Recommended first Air Brush

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Karaya
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Recommended first Air Brush

Post by Karaya »

Gents,

I have the funds and the permission of the significant other to purchase my first air brush. Budget is about AU$350. I know this is going to be a very sweeping and general question but what would you recommend. I did play around with and cartridge powered airbrush during my youth with fair to reasonable results but ideally I am looking for something that is easy to use but won't immediate become outdated as I try new and more complex techniques. Is there something like an all-rounder air-brush?
.....Sven W.
Edgar Brooks
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Re: Recommended first Air Brush

Post by Edgar Brooks »

Strangely enough, I'd recommend (almost) the dead opposite, since it's always possible to use a dual-action airbrush as a single-action, but never the other way round. For what it's worth, my advice would be to go to a show, or a specialist shop, where you can handle brushes, and find one that feels right. My experience is entirely the opposite to Bruce, since I have large hands, in which a Paasche VL feels perfectly comfortable, while a Badger feels almost fragile, by comparison.
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bassman
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Re: Recommended first Air Brush

Post by bassman »

My advice is go for a double action if your funds allow it. Gives more control and possibilities. I use a Badger 150 and Revell Profi, both double action. Not that expensive and good allrounders.

A compressor is a must for a good result. When using propellant cans you always run out of pressure on the most critical moment in your project. I use a small Tamiya compressor since 1995 and it never missed a beat. This compressor can be used with normal mains or with a RC-battery pack. This is very handy as you can use it everywhere without the need of finding a socket. Revell (and many other brands ofcourse) also make small compressors.
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Viking
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Re: Recommended first Air Brush

Post by Viking »

i would agree with bassman and edgar; if you can afford it, go for a double action brush, there is just so much more you can do with them from simple basics to complex. i use an Iwata revolution and love it; its all all stainless steel so feels solid and is very easy to keep clean, even for me.
Completed: not counting. Bought: trying not to let Mrs Viking count
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splash
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Re: Recommended first Air Brush

Post by splash »

I would agree with the twin action choice, I started with a Badger single action airbrush back in the 80’s when that is all you could get in the UK, it worked fine but it was a pain having to keep adjusting the paint flow using a screw adjuster on the back of the airbrush.

Two years ago I got a cheap (£35) Premiair G35 that was a great little airbrush that punched well above it’s league. I would fully recommend them if they are still available.

This year I pushed the boat out and got a Harder & Steenbeck Infinity it cost an arm and a leg, but was well worth it, the quality is excellent. I would go for a good compressor and a cheaper airbrush like the Premiair G35 to start and like me upgrade when you have fully mastered it.

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Karaya
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Re: Recommended first Air Brush

Post by Karaya »

I just realized there is a similar thread in the Finishing Tips section which I didn't see the first time around. Feel free to move/delete this thread as applicable. Would ne nice if we could move it as there is some good info here.
.....Sven W.
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AndrewR
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Re: Recommended first Air Brush

Post by AndrewR »

Karaya wrote:I just realized there is a similar thread in the Finishing Tips section which I didn't see the first time around. Feel free to move/delete this thread as applicable. Would ne nice if we could move it as there is some good info here.
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Karaya
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Re: Recommended first Air Brush

Post by Karaya »

Thanks Andrew :)
.....Sven W.
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Chuck E
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Re: Recommended first Air Brush

Post by Chuck E »

Here's a good link. These look very good value. They had some on show that you could play with. I have a Badger, but was very tempted. I may still send off for one.

Hollywood Trade Ltd

http://www.airbrushsupplyonline.com;

http://www.airbrushsupplyonline.com/ind ... cPath=2_35;
So many models, so little time.
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nightrider2k
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Re: Recommended first Air Brush

Post by nightrider2k »

I'm also in the process of deciding on my first 'decent quality' airbrush having had my fingers burnt buying an AZTEK last year, which I have regretted ever since!
I've looked at Harder & Steenbeck, Revell, Iwata, and the Badger Renegade series (the new Krome looks nice but not yet in UK?), but I can't decide which one to go for.
My main consideration would be spares and the availability of!
I have already invested in a half decent compressor when I got the Aztek, so I'm looking at a spend of around £100 - £150 max, but I don't want to make the same mistake and buy some rubbish look-a-like that will fall to bits or stop working after a couple of uses, or have spares that are as rare as rocking horse spit.
If you have any suggestions for someone who is just starting in the airbrush stage but wants to have the longevity of somethin I aint gotta upgrade in 6 months I would appreciate your advice.
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Jagewa
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Re: Recommended first Air Brush

Post by Jagewa »

I bought a Spray-Work Super Fine http://www.hlj.com/product/TAM74514;, and I find it great http://www.tamiya.com/english/products/ ... r_fine.htm; I use it for everything, it feels like a quality product, nice heft and just feels lovely in use.

Your Tamiya stockist should be able to get any spares, I've bought needles easily here in NZ from my LHS

The goss with these is that they are made by the same company that makes the Iwata airbrushes.

Cheers
Jim
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Re: Recommended first Air Brush

Post by SJPONeill »

I use a Badger 175 for fine work but have a cheap single-action from SuperCheap Auto for 'government work' and for covering large areas like the Vulcan and Dora...the 175 is magic although given the choice now I'd probably go back to the 150 it replaced because I thunk the feel and balance were better...the cheapie was only 29.95 but runs really reliably and takes most paints no drama...
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Re: Recommended first Air Brush

Post by peebeep »

nightrider2k wrote:I'm looking at a spend of around £100 - £150 max
I use an Iwata Eclipse, which should be within your budget. Best money I ever spent on my hobby.

peebeep
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