Best beginner airbrush?

[owais]

Hello everyone,

This question has probably been asked a dozen times already, and I apologize for repeating it.

Can someone please recommend a good airbrush for a beginner? My budget is around 150$ max. I guess I am looking for more of a good all-round airbrush, rather than one which does only one-two things very well. Also, any information on what is preferable in terms of single-action/ double-action would be very welcome....

Thanks in advance,

od

[phasephantomphixer]

Well, depends on where you are located for my suggestion. As for price and a Decent brush, you can't beat either of Harbor Freight's single or Double action. They are both under $20.00 and you can get all you need there. A braided hose, even a compressor for less than you budgeted. I have used their hobby compressor for years troublefree. I suggest you get the moisture trap there as well, and mount it as far away from the compressor (or air source) as possible for best results. I mount mine right under my work bench. HTH

[Chuck1945]

Make sure you include a compressor as well in your purchase plans since using canned air gets expensive fast.

I won't suggest any particular models, but will touch on single vs double action. When spraying the two brush controls are air volume and paint volume. (distance from the model and how much the paint has been thinned are the other two variables, but the brush doest regulate those) The term refers to what you control with the airbrush trigger. Single actionthe trigger controls one thing, in a Passche H for instance, that is the air flow. A seperate control controls the other, paint flow in the case of the Paasche H. A double action brush allows the trigger to control both the paint and air flow. Pushing down on the trigger releases air, and pulling back controls paint.

A single action is perhaps easier to learn, but a double action gives more control easier once you master the push - pull idea. If you also have a compressor with air pressure control, you can also vary the air pressure. While I am at it, there is also siphon feed and gravity feed. A siphon feed brush usually has the color cup below the brush body and the air flow over the tip produces a siphon effect pulling paint up from the cup - usually requires higher air pressures. Gravity feed brushes have the color cup above the body of the brush and rely on gravity to get paint into the body pf the brush so the only siphon effect needed is to actually spray the paint out. These usually will operate at lower pressures.

[Don Wheeler]

Maybe something on my website would help.

Don

[RichardL]

Iwata Revolution HP-BR for under $75, which does everything and should last you a long time.

[Cyrus Tan]

Can someone please recommend a good airbrush for a beginner? My budget is around 150$ max. I guess I am looking for more of a good all-round airbrush, rather than one which does only one-two things very well. Also, any information on what is preferable in terms of single-action/ double-action would be very welcome....

You're probably going to get a bunch of different recommendations but, I would recommend an Iwata HP CS Eclipse. It's dual action so you have better air and paint control. It's gravity fed for faster clean up and it doesn't waste paint like siphon fed models. It can operate comfortably at around 10 psi (siphon/bottom fed work better at higher pressures about 15-20 psi). It has teflon seals so you can use enamels or lacquer based paint as well as acrylics. It's priced around $120, though you can find them a bit cheaper if you check around. I got mine for just under $100. Here's a link from the Iwata site. Get one...you won't regret it!

[Ace Airspeed]

Just my long years with it, but it's hard to go wrong with a Paasche H........................I have two that have been my workhorse brushes for over thirty years.

They're very easy to use, and very easy to clean.

[Kei Lau]

Hello everyone,

This question has probably been asked a dozen times already, and I apologize for repeating it.

Can someone please recommend a good airbrush for a beginner? My budget is around 150$ max. I guess I am looking for more of a good all-round airbrush, rather than one which does only one-two things very well. Also, any information on what is preferable in terms of single-action/ double-action would be very welcome....

Thanks in advance,

od

There are some starter kits that may meet your need. In these kit, the compressor is good enough for keep. If you want a better or name brand airbrush later, you can keep the first AB as backup.

TCPGlobal Master G22 with TC-20 compressor for $130

BearAir Peck C-3 with Polar Bear 1000 compressor for $160.

If you already take care of the compressor issue and the $150 budget is for airbrush only, I recommend the Iwata Eclipse HP-CS as the best allround budget airbrush. I also have a Badger Patriot 105fine, a Harder & Steenbeck Revolution Silverliner, a Paasche H and two PowerCat brand knock-offs. All of these airbrushes are good and can do the job. But the Iwata is the go to airbrush for most of the modeling job. Mostly 1:48 scale modern jets.

Edited July 26, 2010 by Kei Lau

[balls47]

Single Action - Paasche H

Double Action - Paasche Talon

Both airbrushes easily fall within your price range. Both have parts readily available. You can't go wrong with either of these airbrushes. I have never used an Iawata or a Badger. I am just telling you what works for me. Good Luck.

[mightymax]

My Starter brush was a Paasche H3 my dad bought me 32 years ago to use for my Architecture class. I have bought several very fancy brushes over the years.

