I’m considering trying a new airbursh, something different than my Pasche VL. Hobby Lobby has 2 different brads to choose from. Either Iwata or Sparmax.
Out of the 5 That are there I’m pretty sure I’m only interested in the siphon fed ones which are the Sparmax MAX-35, Iwata NEO, or the Iwata Eclipse.
Can someone give me advice on either of these? I’ve heard of Iwata before but never Sparmax.
WW2 - I’ve never handled a Sparmax, have experience with the VL, Iwata Neo and Eclipse. Of those listed, I consider the Eclipse to be the frontrunner. The Neo has a few questionable parts, I doubt it will hold up for the long term, but parts are available as needed.
Candidly, the VL is quite a capable AB. Before I’d drop a bunch of $$$$ on something that may not make a significant improvement in my work, I’d do some serious checking for info over the entire AB candidate lineup.
The source I recommend is Don’s Airbrush Website, just Google Don’s Airbrush. I’d estimate he has evaluated about 30-40 AB’s over time. Great, useful info on types, brands, spraying, cleaning, etc. I learned more from his website, than I had in decades of airbrushing. With his information I selected the airbrushes that are now my favorites, they are working out perfectly for my particular use. I hope you gain some good info from it, if you do check it out.
Patrick
As said the Eclipse is the better of the three, the Sparmax in the middle & the Neo last. The Eclipse has a double taper needle, which gives a transition from finer to heavier spray part way through the trigger travel.
Sparmax are renowned for their compressor range, the entire Iwata Studio Series compressor range is manufactured by Sparmax, as are Revell’s (Germany) proper compressors, so no concerns with Sparmax regarding quality.
Unfortunately I didn’t get the replies in time 
I ended up getting the NEO but it was 40% off with the coupon so I guess I’m not out the whole cost.
I wouldn’t be too upset with that - an Iwata’s an Iwata.
For what it’s worth, I do have a Sparmax (SP-25) and think it’s great. I bought I because here in Australia, even cheap Iwata’s are expensive. Sparmax was less than $100, so it won out.
It looks like a good imitation of an Iwata and I’m quite happy with it, so, if you ended up with a genuine Iwata, that’s nothing to worry about.
I, too was looking at a Sparmax airbrush at Hobby Lobby. After a closer look at the Sparmax brand, I realized it has a small cup - too small actually. I’m leaning towards a Neo instead with interchangeable cups and lids. Figured it will cost me about $40 after 40% coupon.
Are you only painting large surfaces, that need a lot of paint? I would say that a gravity fed airbrush would be a better partner for that Paasche VL.
Don’t shy away from small cup airbrushes. They have their advantages
One thing to remember about gravity feeders is they don’t spray metallic paints well.
Badger Renegade Krome! [;)]
renegade kromes are out of stock everywhere. Iwata hp-cs is excellent at hobby lobby with 40% off online printable coupon or badger sotar is better than Krome big discount at amazon. Here is the link
I’m a big fan of Badger. I got my first airbrush in late 70s (won it in a contest), and it still is my go-to brush. Only thing I have replaced so far are teflon washers. Original needle is getting a bit scratched and pitted so I may have to replace it one of these days. It is a 200 single action. I also have their 150 DA brush but usually use the 200 because it is easier to clean. I have a couple others of other brands but they stay in a drawer and have not been used in a decade.
The Sotar is not “better” than the Krome, it is just different.
I’m a big fan of Badger. It is a 200 single action
Me, too Don. My 200 doesn’t get used as often as it could cuz I HATE the cleanup, but never had any problems with it I didn’t create.
On a side note, I was looking at an Iwata at Hobby Lobby also and I was wondering about those color cup lids. I’ve only seen pictures of them being used without lids. Are you supposed to leave the kids off while spraying?
Damn auto correct! LIDS, not kids!
Over the weekend, I went out and bought myself a gravity feed dual-action Iwata Neo airbrush with interchangeable paint cups.
Hi I’ve just bought a badger renegade krome and I’m new to airbrushing and I’m looking for a instruction manual can anyone help please