Another Quest for the Holy AirBrush :)

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Painting and airbrushing
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Since I just started modeling a week ago, I have also been looking for “the” airbrush.

The research I have done so far: Primarily on Badger (T-C), Iwata, and some Paasche

Gravity Fed or Siphon Fed. — I believe I want gravity fed. Pro’s: Ability to drop pressure and do finer work. The questions / concerns: Depending upon the size of the cup it could be top heavy…although can not imagine to bad? Also is it in the way of sight to model / surface?

I looked at Side Feeds: Iwata had this on their site ” Side-feed airbrush features a 0.35-mm needle and nozzle combination with the option of four cup sizes ? the standard 1/8 oz. side cup, a 1/4 oz. side cup, a special 1/2 oz. gravity-feed side cup or a 1 oz. siphon-feed bottle”

Is the ¼ oz a misprint I didn’t see it for sale somewhere. I do not know how long a 1/8 oz cup lasts if I am painting a single color base coat. I am sure there are many factors but are there any estimates?

Are there any disadvantages to side feed?

I will go double action, internal mixed. I believe I can learn the up/down/back/fwd movements. (hope anyways).

I would like to have the ability to do fine to at least medium work. I assume many smaller modeling is in this range….I have started with 1/35 scale King Tiger.

I am confused a bit on needle/nozzle combos. .3-.35? If I buy a fine or medium then whichever I choose is all I have? Or are there airbrushes where you can change out needles and nozzles for fine, medium, etc…?

Looking at specs for all Manufactures Fine = hairline/pencil up to 2” while medium goes up to 2.5” so seems that fine should be good for what I am working with. The extra ½” doesn’t seem needed.
Is it technique / paint / air pressure that dictates the range of scale?

With all that being said….mostly restated from the good resources on this site…I have narrowed it down to the following:

If no disadvantages of side-feed…

  1. Iwata HP-SBS Eclipse Double Action, Side Feed, 1/8 oz side cup, 0.35 mm nozzle & needle: $109.97
  2. T81 Set contains Omni 6000 side feed airbrush with 1/3 oz. side color cup,
    wrench, protective cap, and instruction manual in a corrugated box. $87.50
  3. Badger 100 SF …didn’t see on Dixie Art ?

If Top feed is better….

  1. Iwata Eclipse Double Action, Gravity Feed, 1/3 oz. fixed cup,
    0.35 mm tip & needle: $109.97
  2. 4000G Omni Gravity Feed w/ 1/3 oz. cup: $69.95
  3. Badger 100LG Fine Tip: $60.95

All prices from Dixie Art.

I am leaning towards the Iwata’s then Omnis. Badgers were the early favorite but for some reasoned went towards the bottom. Although I think all will be good.

With some of these I believe may not be entire kits….hoses, etc…so I would have to go back and check on that?

I plan to go to the big town this weekend and look at some badgers, and iwatas so I can hold one in my hand to see what feels best. I did not find any hobby shop with the Thayer & Chandler. Are they a mix of the 2 as far as feel? Thick, thin, balance…

I know this has been on many posts but if you would please put your feedback here on the above choices so I can have them consolidated.

Who knew that modeling could be such a detailed and seemingly challenging hobby! Ha, I just wanted to put a tank together since I played Battlefield 1942 and others. But I like challenges….end results normally are more rewarding if you have to work at it a bit.

Thanks for all the help and I apologize for the long post.

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All good choices mikalos. I commend you in your decision to get an airbrush.

I say get the eclipse. if the price is your only hesitation with that one then save $20 get a Peak C-5 (.3 tip $89) from bearair (it’s really an iwata HP-C which iwata doesn’t make anymore that has the peak name on it for bearair) Also keep in mind the eclipse doesn’t have the preset handle and the C-5 does. I think it’s important I use the preset handle all the time.

Don’t bother with side feed. IMO I think it’s more in the way than gravity feed. Gravity feed can be tilted and you’ll never notice it in the way even with a large paint cup.

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Mikalos,

Noticed your post and just wanted to add my .02. I own two Iwata’s, a Peak C-5 and a Harder & Steenbeck Evolution.

