Airbrush stores

G'day all

Anybody know of good reputable stores to buy airbrushes online? I'm thinking about buying an Iwata Eclipse HP-CS. Iwata brushes are made in Japan, so is there any Japanese source? Alternately has anybody any experience of buying from US retailers like Dixie Art, Bear Air, Airbrush HQ or similar. The US stores seem to be way cheaper, European and Australian stores asking up to twice the price.

What about the airbrishes you use? Used the Iwata Eclipse or other cool brush?

I've had a Paasch H for years. I's a good reliable brush but doesn't have the fine control that I'd like. It is more like a mini spray gun, can't draw fine lines or feathers for example. I guess I'm after something that will one day allow me to hand brush the livery on a 1/20th West McLaren!

I've done my fair share of airbrush research and the Iwata lines are bar-none the best! Other companies make good 'alternatives' that will work well if you learn to use them but for ease of use and versatility Iwata's can't be beat.

I ordered my Iwata Revolution from Coast Airbrush (http://www.coastairbrush.com/) since at the time they were the only ones who had it. Lots of modelers at rec.models.scale order from Dixieart or BearArt, they seem to have no problem.

I think the Eclipse series should suit your needs. If you feel the need to draw any finer lines than what the Eclipses' 0.35mm needle will give you, try the HP-C, with a 0.3 mm needle and big gravity fed cup. Nearly twice the price, but... :bandit:

Thanks for the lowdown Dan, you are the painting Guru :)

Sounds like you are happy wih your Revolution. Will have to email Dixie Art and find out all the details with regard to shipping, accessories, etc.

You've got me thinking about the HP-C too, only an extra thirty bucks US. Might as well go for the best hey? Wonder what the difference is WRT the fineness of lines? Not that my hand is steady enough I suppose :sun:

I'm sorry to interupt your question but:

How are the Iwata airbrushes for left handed people? (like me) On pictures it looks like it shouldn't present any problem.

I've got a Revell at the moment which seems to be made for right handed people, so it doesn't feel comfortable when spraying left handed.

Yes, I'm very happy with my Revolution, it's rather 'low maintenance'.

Just did some more research, the HP-C apparently doesn't respond to spraying enamels very well (with thin lines). However it apparently works well with acrylics and I presume lacquers. I think this is due to the thick nature of enamels.

Some advice for the HP-CS or HP-C: Make sure to get a "Crown Cap", this nifty little thing allows air to escape when you're doing close up spraying. Also, I'm not sure what materials the HP-C or HP-CS use for their O-Rings. My Revolution uses a teflon O-ring which is impervious to lacquer thinner, but I know some of the other Iwatas use rubber O-rings which swell up and break when exposed to lacquer thinner.

Also pick up a bottle of airbrush lubricant, should last you a life time (if you don't already have some). Iwata parts are sturdy (in my experience) so I don't think you'll need to order replacements, however if you don't have an Iwata distributor handy you might order some to save on shipping in the future.

Here is a nifty chart from Iwata about their airbrushes:
http://www.arttalk.com/iwata/index.htm

Originally posted by Marco_Wrc
I'm sorry to interupt your question but:

How are the Iwata airbrushes for left handed people? (like me) On pictures it looks like it shouldn't present any problem.

I've got a Revell at the moment which seems to be made for right handed people, so it doesn't feel comfortable when spraying left handed.

I don't imagine their would be any problem, they're pretty symmetrical.

Originally posted by Marco_Wrc
I'm sorry to interupt your question but:

How are the Iwata airbrushes for left handed people? (like me) On pictures it looks like it shouldn't present any problem.

I've got a Revell at the moment which seems to be made for right handed people, so it doesn't feel comfortable when spraying left handed.

Shouldn't be any problem Marco, as Dan says the Iwata Eclipse HP-CS is symmetrical. It has a gravity feed cup that sits on top of the brush, so there is nothing on the side to get in the way, no matter if you are left or right handed.

http://www.arttalk.com/iwata/new/EclipseHP-CS1.jpg

Some of the other types are different though so check them all out on the link Dan provided above.

Thanks once again for the info and link Dan, you've been a big help.
Will have to do some more research into exactly which brush will be right for my needs. Definitely be an Iwata!