About to purchase an airbrush and compressor - advice please

[oPROJECTMAYHEMo]

Hi Guys,

I am about to purchase an airbrush and compressor to do the painting on my models.

I have narrowed it down to a few options but I am leaning towards the Iwata Neo Airbrush and also Iwata Silver Jet compressor.

Just wondered is anyone has any experience with either of these two bits of kit and their thoughts?

Thank you in advance.

[Snake45]

I'm not an expert on Iwata stuff but it's a slow day so I did some research. 

First the compressor. I see the Silver Jet is rated at 18 PSI. IMHO that's way too light. I do most of my airbrushing somewhere in the 20-25 PSI range, which isn't all that much more, but it's extremely convenient to crank the pressure to 35-40 PSI to blast solvent/cleaner through it at the end of a session. 

Also, I don't see a tank on that compressor. I consider a tank vital, because it eliminates the "pulsing" of direct supply, and also you can fill the tank and then turn the compressor off instead of having it run full time. You don't need a huge tank; 2-3 gallons is plenty for most model work. 

I don't know how things are in England but in the US you can buy a perfectly serviceable compressor with tank at Walmart or Harbor Freight for about half the list price of that Iwata Silver Jet. 

On to the airbrush. I'm sure the Neo is a fine airbrush and I have lots of model airplane friends who own, use, and love them. It might be more than you need for 99% of model car work, unless you plan to jump right into intricate custom paint jobs, weathering, and so forth. I recommend beginners start with a simple single action external mix airbrush such as the Badger 350 or Paasche H, which I consider just about perfect for model car work. In fact, I now own five or six airbrushes including a couple of fancy double-action rigs, and for almost all my model car work I revert to a 40-year-old Badger 350 (which, truth to tell, is darn close to worn completely out and should probably be replaced at this point). A Badger 350 or Paasche H is easy to learn to use, and easy to clean. If you find you need a finer line, you can always move up to the Iwata or something like it. 

Just my opinion, worth exactly what you paid for it. Good luck with your new endeavor! 

[crazyjim]

I bought a California Air compressor a couple of years ago because they are so quiet.  I had a Home Deport twin tank compressor and couldn't even hear the phone ring when it was running.

[Miatatom]

Paasche H. Perfect for the beginner.

[Rodent]

I have had a Paasche H since the early 1980s and am very happy with it. I use a small compressor with a tank that is also used for car and bicycle tires. I built a hose for the airbrush that has a water trap and a pressure regulator.

[oPROJECTMAYHEMo]

2 hours ago, Snake45 said:

I'm not an expert on Iwata stuff but it's a slow day so I did some research. 

First the compressor. I see the Silver Jet is rated at 18 PSI. IMHO that's way too light. I do most of my airbrushing somewhere in the 20-25 PSI range, which isn't all that much more, but it's extremely convenient to crank the pressure to 35-40 PSI to blast solvent/cleaner through it at the end of a session. 

Also, I don't see a tank on that compressor. I consider a tank vital, because it eliminates the "pulsing" of direct supply, and also you can fill the tank and then turn the compressor off instead of having it run full time. You don't need a huge tank; 2-3 gallons is plenty for most model work. 

I don't know how things are in England but in the US you can buy a perfectly serviceable compressor with tank at Walmart or Harbor Freight for about half the list price of that Iwata Silver Jet. 

On to the airbrush. I'm sure the Neo is a fine airbrush and I have lots of model airplane friends who own, use, and love them. It might be more than you need for 99% of model car work, unless you plan to jump right into intricate custom paint jobs, weathering, and so forth. I recommend beginners start with a simple single action external mix airbrush such as the Badger 350 or Paasche H, which I consider just about perfect for model car work. In fact, I now own five or six airbrushes including a couple of fancy double-action rigs, and for almost all my model car work I revert to a 40-year-old Badger 350 (which, truth to tell, is darn close to worn completely out and should probably be replaced at this point). A Badger 350 or Paasche H is easy to learn to use, and easy to clean. If you find you need a finer line, you can always move up to the Iwata or something like it. 

Just my opinion, worth exactly what you paid for it. Good luck with your new endeavor! 

 

Thank you for your detailed response and taking the time to look in to this for me.

 

Question RE: compressors with tanks and this might be a silly question.

Do I have to replace or refill the tanks? if so, how? 

I have googles it and there isnt much info on it which makes me think im asking a stupid question.

[StevenGuthmiller]

I use a DeWalt 6 gallon pancake compressor for the majority of my painting.

You can carry the compressor outside or into the garage, fill the tank, and then bring it into your shop for painting.

This will eliminate the noise, and the tank will hold enough air to do a lot of painting!

Plus, unlike many of the small hobby compressors, you can set the pressure to whatever you're comfortable with.

