Dropped it and the bowl snapped off leaving the threads in the body and impossible to get out…..long story short, it’s completely trashed (many tools , picks , extractors …all failed ) so I can buy a new one for $38 ( it’s a starter unit , Timbertech) . Is a Badger or an Iwata worth the money? I am not cheap but I dont like wasting money .. but I like using good tools. Your recommendations would be appreciated…
Postscript: After an hour or two beating on the airbrush I picked up the bowl and realised the threads are on the bottom of the bowl…. DOH ! I could have glued it back on ….first bonehead move of the year, I’ll keep you posted for the next one 
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I ordered a new Timbertech just so i can prime the Lancaster I’ve got 75% built, I still want to get a better quality unit , the timbertech can be a primer/backup unit.
I’ve been using Badger airbrushes for 37+ years now. They are worth the cost, and are guaranteed for life by Badger.
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Personally use Iwata (on my second) and GSI. I have also heard good thing about H&S brushes but have not used one. Like all tool you ultimately get what you pay for. So i would say it is worth it to invest a little more so that you will get a tool that will easily last you 10+ years minimum.
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I usually refer people to this link,he has reviews and insights.
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Another for iwata and gsi but like tojo said, check out dons site.
I’ve used many airbrushes over the course of my 30+ years back in this hobby. I started with a very basic single action model before graduating up to the Testors Aztek. After a while of using that thing, I moved on to both Badger and Paasche. I’ve used a couple of Badger models that served me well while I was using them. Then I went to Iwata. These are the best I’ve used. I have several different models, but most typically use the HP-CS or the Hi-Line HP-BH models.
I’d consider the Iwata Neo a good entry level brush that comes with a price of < $100. I have this one as well, but keep it as a reserve airbrush and have not actually used it as yet.
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I’ve been using airbrushes for over 50 years. Not just for scale models but artwork on everything from posters to cars. I’ve used alot of different ones from inexpensive to very expensive airbrushes. For sale models I like badger, Iwata, and Paasche models. My current workhorse is a Badger Patriot 105. It does 95% of everything I need. I have a Sotar 20/20 for extremely fine work. I use water based acrylics through it. And completely disassamble it and clean it after each model I finish or if I go a long time between build sessions.
My Patriot was around 100 bucks…
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My son has a Grex that he swears by, I’ve used it a couple of times and am happy with it.
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Thanks for the comments, I went to Don’s website, very cool, 
Gotta do some serious googling now…
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I have a Tamiya spray work Hg single action airbrush. Essentially it can go down to like 3mm, but you don’t have to pull down on the trigger. You just push down slowly and it has the same amount of fineness but your finger doesn’t get tired. It can be found for under 100 online. So not as expensive as others and it’s a very nice piece of equipment. I just haven’t seen anyone else use it but I haven’t thought of getting a new one for a second.
I bought an Iwata eclipse, get it on Saturday . Figured why not, it will outlive me probably. I’d better not drop it 
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Add an airbrush stand to that order then!
The Eclipse is a very yeoman airbrush and I expect you’ll be happy with it for many years.
Nice,thats what I use,I thought the learning curve was simple,its easy to clean,and is sturdy
I got a Gahhlari GAD-39 from Amazon for $39. I’s everything I need for a long time to come. 5 kits in and very happy with it.
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That Iwata should serve you well, Mike. I’m too late to help with the decision making, but for others finding this thread, I second the Badger comments. I’ve been using a Patriot 105 and Patriot Arrow (much smaller bowl) and have zero complaints. I’ve got other airbrushes that I want to mess with, but those have been my go-to brushes for years.
@F35Bart, how’s the SOTAR? I’ve heard about it for very fine work - which I feel some of the 1/72 aircraft I paint qualify as - but I don’t know if there’s much benefit to be had over the Patriot. That’s one area that I feel I could get better, doing very fine airbrushing (no, I am not planning on a 1/144 Macchi)…
I have several and for the biggest bang for the buck is the Iwata Eclipse.
With a decent regulator and water trap combo you can use it with all the different types of paints and with practice have great results.
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My two cents here is go to the Gaalerhi website and pick up their mobius .03 for $65. I have two of them and they are great. I think they are maybe doing a 20% off deal on them still also.
Gaahleri Premium Series GHPM-Mobius 0.3mm Gaahleri Premium Series GHPM-Mobius 0.3mm
Hard to beat for the money.
I use Gaahleri airbrushes , I personally love them. They are not very expensive, they run lots of sales.
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it all depends on how good you are with an airbrush. Agreed, the patriot can get very fine and good control. I think it comes down to how satisfied with your results with the Patriot. Honestly I almost never break out the Sotar as a I build 1/48 and 1/32 aircraft. I have done a few 1/72 aircraft and didn’t need it. I’ve used it on “figure” models for facial details.
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