Iwata, Tamiya, Badger, Paasche, ????

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Painting and airbrushing
1

I too am looking to replace my old basic air brush. Now that I have some experience I want to get a great all arounder that can paint the thin pencil line and up to 2-3". I am looking for something I can use for a very long time; something that can take the use, easy to clean, and has easy access to replacement parts. I am looking for something with the following charistics:

  • double action

  • gravity feed

  • 0.3mm tip

  • good with enamels and acrylics

  • works from 10-30 psi

So far, I am leaning towards one of those shown below but I would like the forums input (based on experience).

  • Badger Renegade R1V (0.21mm)

  • Badger Patriot 105 (0.5mm)

  • Iwata Eclipse HP-CS (0.3mm)

  • Tamiya Paintworks HG (0.3mm)

  • Paasche Talon TG-3F (.25mm, .38mm, 66mm and fan tip)

If you have any of these or have experience with them, please let me know your feedback on it. Thanks in advance for your time and effort.

Ben

2

I have a Patriot 105. It came with a 0.5 tip/ needle/ nozzle and I have since added a 0.3 and 0.7.

I have never tried the 0.7, but the 0.3 works as I want it to and switching is easy.

I consider the thing to be pretty much indestructable.

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that a/b s are better off if you don’t take them apart. For that reason I often consider getting another one.

3

I use the Iwata Eclipse,I enjoy using it,mine also came with a .5 tip also

4

You can’t go wrong with any Badger. I love my Renegade and it sprays hair thin lines and it’s very easy to clean. My first one possibly developed an internal crack after using it for a few years . I shipped it to them to fix and Badger sent me a free replacement. They have a lifetime warranty so buy with confidence.

5

I own 2 of your candidate and owned (past tense) one of the 5. The Iwata Eclipse HP-CS is my favorite. Smooth operation, easy to clean and most of all, high quality needle material. It is very important to get a needle that is not easy to bend and resistent to wear. The Badger Renegade R1V is one of my backup. My number one backup is the Harder & Steenbeck Evolution Silverline, mostly for finer lines. I also have an Iwata Neo which I seldomly use.

I did not keep the Badger Patriot 105 because of its soft (relative speaking) needle with a double cone tip. The double cone tip is necessary for softer needle, but not an acceptable compromise to me. (The Renegade needle has no such problem.)

However, I must say that any of these 5 candidate can do good job in a skillful user’s hand. I found it much easier to learn with the Iwata Eclipse HP-CS. Your favorite may be different from mine.

6
7

Again, you’re getting a lot of opinions. I strongly suggest you check out Don’s airbrush site to make your own decision. It’s all about how much you’re willing to spend that fits your budget, not what everyone suggests.

Don’s Airbrush is and should be your airbrush purchasing bible.

Here’s the link:

https://sites.google.com/site/donsairbrushtips/

8

Uh, I believe it was opinions and feedback that he requested.

9

Not sure if it exceeds your budget, but you might want to give Harder and Steinbeck a look see. I have used an Amazon el-cheapo Iwata knockck off. A Neo and then splurged on an H&S Infinity. Got the 2 needle combo with .2 and .4 needle/nozzles. Bought a .15 as well when I ran across a deal. Very good brush. Smooth action and makes even my crappy brush work look good. Super easy to clean. Parts may not be available at the LHS, but plenty of online places to buy accessories and replacement parts. I enjoyed the Neo and still use it, but that TEEEEEEEENY nozzle and thread pitch makes me pay real close attention when cleaning.

10

Badger is pretty good and affordable too.

11

Yes. And I’m simply pointing out to him to check out Don’s Airbrush site. Let him read the reviews and let him make his own decision based on his budget.

I‘m well aware Badger airbrushes are affordable depending on which model you get.

12

Don’s airbrush site is an excellent source of information. Opinion from Don are well founded and very objective.

The cheapest airbrush may not be the affordable one. Airbrush gets used and, at some point, you need replacement needle and nozzle. Iwata HP-CS is the most affordable general purpose airbrush for me because its parts are durable and available at descount price from local Hobby Lobby when replacement is needed.

I second that Harder and Steenbeck airbrush is amazing in workmenship and material. I have one, Silverline 2 in 1, but it is far from the most affordable.

Most importantly, all these airbrush are within 1 to 4 model kits in price. Save if you have to to get the best airbrush you like.

13

I was in a similar position after using my cheap Chinese AB for years. I was never able to achieve satisfactory results, but I was gifted a new, well know “brand” AB. The difference it made was siginificant. All the AB brands mentioned will serve you well and provide you with a quality tool to help progress your skills.

If you are able to sight one in person, hold it, guage for yourself how it feels in hand.

My choice of AB is based on personal taste, availability of parts and service, and ease of maintenence more than any other reason.

You may end up with different brand AB’s for different purposes over time. Just be aware that the hose fittings size can vary i.e. Iwata I believe is 1/4 inch BSP, Bager is 1/8 BSP. Most manufactueres websites mention the media suitability i.e. water based or solvent and look for PTFE seals.

Good luck, go blast some paint.

14

Damouav is right when it comes to hose sizes in different AB brands. There are adapters you can look into should you decide on a couple brands.

15

Yep, I picked up an adapter on eBay a while back to use my Badgers and the Neo on the one hose I have.

16

I didn’t realise that I rambeled on so much when I wrote that at 4.30 this morning.

17

Once you move beyond the ultra cheap it becomes a situation of not so much the tool but how you use it and plain old personal preference. So it’s basically pointless for any of us to suggest a personal tool like an airbrush to someone else. Most have spare or optional needles sets available etc. Get a name brand so parts are available would be my only suggestion.

I use Badger and Paasche but that doesn’t mean you should. One thing about those two brands is parts are available right at Amazon for pretty reasonable prices. It’s been pointed out that Iwata parts are available from HL so that settles those three brands without getting into some specilaty house with expense added and extra shipping. Just something to consider.

Also warranty and customer service is always worth a look see.

18

Most well know brands of airbrush, Iwata, harder and steenbeck, Tamiya, Grex use the industrial standard 1/4" BSP connection. And even the Chinese knock-offs you can buy on ebay. Hose is interchangeable for all of them.

But the two American made brand, Badger and Paasche. still use propreitary threat and will not tell you what size they are. You can buy an adapter to use standard 1/4" BSP hose. One for each Badger and one for each Paasche. The adapter can be had for a few dollars. It is much cheaper and more convenient than buying different hoses.

I think that the newest Paasche Talon airbrush is either 1/4" BSP or comes with an adapter. I am not sure. Ask your dealer if you want the Paasche Talon.

19

I wouldnt say pointless,information is good.As mentioned Don’s site provides info so as to make your own decision.

20

I have a hard time using an airbrush for a long time so i decided to go with the Iwata NEO TRN-1 with the trigger. I am glad i did. Comes with a .5MM Needle but can easily be changed. It will do fine lines and good for spraying large areas as well. Changed my model building game BIG time!