Airbrushes

[irishmike]

I just started getting back into modeling again and am looking to upgrade from using an aerosol can for airbrushing. For $200 or less what would you recommend?

[tabsscale1]

I like the Paasche VL and the Iawata eclipse Both are double action and are under $200. Ifyou have a HoBBy Lobby around they usually carrie these and this week they have a 40% coupon and could get either one for under $100. I Use a Campbell Hausfeld compressor for them. Bought it at Walmart for around $70 or under can't remember for sure. It has like a 3 or 3 gallon tank and has a built in regulator. Alos you can check out Dixie art for the Airbrushes Seems they are the cheapest to me and they also carry replacementparts if you ever need them.Here is the link

http://www.dixieart.com/

[crazyjim]

Paasche H series, single action. Chicago Airbrush had the lowest price and often does free shipping.

3 gallon compressor from Lowe's (plus a 10% discount to military Veterans). When I bought mine it came with a nail gun.

[Six-Fo]

I would take the cheapest dual action gravity feed 0.3-0.5mm airbrush I could find on ebay.

like this:

http://www.ebay.com/...=item35b7d50148

Trust me, they are well worth the money and unless you want to paint some microscopic murals they will cover every need in model building.

The money you will save from that 200$ limit you can invest in decent air compressor equipment.

I've used them and I cant complain, they can even pull out some decent paintjobs...

[Mr. Moparman]

Paasche H model. Easiest to use and a Harbor Freight Compressor.

[scalenut]

put as much into a compressor as you can ,the noise is going to determine what route to go tho.

A hobby type compressor is quiet , but a larger compressor with a nice big tank is usually cheaper and will spray higher pressures without turning on as much.

[moparmagiclives]

I would check with Eastwood, they have pretty good combos. $200 to $300.

[Longbox55]

Paashe H or V, depending on wheather you want single or double action. I personally prefer a compressor with a tank, bigger the better (I use my compressor for other duties, like inflating tires and running air tools, though). Don't overlook the Harbor Freight Central Pneumatic airbrushes, either. They're actually pretty decent for the price.

[Chillyb1]

I've used them and I cant complain, they can even pull out some decent paintjobs...

Awww, c'mon, Six Fo, you're just showing off!!

But he's right. I suggest going for dual-action, also; they aren't any more difficult to use and they are adaptable to a much wider range of uses than single-action airbrushes. For your $200 you should be able to get a good airbrush and compressor. As others have already recommended, a Paasche VL and a little 2 or 3-gallon compressor and you are good to go.

Good luck with your search and here's welcoming you, in advance, to the wonderful world of airbrushing.

[Monty]

One of our members has a site with a lot of airbrush information that you might find helpful.

https://sites.google...nsairbrushtips/

Edited December 19, 2011 by Monty

[Greg Pugh]

I'm still trying to figure out which I like better. I'm using the Paasche VL dual action for color and the H single action for clear coating. Either are great brushes.

[Rob McKee]

I have the Paasche VL which I use for painting larger surfaces like car bodies and interiors. I have an Iwata Eclipse HP CS for more detailed work.

The Paasche VL comes with 3 different needles and tips that allow you to go from very fine for detail to heavier for bodies etc. It is a great brush that isn't to expensive. It should serve you for many years.

As for a compressor, I just grabbed a 3 gallon unit from my local auto supply store. It was on sale for $69.00 and it does the job fine. You may want to get a water trap to prevent small droplets of water in you paint caused by the compressor.

Rob

[GMP440]

I highly recommend Harbor Freight's double action airbrush. Performs really well.

Kit comes with two glass bottles, two needles , hose and holder.

_{Harbor freight double action airbrush.}

[Dave Ambrose]

I have a Paasche VL and an Iwata Eclipse. The VL is my go-to airbrush for just about everything. The kit comes with three cones and needles, a cup, small bottle, and a large bottle. You can't beat the versatility. You can find them for $60 on Amazon.

Compressor-wise, get one with a tank. A diaphragm pump with no tank will pulsate when you're trying to put down a heavy coat with the large nozzle. Be sure your compressor has both a filter and a regulator.

[Tonioseven]

I use a Paasche H (which I have all three tips for) and a Cambell-Hausfeld compresor I got from Wal-Mart roughly 9 years ago. I have no complaints' I also have a knock-off Iwata Eclipse (made in the same factory) that I use on occasion.

Done using the Paasche...