I usually run about 40 psi for painting bodies, which is more than many of the little airbrush compressors will produce.

I also have a small compressor paired with a badger 200 NH for small stuff.

 

For bodies, I use a "Creos PS290" trigger type airbrush......which I absolutely love!

 

 

Steve

[StevenGuthmiller]

1 hour ago, oPROJECTMAYHEMo said:

 

Thank you for your detailed response and taking the time to look in to this for me.

 

Question RE: compressors with tanks and this might be a silly question.

Do I have to replace or refill the tanks? if so, how? 

I have googles it and there isnt much info on it which makes me think im asking a stupid question.

The tank is just the "air storage" part of the compressor.

You run the compressor until the tank is full, at which time it will stop.

When the pressure begins to become too low, the compressor will automatically start again to refill the tank.

 

 

Steve

[NOBLNG]

Another vote for a Paasche H. I first bought an Iwata Eclipse which is a beautiful dual action internal mix air brush. I found the cleaning of it to be tedious though. Since I bought the Paasche, I have not picked up the Iwata again. Nothing against the Iwata...it is just a finer tool than needed for 99% of our hobby requirements.

[crazyjim]

Don't forget a pressure gauge and a water filter.

[StevenGuthmiller]

1 minute ago, crazyjim said:

Don't forget a pressure gauge and a water filter.

The pancake compressor that I have came equipped with a pair of pressure gauges.

One for the tank pressure, and another for the pressure through the hose.

Most of this type of compressor come equipped this way.

 

I do have a moisture trap that I keep attached to the air brush hose with a chuck that I can just snap into the compressor and go.

It's a pretty nice and simple set up that works great!

 

 

 

 

Steve

[Spruslayer]

I'm with jim on the compressor.Heres the one i have.Super quiet,and enough output to run my hvlp detail gun.

Iwata Neo is the airbrush i use.

Edited January 9, 2020 by Spruslayer

[El Roberto]

For model car work you can't beat the Paasche H.   

[oPROJECTMAYHEMo]

19 hours ago, Snake45 said:

I'm not an expert on Iwata stuff but it's a slow day so I did some research. 

First the compressor. I see the Silver Jet is rated at 18 PSI. IMHO that's way too light. I do most of my airbrushing somewhere in the 20-25 PSI range, which isn't all that much more, but it's extremely convenient to crank the pressure to 35-40 PSI to blast solvent/cleaner through it at the end of a session. 

Also, I don't see a tank on that compressor. I consider a tank vital, because it eliminates the "pulsing" of direct supply, and also you can fill the tank and then turn the compressor off instead of having it run full time. You don't need a huge tank; 2-3 gallons is plenty for most model work. 

I don't know how things are in England but in the US you can buy a perfectly serviceable compressor with tank at Walmart or Harbor Freight for about half the list price of that Iwata Silver Jet. 

On to the airbrush. I'm sure the Neo is a fine airbrush and I have lots of model airplane friends who own, use, and love them. It might be more than you need for 99% of model car work, unless you plan to jump right into intricate custom paint jobs, weathering, and so forth. I recommend beginners start with a simple single action external mix airbrush such as the Badger 350 or Paasche H, which I consider just about perfect for model car work. In fact, I now own five or six airbrushes including a couple of fancy double-action rigs, and for almost all my model car work I revert to a 40-year-old Badger 350 (which, truth to tell, is darn close to worn completely out and should probably be replaced at this point). A Badger 350 or Paasche H is easy to learn to use, and easy to clean. If you find you need a finer line, you can always move up to the Iwata or something like it. 

Just my opinion, worth exactly what you paid for it. Good luck with your new endeavor! 

So taking into account your comments and a little bit more research about compressors with tanks I think i have found what I may be going for.

 

Compressor - https://www.amazon.co.uk/TC90T-Airbrush-Compressor-Twin-Piston/dp/B06XDRX7YY/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=royal+max+compressor&qid=1578644986&sr=8-2

Airbrush - https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B006MTQXPE/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A356452I7XTSBD&psc=1

Hose - https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07CHK6GK6/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=A3FZY5DZQUIYZ3&psc=1

Any one know is these cleaning stations are worth having? https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00RVZG4X4/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A30MR9F6WLGMZ0&psc=1

I have read some really good things about the Paasche airbrushes but some of the reviews for the suppliers of this over here have given pretty bad reviews about things breaking and also not getting what was advertised.

 

[oPROJECTMAYHEMo]

The Paasche airbrushes i can find here on Amazon are 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Paasche-Airbrush-Raptor-Gravity-Multi-Colour/dp/B0183E9S9I/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=paasche+airbrush+gravity&qid=1578648749&s=kids&sr=1-3-catcorr

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Paasche-Airbrush-Gravity-Deluxe-Multi-Colour/dp/B00JUPUIR6/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=paasche+airbrush+gravity&qid=1578648749&s=kids&sr=1-2-catcorr

 

Anyone have experience with these?

