All the modeling I have done has involved the good ol' paint brush, but I am looking into buying an air brush. I would like to know what I want in an air brush, why it's better, what it's bad at, any recommendations for a first one, etc. I was also wondering if it would be worth it to buy one off of ebay, for lower cost, or not, thanks.

I believe you'd want an airbrush that is lightweight and comfortable for you to grip. Easy to clean and simple to operate and get consistent results. And, perhaps, a airbrush that is rugged and lasts a long time with a minimum amount of maintenance.

Gunnie

I use an Aztec A470. Simple to use, easy to clean, change tips (not needles) on the fly, dual action, and a rugged little sucker.

Rather than me typing a few pages of info (too lazy )there are several sites you can goto for the info you seek. While some of these sites are from the manufactures themselves, each will give you a run down of the different options you have for your needs. Don't get too worried about the number of sites I listed here as these sites will repeat alot of the same questions to ask yourself, which is a good thing, so you can make an informed purchase. With the number of choices out there it's difficult to choose one without having some idea of what you're after. I hope some of these help you out.

Also, please feel free to ask as many questions here if you don't find what you need.

Badger
General Questions to Ask Yourself
How To Choose The Right Airbrush
Iwata
Airbrushes
Choosing an Air Brush
Selecting the Right Airbrush

Next will be what type of air source for your new airbrush...

I have to echo Ken's words on the Aztek A470. Here is the website for that airbrush:
Aztek A4709

Hey thanks guys, i was wondering the same thing.

I am not an expert on airbrushes, my 2 HKD cents is to get the best you can afford. For me the airbrush and the compressor is the best investment I made in Armor modelling.

Sheesh... You guys are bad... Now you're making me want to get myself an airbrush...
only a few months after I invested in the DVD player... I'm gonna make my banker unhappy...
Does anyone know a place with good prices in France or an other place in Europe ?
I find the Aztec 470 very attractive...

PenPen, you won't regret about the purchase of airbrush. Who cares about the bankers...... #:-)

By the way, the DVD player, another good investment. Have you got the 5.1 sound system to go with it too?

Yes I was also looking into the aztec A4709 set. Somebody said Walmart sells them is this true? Or the lower end stuff
Never have used a double action though,is there a great learning curve here?

I have a badger 175 and like it ok. I LOVE my quite tank compress or I got from Walmart (search the forums for links).

I would invest (it is an investment) in the BEST brush you can afford. Go double action, go feature rich, lots of tips/points etc. My next brush will be able to gravity feed.

Well Dave people like you are betting me more and more decided...



It's got the electronics, but I don't have the sound system...
It wouldn't be of much use in my tiny appartment.

I got mine at Modelexpo for $89.

Hi Jeff,

The learning curve is not great at all, it;s in face much easier to control and use than a single action one

Sancho - I can thoroughly recommend the Iwata Eclipse series
of airbrushes. Their what I use exclusively.
I have the HP-BCS ( bottom -feed ) and HP-CS ( gravity feed ). which are both double-action AB's. I plan on getting the HP-SBS also.
I use them with the Campbell/Hausfeld FP2003 Compressor/Air-tank.
In my opinion, you can't get a better airbrush for the money. Passche and Badger
also make good reliable AB's.
Some modeler's might tell you to start off with a single-action AB, but I think
it's a bunch of baloney. I started with a double-action( DA ) and I took to it immediately.
You will be able to do a lot more with a DA, especially when it come's to very fine
detail.
The Iwata Eclipse series allow you do spray "hairline" to 1and 2 inch wide pattern's, and
all this without having to change the needle ...............That's right ......one needle does
it all. And you can get very, very fine lines at low or high psi.
Performance — The Eclipse performs with a smooth, responsive trigger which results in controllable fine lines and wide background spray. Its cut-away handle allows for easy access to the needle for flushing the tip and less down time. Paints move effortlessly through the Eclipse, producing a flawless spray pattern. Difficult to spray mediums like enamels, textile colors, thinned acrylics, automotive paints, and ceramic glazes are handled with ease by the Eclipse.
Versatility — One size needle and cone-shaped fluid tip is all that is required for the Eclipse. One size does it all. From fine lines to large backgrounds and thin to heavy paints. Even stippling patterns can be achieved by simply removing the air cap. No need to change heads, one head does it all. Also, all major brands of airbrush jars and jar adaptors are compatible with the Eclipse, so there is no need to replace those dozens of jars you already own. The Eclipse does it all!
Reliability — The Eclipse is machined with the finest grade materials for the closest tolerances, insuring that each part fits and works perfectly. The self-centering fluid tip and hardened stainless steel needle seat together precisely for a secure, long lasting fit. Two internal bushing sites behind the trigger allow the needle to stay centered throughout the airbrush, resulting in perfect alignment of internal working parts and long-standing durability. A tough, triple chrome-plated exterior is impervious to most solvents. Each model is individually hand tested before shipping, guaranteeing consistent, reliable results. The same company that developed the Custom Micron Series gives the Eclipse a distinguished quality that is synonymous with the name Iwata.

