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Looking 4 1st Airbrush

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  • Member since
    November 2005
Looking 4 1st Airbrush
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, January 10, 2004 1:44 PM
I am currently looking to purchase my first airbrush and since there are so many different ones to choose from I'm kind of at a lose right now. Should I go single- or double-action.

I would greatly appreciate to know what other modelers are using and would suggest.

Tks,

Greg
  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Posted by maddafinga on Saturday, January 10, 2004 2:01 PM
Absolutely go double action, and gravity feed if you can, you'll have a lot more control that way. You can still spray with higher pressure and larger paint volumes if you need to, but you'll also have fine control when you need it.

I use an Iwata Revolutiuon, it was cheap and it works beautifully. Others would suggest a Pasche VL or Badger or Thayer & Chandler newer double action brushes (sorry Mike, I can't remember their names just now) all of wich would work wonderfully. I went with the Revolution because it was cheap and good. Any good quality airbrush will work fine for you with a bit of practice.

Search through the last several pages of posts and read any that seem relevant to your question. We drift off topic some, but you'll get tons of good answers and suggestions.

Also, welcome to the forums Greg!
Madda Trifles make perfection, but perfection is no trifle. -- Leonardo Da Vinci Tact is for those who lack the wit for sarcasm.--maddafinga
  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Lower Alabama
Posted by saltydog on Saturday, January 10, 2004 7:37 PM
i have an omni 5000 gravity feed ab and i absolutely love it. i have 2 single actions that collect dust since ive got the hang of the double action. if your on a budget and dont have the money to make a mistake with, buy the double action gravity feed and you cant go wrong. i assemble 1/48 scale exclusively, use tamiya acrylics and thinner exclusively (mainly because ive tried pollyscale and mm acryl with much frustration) and thoroughly enjoy myself. maddafinga is on the money. here is the place i purchased mine with free shipping. http://www.dixieart.com/Omni.html
Chris The Origins of Murphy's Law: "In the begginning there was nothing, and it exploded."!!! _________ chris
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Hayward, CA
Posted by MikeV on Saturday, January 10, 2004 8:27 PM
Greg,

What are you going to use the airbrush for?
Aircraft, cars, tanks?

Mike

Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom. " Charles Spurgeon
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, January 11, 2004 7:46 AM
QUOTE: Originally posted by MikeV

Greg,

What are you going to use tha airbrush for?
Aircraft, cars, tanks?

Mike


Mike,

I model primarily aircraft (WWII-present) but am getting into armored vehicles as well.

Greg
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Hayward, CA
Posted by MikeV on Sunday, January 11, 2004 11:06 AM
Greg,

Then I would agree with the other posts and get a double-action model.
Many people like gravity feed models and others prefer the siphon feed models. If you like the gravity feed models then I would look at the Omni 4000, Eclipse CS, or the Revolution CR. If you like the idea of different sized color cups and bottles then go with a siphon feed model such as the Omni 3000, Anthem, Vega 2000, Eclipse BCS, or Revolution BCR.
The Paasche VL, Crescendo and a few others are also popular.
The gravity feed models are capable of spraying at a little lower pressure and are easier for some people to achieve fine lines with less overspray although I don't see a big difference. The siphon-feed models are faster at color changes if you need to go to several colors at one sitting because you can just pull the color cup off, spray some thinner through the brush and put another color cup back on with a different color. If you decide to use your airbrush for other things that require more paint then the siphon feed would also be the better choice in that manner because you can attach anything from a 1/4 oz color cup to a 3 oz. jar on them.

Mike

Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom. " Charles Spurgeon
  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: The Hoosier State
Posted by plasticmod992 on Sunday, January 11, 2004 7:03 PM
Greg, ...hey nice name!

Read my last recent post to another modeler who was looking for his first airbrush.

http://www.finescale.com/fsm/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=13072

Greg Williams Owner/ Manager Modern Hobbies LLC Indianapolis, IN. IPMS #44084
  • Member since
    February 2003
Posted by mass tactical on Saturday, April 10, 2004 8:33 AM
Greg: You would not go wrong in buying an Iwata Eclipse BCS. This is an outstanding double action airbrush. Easy to use, clean and maintain. In my opinion it is the best all around airbrush for model builders.

Mike
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, April 10, 2004 3:19 PM
dont go aztek. lots of people made that mistake...

i would buy an iwata revolution cr... its perfect! if you dont like duels go with revolution sar... dun like it tho
  • Member since
    January 2004
  • From: USA
Posted by MusicCity on Saturday, April 10, 2004 6:36 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by saltydog

i have an omni 5000 gravity feed ab and i absolutely love it.