I still use my lowly starter airbrush (same one!) 98% of the time! Matter of fact I still am using the Paasche D compressor I bought 30 years ago!

Good luck on your choice.

Max Bryant

[tango35]

If you want to start airbrushing, do it right from beginning. I started with a cheap Badger 150 ( bought on ebay for 35 Euro). She is a trusty companion and brings good results.

Thomas

[toniosky]

I got a Iwata Revolution BR (double action) and this AB is a kick-***, especially for 1/48. Easy to clean and to use ! PArts are also quite easy to obtain.

[dragonfly]

+1 for the Revolution. Great brush....low cost.

[yambretta]

Others may tell you different but personally I would swerve clear of Aztec Air Brushes, I didn't and it nearly scared me for life ;)

Got myself a nice Iwata and life is good again.

[Kei Lau]

+1 for the Revolution. Great brush....low cost.

Both true about the Iwata Revolution. The Iwata Eclipse may be a better option for most US modelers. The one time purchase price is slightly higher, but the long term maintenance may be lower.

The Eclipse has a self centered nozzle design. It is bigger, less prone to damage, easier to clean and less likely to get lost in the carpet when compared to the tiny nozzle of the Revolution. Best yet, the Eclipse replacement parts are cheaper and easier to get in the US.

Just my 2 cents.

[Cyrus Tan]

In addition to what Kei mentioned, you most likely won't out grow the Eclipse as quick as the Revolution, because the specs are very simliar to most ABs on the market. If you do decide on a Revolution, you can always upgrade the standard 0.50mm tip down to a 0.30mm tip, however it will cost roughly another $35-40 to get the parts. I would also suggest you go to shop to actually see the airbrush in person and see how comfortable it feels in your hands. It's like trying on shoes before you buy. Comfort is very important and what may feel comfortable to one person may not be so for someone else.

[peebeep]

The new Harder & Steenbeck Ultra entry level AB was brought to our attention the other day. For very modest outlay it looks pretty good.

peebeep

[Av8fan]

That does look very nice.

Thanks for posting

[Chuck1945]

I have an older Iwata HP-C (c1998-9) so if the basic design has changed I am unaware. That said, the two H&S brushes I now use are much easier to clean and maintain then the Iwata. My Iwata tip requires a special tool to disassemble and the inner nozzle (cone) is looking for any excuse to join the carpet monster.

For the OP, if your budget limit has to include a compressor, by all means scimp on the brush at this stage and get a compressor that will continue to do the job after you are able to upgrade your brush.

[Kei Lau]

I have an older Iwata HP-C (c1998-9) so if the basic design has changed I am unaware. That said, the two H&S brushes I now use are much easier to clean and maintain then the Iwata. My Iwata tip requires a special tool to disassemble and the inner nozzle (cone) is looking for any excuse to join the carpet monster.

The Iwata High Performance series airbrush had not changed much, but has evolved to the HP Plus series with still the same basic nozzle design. However, Iwata has added a lower cost Eclipse series with the self centering nozzle. See how it is different from your HP-C. It is part #4 in the picture.

Edited July 27, 2010 by Kei Lau

[Jinxter13]

The new Harder & Steenbeck Ultra entry level AB was brought to our attention the other day. For very modest outlay it looks pretty good.

peebeep

OH WOW!!!.......A Harder Steinbeck for around $80(US).......I'll be all over this like Green on a Shamrock or grass.....Ya can't do much better than that, a real quality product at an affordable price..I'd go for that..However Paasche is good as is Iwata (a very close second to Harder Steinbeck (Steenbeck), but best you shop around and decide which looks best to you.

[Manuel J. Armas S.]

Paasche MILLENIUM, my choice for beginner... ;)

[Tom G]

OH WOW!!!.......A Harder Steinbeck for around $80(US).......I'll be all over this like Green on a Shamrock or grass.....Ya can't do much better than that, a real quality product at an affordable price..I'd go for that..However Paasche is good as is Iwata (a very close second to Harder Steinbeck (Steenbeck), but best you shop around and decide which looks best to you.

I second this. This looks like a heck of a deal. I have a H & S Infinity and love it. This airbrush has the same needle and nozzle for about a 1/3 of the price. H & S are high quality airbrushes. If I was in the market for an airbrush I would look into the Ultra further.

Tom

[Huey Gunner]

Another vote for the Iwata Revolution.

[Isaac]

Iwata revolution. As mentioned though, replacement parts can add up to be half the original purchase price. I need parts for mine and for an extra 30 bucks i could just have a brand new revolution. Still, its a great airbrush at a very friendly price.

That H&S does look very nice.