[NOBLNG]

7 hours ago, oPROJECTMAYHEMo said:

Anyone have experience with these?

I have not, however those are both dual action, internal mix, similar to the Iwata Eclipse or Neo. This is the model H that I have and I love it. I have no affiliation with the seller, it was the first one that popped up. One thing I like about it is the ability to use the little cup or a bottle.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Paasche-Airbrush-Single-Action-Multi-Colour/dp/B004O7HTYU/ref=sr_1_2?crid=BQ2LRFF63Y9U&keywords=paasche+airbrush&qid=1578676127&sprefix=paasche+H%2Caps%2C265&sr=8-2

Edited January 10, 2020 by NOBLNG

[Cornpatch]

Have to go with the Paasche H.  I also have a Paasche Duel Action Brush that very very seldom gets used. I went to Farm and Fleet and picked up a compressor with a tank on it, put on a water filter, and bought me a 15 foot cord. That allows me to leave the compressor in one spot and reach my painting area with the brush. Less lifting that way. Also drain the tank when done using the compressor,any  moister in the tank comes out.

[Can-Con]

If you're just starting with an airbrush I'd also suggest a Paasche H or Badger 350.  ,,, I use a Badger 350 myself.

I'd advise starting off with the simpler brush and move up after you master it.  There is a learning curve to it and it takes some practice so starting off simpler is better.

No sense starting off with a more complicated dual action brush just to get fed up after a few tries, give up and shove it in a box in the back of the closet.

Not saying that will happen with you but it does happen very often.

[StevenGuthmiller]

4 hours ago, Can-Con said:

If you're just starting with an airbrush I'd also suggest a Paasche H or Badger 350.  ,,, I use a Badger 350 myself.

I'd advise starting off with the simpler brush and move up after you master it.  There is a learning curve to it and it takes some practice so starting off simpler is better.

No sense starting off with a more complicated dual action brush just to get fed up after a few tries, give up and shove it in a box in the back of the closet.

Not saying that will happen with you but it does happen very often.

I agree.

My first, and only airbrush for close to 30 years was a Badger 200NH single action, siphon feed.

I still have it and use it for pretty much everything that I airbrush, except bodies.

I like something that shoots a little more paint in a wider pattern for that, which is where the Creos PS290 came in.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steve

[Miatatom]

I've got a PS290 and love it. Get the Iwata handle for it. Not sure which model Iwata but someone here should recall it. Makes holding and squeezing the trigger much easier.

[StevenGuthmiller]

27 minutes ago, Miatatom said:

I've got a PS290 and love it. Get the Iwata handle for it. Not sure which model Iwata but someone here should recall it. Makes holding and squeezing the trigger much easier.

Yes, I've seen those.

It appears that it would make operation much more comfortable.

 

 

Steve

[showrods]

On 1/9/2020 at 6:35 AM, oPROJECTMAYHEMo said:

Hi Guys,

I am about to purchase an airbrush and compressor to do the painting on my models.

I have narrowed it down to a few options but I am leaning towards the Iwata Neo Airbrush and also Iwata Silver Jet compressor.

Just wondered is anyone has any experience with either of these two bits of kit and their thoughts?

Thank you in advance.

Go with your gut - go with the Iwata.  I have an Iwata C Plus airbrush and an Iwata compressor.  I love both.  

Iwata, as I'm sure you know makes a number of different airbrushes for a number of different applications.  Just make sure that the Neo is the one that you need and that your compressor will deliver the required PSI for the paints that you plan on using.

Regardless, Iwata makes very high quality products and you won't go wrong buying high quality.  Don't cheap out - you get what you pay for.

Edited January 11, 2020 by showrods

[Ctmodeler]

Wow I'm in the same spot lol looking for advice on my first airbrush purchase

[Dave G.]

On 1/10/2020 at 4:37 AM, oPROJECTMAYHEMo said:

The Paasche airbrushes i can find here on Amazon are 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Paasche-Airbrush-Raptor-Gravity-Multi-Colour/dp/B0183E9S9I/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=paasche+airbrush+gravity&qid=1578648749&s=kids&sr=1-3-catcorr

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Paasche-Airbrush-Gravity-Deluxe-Multi-Colour/dp/B00JUPUIR6/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=paasche+airbrush+gravity&qid=1578648749&s=kids&sr=1-2-catcorr

 

Anyone have experience with these?

At the same site they show the H as well for E53 or 55. Just fwiw. You just have to search Paasche siphon is all.

[935k3]

Here is the handle for the PS290  Creos 290 handle.