All of the Iwata’s are very good airbrushes but pricey and so are the replacement parts. If you are just starting on modeling and not use to a double action airbrush I strongly suggest that you check out the Peak line at Bearair. The Peak is made in the same factory as the Iwata’s and is an exclusive line made for Bearair. I bought the C-5 and compared it to my Iwata C and CS and it is exactly the same just having the Peak name on the body. All the parts are interchangable with my two Iwata’s. I bought the Peak because it has a trigger pre set lock which is highly suggested if you are new to double action airbrushes and your fingers aren’t trained yet. The trigger pre set allows you to preset the amount of paint you want flowing through the brush instead of relying on your finger. Also with the Peak, the replacement parts are much more affordable. I believe the Peak is around $89.00 or so.

If money is no option and you really want to get the best, go for the H & S Evolution two in one. You get two different sized needles and a color cup. I bought mine through Obeelik’s. Fantastic customer service and the best prices. I live in Illinois and got mine in three days.

Hope his helps you.

Chuck B.

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Mikalos - looks like you have done a lot of research on this… that’s good! Any of the brushes you mentioned are good brushes, while I haven’t used the Peak mentioned it comes highly recommended so I’ll leave that to their owners to explain.

I also echo the gravity fed opinion, it doesn’t get in your way like you think it would… Basically most of airbrushing is in the hand that holds it, even if the brush you end up choosing doesn’t paint the Mona Lisa out of the box, you’ll learn to work with it and have good results. I have the feeling you are heading in the right direction with your choices so far though. A lot of your questions will be answered when you go to the art store and hold one in your hand and pull that trigger a few times. You’ll find the one that “feels” right…

Good luck!!!

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Thanks for the replies!

I did not get to go to town to look at the few hobby shops we have… perhaps next weekend when my vacation starts!!!

While price is a factor it isnt the largest. I prefer to get a good quality air brush for the money. So best value for whatever I spend. I am just not sure which that is. Seems any of the top air brushes are in the same quality level. So if I am a good air brusher does it really matter which one I get?

The other consideration will be the rest of the equipment…compressor, regulator, trap, paint, hose, etc…If I am not careful that will all add up. And this is just my first model. I think it may be worth it since from what little I have seen a good paint job makes a world of difference. Speaking of paint that seems another subject that will take some research.

Question: Is the Peak still a double action trigger? If so does the preset kind of turn it into a single action? Is the preset have a fine range or is it coarse?

Thanks,

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Yes, Yes, Adjustable by turning it where you want it.

Your right all the other stuff does add up. Remember to get a respirator too, your lungs and brain cells will thank you [:P]

7

Ok,

Here is what I think I will be getting:

The Peak C-5 Airbrush. Along with recommendations from here, I talked to BearAir and from what I gathered from the salesman the Peak is same high quality as the Iwata. The descriptions sound the same.

I looked at the following compressor from Lowes: Task Force 1HP (Peak) 4 gal tank.

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=223844-45003-L14PKL&lpage=none

Peak C-5 — $89.00
10’ braided hose — $9.50
Compressor —$99.00
Regulator and filter— $40.00
So for around $240…plus shipping and tax…I can get started into Airbrushing.

Does anyone see any cons to the airbrush or compressor? Advantages?

Also can I get the respirators at Lowes or other home stores? Or are there better recommendations?

Thanks,

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yup… you can get the organic filter respirator at Lowes in the paint dept for about $26.00 filters included. That is similar to the compressor I have and other than a little noise it works fine. As long as you dont have people in the house who would get irritated at a sound like the vacuum coming on every 5 min or so for about 1 min then you’ll do fine. Good luck!!! let us know how that Peak works out… I might be interested in trying one myself.

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Good luck with the Peak C-5. I have one and it is a excellent airbrush very similar to the Iwata HP-C or Richpen 113 and the parts interchange between them.

John

10

Peak C-5 ordered! Now just have to wait for it to arrive…with Christmas may take longer but maybe I will get lucky.

Today I went to an airbrush artist shop! He only used Paasche (VL I believe) airbrushes… Lots of them. The red part of the airbrush was removed for easy change out of the needles. They had one Iwata Eclipse HP-CS…I do not think it was used as much.

His work was great! Excellent detail. They may have a class in January. All day class…Basics from cleaning, maintenance of airbrush, to paints and different strokes of airbrushing…points, lines, daggers, shading etc…then make a panel with all the techniques.

Depends on their work load if it happens. I am looking forward to it. I assume I will have had some practice with the Peak and then I can make a comparison. Then of course I will want a Paasche also.
Wonder how to convince the wife [:)]

As I have read on this board and other places…the end product is in the hand of the artist…not the brush. I definately believe it now that I have seen it up close in person.