Hey, I’m looking for an airbrush affordable to a student(Sub $100) along with a compressor to match and I’ve come here because every recommended airbrush seems out of this range. can anyone offer any help?
You probably won’t find any AB/compressor combinations from well known brands within your budget but you can find what you’re looking for. As an example, have a look here:
A number of posters here use Master airbrushes and are happy with them. Should be fine for an introductory one.
There are several decent airbrushes available on sale at times for around seventy bucks. A badger 200 or something similar is a good brush, forget the other brand that has a similar model at similar price. It is hard to find a decent compressor for under a hundred bucks other than a general purpose pancake compressor, which will work fine but is noisier than the devil! So, take those thirty bucks left over from the airbrush and get a portable tank. Fill it at local service station. Oh, you’ll need a regulator too if the tank does not have one. A bother, but the price is right.
Thanks for the advice
What a simple, yet maybe overlooked, idea Don! This would be a good option for guys (like me) who already own a noisy compressor. Just go out to the garage and fill your tank and bring that in the house. Silent airbrushing! When I get into airbrushing, I will definitely go this route. Thanks Don!
Keep your eyes peeled for good deals on eBay, etc. I bought a brand new Badger 150 with some spare needles and a nice box for $60 on Amazon or something similar.
Hi Samuel,
Welcome to the forum. Since you are here, I assume you will be using the airbrush for painting models. You could get a Paasche H set with everything you need including the hose for about $50. It’s simple, sturdy, and easy to care for. Is it the ultimate modeling airbrush? No, but a lot of modelers do just fine with it and it will last forever. Plus, parts are readily available and cheap.
For the compressor, you could get one at Harbor Freight for $65. Is it the best? No, but it will do the job. It would be far handier than re-filling a tank. And, a tank and a regulator would cost about as much.
When you have a little more cash and experience, you can upgrade.
If you are considering a Master airbrush, you might want to look at my review of the Master G-22.
A used airbrush on E-bay is a gamble.
Good luck with your choice.
Don
schmidty said- “What a simple, yet maybe overlooked, idea Don! This would be a good option for guys (like me) who already own a noisy compressor. Just go out to the garage and fill your tank and bring that in the house. Silent airbrushing! When I get into airbrushing, I will definitely go this route.” I used to do this very thing. It seemed like a really great idea and definitely appealed to my frugal nature (I’m a real cheapass). Unfortunately the tank would always seem to run low at the most inopportune times and I’d be back out strapping it to that noisy compressor again impatiently waiting for it to fill… It’ll do in a pinch, but if you’re anything at all like me you’ll soon tire of all those headache-inducing refill sessions and get yourself a setup more suitable for airbrush work.
What a choice! I’ll find some reviews of each of your suggestions. Thanks alot
Just don’t waste your money on Master airbrush brand.
Based on my own experience, I recommend going to a double action, gravity feed airbrush from the get go. I started with a Paasche H and never enjoy doing airbrushing. It changed when I switched to an Iwata HP-CS. It is easier to clean and allows much faster buildup of skill.
The best knock-off airbrush under $50 is the Neo for Iwata. The cheapest place to get it is at Hobby Lobby store using their 40% coupon.
The best deal in cheap compressor is probably the Airbrush Depot TC-20 (aka TCP Global) for $80. You can purchase on Ebay where they offer free shipping. It comes with a 2-years warranty compared to the Harbor Freight’s 90 days. Cheap compressor lacks the quality control in manufacturing that it needs. A longer warranty is a good investment.
The total is over your $100 budget, but it will get you going and last through out your school years without too much hold back in capability. Enjoy your hobby.
I know Kei doesn’t like the Paasche H. Airbrush preference is a very personal thing. But, it is a capable airbrush. As an example, have a look at this article by Roy Sutherland. Note the comment on the bottom photo. Roy is a professional, and the H is the airbrush he uses.
The Neo is a nicely made airbrush. The CN will do great detail. But, I don’t feel that it gives broad enough coverage for general modeling, and spares are limited.
Don
Another interesting idea, along these lines, is a Nitrogen tank. The owner of a LHS was telling me this is the way he paints. No worries about moisture and he said he gets a nicer overall paint application than with ambient air. He said he had a big tank that lasts a very long time. Not sure how he filled it, though I think he mentioned he takes it to a tire shop that deals with Nitrogen.
And along those lines, don’t overlook using a CO2 tank. I currently lease two 20 pound bottles and find them a great way to power my airbrush.
Gary
I don’t question that at all. A professional can do wonders with very simple tools. It is the average modeler with not-very-skilled figure who benefits more from the easier to control trigger. I completely agree with you that the choice of an airbrush is very personal.
Yes, I am biased against Paasche H or similar because I had one as the sole airbrush over a 15 years period. It was the only affordable option when I bought it while in college. I believe that there are better option at same cost as the Paasche H today.
To me, the deciding factor is “the easist to learn from” for the (mostly) not very artistic modelers.
What I did when I had a noisy compressor in garage was bring a small pipe into the workshop with a quick disconnect on it so I could hook compressor to that pipe. I then used pipe fittings on other end (end in workshop) to mount regulator and airbrush hose adapter. Works well if shop is not too far from garage (mine was just below and adjacent).
While you are checking HARBOR FREIGHT, Surprise,Surprise they have airbrushes also, Chicago pneumatic- and I believe DA. As they say not the best, but good to learn on. Cleaning stations also. I saw them at the Harbor Freight in NewLondon,Ct. But like I say- Good to learn on. Check with some of your local hobby stores, the one I go to sometimes have them on consignment. Experienced modelers trading up. GOOD LUCK.
I started out with a Badger 350 some 25 years ago and got over 20 years out of it. I literally wore it out. I paid around $35 back then. Nowadays I see them selling for about $45. If you have a Harbor Freight nearby, I suggest you look at them for compressors. All sorts for cheap to more pricey. But a good basic compressor will last for many years. I have had the one I’m using now for roughly 25 years. Although it cost me another $80 or so. Look online and you will find used ones for half that price.
Amazon has a Master Airbrush kit with a gravity dual-feed airbrush and a compressor for $79.00 right now.