end of the brush, just outside the nozzle.  Atomization is not as fine as an internal mix.

Once you get a hang of how the double action works and you decide you really like it, I'd suggest getting one of the Iwata Eclipse series brushes($110).  For fine line work, I suggest a gravity feed as they allow you to work with lower airpressure (psi).  If you're going to be doing larger areas, consider a bottom feed.  These hold larger volumes of paint, but require a higher psi (vaccuum draw) to work.

Hope it helps some,

Fred

 

With out listing reams of data, my recommendation would be a Badger 100LG or Iwatas Eclypse CS and don't look back. I think eather would do about anything you wanted to do. Both are good quality airbrushes and are very reliable. Check out past replies to best airbrushes and you will find many positive comments about both. It is a no lose choice between the two. Another no lose choice would be to check out Dixie art supply before buying one. Remember to buy your accessories at the same time to save on shipping. Hose or hose adaptors, tips, nozzles, needles, etc... Greg.

Cost is a big factor. I owned a Aztek and did not like it. I now own a couple Iwata's and love them. If you can afford the Iwata's I would buy one. many very good modlers really like the Aztek.