WHAT???? After all that noise we had to listen to about that Iwata HP-CS you are still touting the Omni??? For shame! Big Smile [:D] Just kidding!

I agree though. I've got a Badger 200 and Omni 3000. I use the 200 for "General Coverage" and the Omni for everything else. The 200 is a little easier to clean, and I tend to overclean my brushes by completely disassembling them at the end of a painting day.

I feel like I have a lot more control with the double-action Omni than I do with the single-action 200 and would never try to paint something tricky with anything other than my DA brush.
Scott Craig -- Nashville, TN -- My Website -- My Models Page
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, April 10, 2004 6:47 PM
i dont like aztek at all...hate them infact. i wish i just bought a badger instead
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Hayward, CA
Posted by MikeV on Saturday, April 10, 2004 7:32 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by 1337

i dont like aztek at all...hate them infact. i wish i just bought a badger instead


Sell it on Ebay then and buy something else.

Mike

Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom. " Charles Spurgeon
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, April 11, 2004 1:43 PM
yah, thats what im going to do... probubly. then buy a badger 100 or 200 or tamiya hg-sf in addition to my iwata hp-c
  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Portugal
Posted by lito.sf on Sunday, April 11, 2004 2:31 PM
I have an Iwata bs gravity feed and i really love it to me i´t's perfect.
Buying a good airbrush lika a Iwata will be more expensive but you wont regret it!
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, April 11, 2004 11:36 PM
so in a way, its actually cheaper! and its altogether better
  • Member since
    December 2003
  • From: Phoenix,Az
Posted by 9x19mm on Monday, April 12, 2004 6:04 AM
Anyone have a paasche VSR90 if so how do you like it?
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Cornebarrieu (near Blagnac), France
Posted by Torio on Monday, April 12, 2004 1:36 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by 9x19mm

Anyone have a paasche VSR90 if so how do you like it?


I owned one once that is : I bought it, I used once, I thought it was a piece of crap, and I sold it; on the other hand, you should not listen to me, as I think that Aztek are fair airbrushes and I still own one although I prefer German airbrushes at this time.

Thank you all for coming José

  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, April 12, 2004 4:29 PM
QUOTE: originally posted by maddafinga
Absolutely go double action

Agree 100%! If you want an airbrush that has good results and great durability, go Iwata or Bagder. But for the love of everything good and holy, don't get an AZTEK for that purpose (please don't!)Sad [:(] If you want something where you can learn the typical characteristics of an airbrush and basically learn how to use one and learn how paint works in an AB, then (I can't believe I'm sayin thisDisapprove [V]) get an Aztek. Please understand what I'm saying here everyone. If you want an AB that will teach you how to use one and teach you the characteristics of paint in an AB (basically a AB you learn on and YOU PLAN on getting another better AB later) then get an Aztek. But if you want an AB that you plan on keeping for a long time and this is what you saved up for and don't plan on getting another AB for a long time, then get something high quality like bagder or Iwata. Aztek is something you (as I did) can learn on and junk around with, but Iwata or bagder are high quality and it's kinda overkill to give a beginner an AB like that. But if you want to buy an AB and thats it for a long time, then I recomend you learn and master your skills on an Iwata or Bagder. It all depends on how much money you have or are willing to spend for a long term AB or something you can learn on, and get a new higher quality one later.
  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Lower Alabama
Posted by saltydog on Monday, April 12, 2004 5:24 PM
QUOTE: WHAT???? After all that noise we had to listen to about that Iwata HP-CS you are still touting the Omni??? For shame! Just kidding!

this is an old thread scott! those were the pre-iwata days. i still love my omni 5000 though. i spray all my alclad lacquers through it as to keep my iwata's clear of enamels.Wink [;)]Big Smile [:D]Big Smile [:D]

im the opposite of you armor master, i want the best to tinker and learn with. theres no use in getting used to a mule when you can ride a stallion to begin with!! ofcourse this depends on your budget. omni and iwata are among the best because these are the only two double action companys ive tried. both make superior airbrushes. i have the omni 5000 which is only about a half a notch under my iwata hp-cs and hp-c and all are excellent airbrushes that i plan to use extensively. among the 3, the iwata hp-c is my favorite with the .4mm n/n combo. in a few months, heck, ill probably purchase the iwata revolution with the .5mm n/n combo just to round out the iwata line. later.
Chris The Origins of Murphy's Law: "In the begginning there was nothing, and it exploded."!!! _________ chris
  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Posted by maddafinga on Monday, April 12, 2004 6:35 PM
I'd be interested to see how you feel the Revolution compares to the CS and the Omni. I love comparisons like that. I still haven't gotten an illustration airbrush and Silentaire compressor yet either. I had to spend that money on computer parts and getting Claire's car fixed after those punk spoiled rich kids stole it. It's always something Smile [:)]

We keep soldiering on though.

