A question for the airbrush user's

[ukemaxxer]

I know this is a bit of huge topic but was wondering which airbrush model's you guy's use and also any recomendation's for a quiet compressor.

This will be my first airbrush and as I know nothing about them any help would be much appreciated. I have looked at lots on the net and think a single action one would be a good start so I only have to worry about controlling air with the finger.

Cheers

[935k3]

If you are getting a single action take a look at the Paasche H model, and buy the H Set so you get the hose and 3 different tips. It's similar to Badger's 350 but it has a metal body and is better quality at lower or similar price.
If you go with Dual Action the best all around for everday use for Model Builder's is the Badger 175 Crescendo. Buy the set on this one. You can get the set for $68 at dixieart.com

The Paasche D500 is a good airbrush compressor(about $120-150). If you want ultra quiet you will have to pay $400-$600

Paasche and Badger are also the easiest to find parts for also.

[daggerlee]

I use an Iwata Revolution gravity fed. Double action, single needle + nozzle (that means you won't ever have to change tips) and around $60 I think. You won't have a problem with this ever if you take care of it.

[Ragnarok043]

i highly reconmend Iwatas as well, i think its safe to say theyre the best. the 2 primary airbrush i use are Iwata Eclipses, the HP-BS and HP-CS. since you wont be needing to many special effects, their entry level Revolutions will do fine and the cheapest place to ge them is at Dixie.

as for compressors i suggest looking for one that has a airtank. they may be a little noisy when recharging the tank but you can get hours of quiet airbrushing. this Campbell Hausfeld compressor might what your looking for, probably the best for the buck.

[ukemaxxer]

Thanks for the advise guy's. I was looking at the Paashce H range and also an Aztec as it comes with 6 needle assy's.

[lotus_man]

I've had a seriously (ab)used Aztec dual action for about 6 years now, and I love it. My compressor on the other hand is cack. I'd get a tank one with a good regulator and a moisture trap next time... if you don't get one with a tank get a super-long air line as it should cut down on the pulsing effect.

[Hiroboy]

I use a Aztek - A4709

which has been very good for 4 years so far

[ZoomZoomMX-5]

I'd recommend either an Iwata or the Badger 175 Crescendo. I use the Badger as my workhorse airbrush and it's fantastic. I've got an old Model Master (pre-Aztek) airbrush and loved it when it was new, but it wore poorly and the replaceable nozzles weren't of great quality, and you really can't clean them thoroughly like standard airbrushes. The Paasche VL is also a great airbrush, but the Badger flows a bit more paint and is a bit easier to clean and keep clean.

I use an Automist compressor. Great quality, no airtank needed, extremely quiet operation. It was designed for the medical field (by a modeler), doesn't require a moisture trap either. Very simple operation, and the price is good too. It is amazingly quiet in operation. I don't use any accessories, it already has an on/off switch. My two best model-building friends have them too, and we love 'em. I rarely use my old Badger compressor any more-it's a good compressor, but it's incredibly LOUD!

Automist Compressor Information

Also (shameless plug here), I've written a book on airbrushing models that should be of help. People seem to like it. It's written specifically w/the modeler in mind, no T-shirts or license plates or murals...

Online review of book

Price comparisons/where to buy it

[ukemaxxer]

The Automist compressor looks good but are they avaliable in England?

[ZoomZoomMX-5]

Originally posted by ukemaxxer
The Automist compressor looks good but are they avaliable in England?

I don't know, but you can email them to find out. I suspect they're only sold in the US.