I’m a relatively new hobbyist who is looking for a good but cheap (I’m a student!)
airbrush.
I did my research and after eliminating the expensive double-action brushes,
I’ve narrowed my search to two model; the Paasche Model H and the Badger
200. They are the cheapest , available at around 50$. Which is a wee-bit
more than I can afford but oh well…
What do you guys think? I’m not looking to achieve competition level model. I’m
also looking for something that is durable and easy to clean. I’ve heard that double
action brushes replacementspart are really expensive(anything above 10$).
Having used a Badger 200 for the last 8 months, I have to say you can’t go wrong with one.
It is a good brush to learn on, being easy to clean and maintain, and very easy to use.
I’ve would not be without an airbrush now, and the 200 is an excellent general purpose brush. It won’t do super fine lines, but I can get mine to create camo mottles on Luftwaffe AC in 1/72 without any hassle.
The 200 would be a good choice, as Karl pointed out. I have a Badger 200 and a T&C (now Badger) Omni 3000 and both are great brushes. If I am just going to spray parts I use the 200 simply because it’s a bit easier to clean. If I need more control I use the Omni. I just prefer a DA brush when I need to do something that requires more control.
Keep in mind though that the capabilities of an airbrush are limited primarily by the abilities of the user. Put the greatest airbrush in the world in the hands of someone like me and it will immediately turn to junk. A good airbrush artist can get great results with a mediocre airbrush. A poor airbrush artist is going to get poor results with even the best airbrush. Also as Karl said, the key is practice.
I do disagree with the comment that the DA parts are more expensive. The cost of parts aren’t based solely on the action. DA brushes may have a few more parts, but the key is to just not break anything! [:-^]
Also keep in mind that you are going to need an air source. Those cans of propellant run out pretty quick, they get cold and the pressure goes to nothing, and the cost adds up real quick.
I’d go with the Paache H for a single action. I’ve got a couple of Badger 200’s, one over 20 years old. I first used an airbrush in junior high and it was a Badger 200. The Badger 200 served me well.
The Paache is easier to clean, easier to change tips and needle and is more rugged. It’s very easy to damage the tip and needle of the Badger 200 if you tend to toss your equipment around.
Well, actually I just remember that the Badger 200 model has been replaced with a newer model. It doesn’t require changing tips and needles anymore for different spray patterns, so that’s a plus in your consideration of purchasing it. The old Badger 200 used many of the same parts as the Badger 150 double action airbrush.
On Badger’s web site under their “garage sale” speacials there is a hybrid Vega 600 / Badger 150 airbrush for only $20. You can’t beat that price! [;)] http://www.badger-airbrush.com/garagesale.htm