Madda Trifles make perfection, but perfection is no trifle. -- Leonardo Da Vinci Tact is for those who lack the wit for sarcasm.--maddafinga
  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Lower Alabama
Posted by saltydog on Monday, April 12, 2004 9:06 PM
10/4. that just gives me an excuse josh.Wink [;)]Big Smile [:D] punks are aggrevating. sorry to hear that. later.
Chris The Origins of Murphy's Law: "In the begginning there was nothing, and it exploded."!!! _________ chris
  • Member since
    March 2004
  • From: Parker Colorado
Posted by Res M198 on Tuesday, April 13, 2004 2:30 PM
I was also looking for my 1st decent airbrush. My first airbrush was a Testors plastic cheepie. I was leaning towards the Aztec because of the interchangeable tips. After reading these forums I decided to go with the Iwata Revolution. The price was very reasonable and think I will be happy with it. I'll let you all know.
  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Lower Alabama
Posted by saltydog on Tuesday, April 13, 2004 5:00 PM
the iwata will definetly be a great purchase. let me know how it works and i may just order me one soon. later.
Chris The Origins of Murphy's Law: "In the begginning there was nothing, and it exploded."!!! _________ chris
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, April 13, 2004 6:04 PM
yeah, youl love it
  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Posted by maddafinga on Tuesday, April 13, 2004 6:13 PM
I have one of those Revolution airbrushes, and I like it quite a bit. It does the job quite well, and I even managed to put a freehand cammo job on a 1/72 Spitfire with it. Not much it can't do.

I still want an illustration airbrush though.


Hey Chris, does your wife get irritated with you about buying more airbrushes than you need?
Madda Trifles make perfection, but perfection is no trifle. -- Leonardo Da Vinci Tact is for those who lack the wit for sarcasm.--maddafinga
  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Ozarks of Arkansas
Posted by diggeraone on Tuesday, April 13, 2004 6:38 PM
As for me even thou most of these people said no to aztec,I got one.I am very well plased with it.1 for the interchangible nozzles the others reqiure a lot of t.l.c. with the needles.The nozzles are inexpinivse and are easy to clean.2 a lot hobby shops have parts for this type of air gun and can be double action depending what type you get .
For me it is more econoimical,I have found that places like hobby lobby has a lot of
pieces for the aztec and at a good price.DiggerSmile [:)]Cowboy [C):-)]Smile [:)]
Put all your trust in the Lord,do not put confidence in man.PSALM 118:8 We are in the buisness to do the impossible..G.S.Patton
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, April 13, 2004 8:24 PM
Yeah, I used to believe in Aztek. Untill this!Shock [:O]Angry [:(!]Black Eye [B)]Shock [:O]
http://www.finescale.com/fsm/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=15957
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, April 13, 2004 11:26 PM
aztek parts are fscking expensive: nozzle: $15 compared to $8 badger needles. why do sailsmen always ttry to get us to buy aztek?
  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Ozarks of Arkansas
Posted by diggeraone on Wednesday, April 14, 2004 7:16 AM
well I will have to wait and see with my aztec if these problem accure.As for the nozzles I can buy them for $8 as well at hobby lobby.DiggerSmile [:)]Cowboy [C):-)]Smile [:)]
Put all your trust in the Lord,do not put confidence in man.PSALM 118:8 We are in the buisness to do the impossible..G.S.Patton
  • Member since
    August 2003
  • From: Alice Springs Australia
Posted by tweety1 on Wednesday, April 14, 2004 7:31 AM
The Aztek I use to use had the same nozzle attached to it for 2 years (the tan coloured one), was pulled apart only once to be cleaned, and sprayed everything, enamels, acrylics and laquers.

Diggeraone, DO NOT run any laquers through your Aztek or else it WILL die a loathsome death. Thats what killed mine after a month of laquerage.

Second thing about Azteks, DO NOT backflush them, or else you WILL end up with paint all through the air/paint mech, and wind up having the same problem most have had.

Other than that, mine worked a treat for more models than I can remember.

They ain't that bad, and I'd gladly buy another if the price here was cheaperSmile [:)]
--Sean-- If you are driving at the speed of light and you turn on the headlights, what happens???
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