Hi there!! I’ve been searchin for a new airbrush(es), possibly a compressor, and of course the accoutrements. I know this question has to have been asked about a hundred-thousand times now but…what is a good choice for a good, all-around double-action airbrush. something that can handle large areas that need painting, but can also give good performance in doing finer lines. It doesn’t have to do pencil thin stuff, but it does have to do well making things like the squiggle camo patterns on WWII German armor, or Japanese a/c.
I read in a review article in FSM froma few years back that the HP-BCS Eclipse (No. ECL 2000) from Iwata is a pretty good tool, and that the Smart Jet compressor is nice as well. The Smart Jet is expensive, but it comes with all the acoutrements with it, so in a sense it seems to just combine the price of those things with it (i.e. new hose, moisture trap, etc.etc.).
But I’ve also heard that just buying a good double-action, and a good single-action work just as well. U use the simgle for fine point stuff, and the double for larger areas. That might work, but I’m trying to keep the price down, so I’d like to see all sides.
I’ve also seen air compressors at the Home Depot witha lot of control and capacity for jsut $100.
NEways, wut do u guys feel about it. I’m sorry this had to be so long, and so specific. just tryin to get clear answers. If such info has already been posted, please inform me, so that the moderators can feel a bit better about taking this thread down after a while, knowing I’ve got the info I need. thx for takin the time ta read this!! any help id appreciated.
I say it all the time but the Omni 4000 is, in my opinion, the best all-around airbrush you can buy for modeling and it is priced very well. The Iwata you mentioned is also good although it is more expensive and is a siphon-feed model.
now mike, you know we don’t use the words “best” and “airbrush” in the same sentence bubba!!! [;)] unless ofcourse your talking about the iwata hp-cs!![:P] i’m like mike matt, the gravity feed models is an excellent choice for modelling. the 1/3 oz. color cup is large enough to cover most subjects twice. the omni 4000 and the iwata hp-cs are the top dogs according to this forum, and the “best” airbrush is the one you choose to purchase and get familar with. as far as compressors go, assuming that noise is not a factor, i’d just go to home depot, lowe’s, or sears and pick up a 2hp or better with atleast a 4 gallon tank and a moisture trap and let the rough end ride. (thats redneck for attach the airbrush and spray paint at something LOL). good luck friend. later.
ps. forget about the single action bubba, you won’t need it once you get the hang of the double.
In my humble, and somewhat limited, experience I have found the Omni4000 to be excellent, easily able to cope with area work on 1/48 aircraft, while also being capable of detail work, like Luftwaffe mottle camo on 1/72 fighters, which gives you some idea of it’s versatility.
It was a lot cheaper than an Iwata as well!!!(Couldn’t resist that Saltydog)
As for my compressor, I bought a Werther 3, not sure if these are available in the US, but it is small, has an internal resevoir, thus doesn’t suffer from pulsing, and is pretty quiet too.
wow, sounds pretty good guys. any idea where u 'an get 'um?? the closest hobby shop to me only has badger and stuff, and some of the others dont carry much at all. NEways, lets see what some others think about this, it seems that there are some pretty loyal supporters out there for one airbrush or another.
the airbrush that works best for you is the best airbrush.
try the iwata revolution or as mikev says, the omni 4000. if you prefer even finer lines, try a badger 100 lg. the iwata hp-bcs is $6 more than the revolution bcr, and the two are practically the same, same needle diameter, same hose attachment, etc.
If you want you can call this number and ask for the “Fine Scale Forum Discount” and they will give you 40% off the retail price of any Badger product made. The number is 1-888-499-6996.
Make sure you mention the “Fine Scale Forum Discount” or else you will pay
full retail price.
If they don’t answer the phone then leave a message with a number and they
will get back to you within 24 hours.
The part number to order the Omni 4000 with a hose is #T89K and it will cost you about $81 plus shipping.