I can guarantee you that you will find the Iwata's a high quality airbrush, and one that
you will love using. They are EXCELLENT.
You can get the HP-BCS for $74 and the HP-CS for $89 (at BearAir ) . - And they will last a lifetime if properly cared for and maintained. Here are Iwata's Website & BearAir

http://www.iwataairbrush.com/

http://www.bearair.com/

- ralph

I will second screamingeagle and recommend the Iwata BCS..... It is my first airbrush and it has been quite easy for me to learn with. It feels very solid in my hand, is easy to clean, and I don't have to worry about changing needles every time I want a different line size.

In short... I LOVE IT!

wow that is chaeper then Hobby shop he wants$113.00 plus tax.
Thanks M1

And a big thank you to Dave

I will third screamingeagle's recommendation! Iwata all the way!!

Tried quite a few, after I got an Iwata, I never went back.


Tread. :-)

Is it really that good Thread?

Hi Jeff, as I'm sure Tread and the other's will verify - YES IT"S THAT GOOD !
....The weight and overall balance of the airbrush( AB ) in hand, make it feel
as though it's part of you ( really ! ). It's very, very comfortable to hold, and the
trigger action is flawless !
The fine line's you get with the HP-BCS and especially the HP-CS Gravity Feed are
so fine, that any camouflage pattern can be achieved.
With no exaggeration .......I can literally spray my signature with the Iwata, as well as
I can write it with a fine tipped pen ( No lie !!!!! ).
I'm sure the other's can tell you the same. Like Tread said ....I also have tried
other AB's, but I never turned back after buying my Iwata's.
Iwata Eclipse HP-BCS


Iwata Eclipse HP-CS Gravity Feed


- ralph

the aztec a4709 retails for... 150€ (1€ = 1$) gere in France. So I think I'll invest next weekend !

I use botha Badger 200 Single Action and a Badger 150 Double action. Both are internal mixing and bottom fed. I love Badger airbrushes because they are very well made. If you take care of your airbrush and clean it often you will have no problems. :-)

I was curious if this would be a good enough brush for a beginner..if the link doesn't work, the url is ...http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1753362105

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1753362105

Sancho - Everyone here has given you some good
recommendations: ( Iwata, Badger, Paasche, Azteck ).
...I can only tell you, that you usually get what you pay for.
When it come's to purchasing a valuable tool such as an airbrush,
............I wouldn't skimp.
You pay for quality ......You get quality !
Buying one of these popular brands as above and taking care of it
like Tiger1 said , will give you a lifetime of satifaction, and a very , very
reliable airbrush, that will always perform well every time !
And plus you buy new, you get a Warranty, and BearAir will give you up to 45 day's
to try out the new airbrush - and if your not happy they will refund your money
or give you an exchange. ( I can't think of a better deal and service ).
It's really senseless to buy a cheap, and shortly, you will only
be looking for another AB to buy.
That's the best & most honest advise I can give you.
Maybe the other's can add to this.
- ralph

Well sorry ScreamingEagle, I don't exactly have $150 a can spend on an airbrush, all I need is something that works, nothing that does miracles.