I guess this message would be to modelers from Canada, assuming here that Princess Auto does not have a presence in the USA. they advertise an all aluminum “proffesional” double action airbrush that sells for $70 and I have been wanting to pick one up, but when I checked out my local store, they were gone. I’m just curious if anyone else here has ever used or owns one of these airbrushes and what impression do you have?
Personally I would stay away from them, for that kind of money you can buy a better airbrush on eBay.
your comments have been duly noted. i’m seeing an Iwata d/a Revolution on sprue brothers for hardly $15CAD more than the Princess Auto house brand. i’m all over it like a fat kid on a twinkie!
I assume that it is this one which is on a half price sale for $35.
I have not seen one from US seller yet. It looks interesting at $35 Canadian Dollar. If you get one, let us know how it works out.
Don Wheeler reviewed a Harbor Freight airbrush that was similar to their cheaper one. You may want to take a look too.
yep thats the one I’m looking to buy. whenever princess auto gets a bunch in stock, they sell out within days, so someone knows something I don’t. I have one of the much cheaper HF models with the black plastic handle. it was my first airbrush. not a good choice for sure and when I bought my Paasche H, it made me appreciate it(the paasche)even more. to me, it looks like the guts of this all metal brush and the step down model are the same, but I could be mistaken. from the store, they are consistently missing pieces like paint cups, air lines and the like. so I might just invest in a good quality double action…we’ll see…
The use of the word “invest” is a good one, for that is what you would be doing. Buying a cheap tool is alright if you only need to use it once, or for a short time. Otherwise, you should always buy the best tools you can afford, or you just end up paying over and over again. For instance I have a cheap “chop” saw that I bought at Princess Auto to install laminate floor. Cutting by hand saw was tiring and uneven, and the chop saw was a great help. Would I want to go into business installing laminate floors with it? No, it probably wouldn’t last a month.
But the difference between a cheap airbrush and an expensive one is only a few dollars, as you’ve found out. Go for the gold!
For $70, I’d get an Iwata Revolution or Badger Patriot. I’d stick to the brand names if only for the availability of needles and parts for long term use.
i’m heading out to my LHS to pick up my recolution CR right now. i’m bringing my Paasche tubing along, but I imagine I will need to buy a new one as the Paasche one may not be compatible.
If you have Paasche tubing, where is the Paasche airbrush? I really shouldn’t ask, I lost my air tank over the years. LOL
The Iwata airbrush uses an industrial standard 1/8" thread. You can use almost anybody’s airhose with them except Badger and Paasche. Badger and Paasche use non-stanadard thread that mate only with their air hose.
the airbrush is home safe and sound, just wanted to see if they were compatible before I brought it home. I actually ended up buying an Iwata Eclipse HP-CS
Very nice! Be sure to let us know how you like it.
That is a better choice. The Eclipse replacement parts (nozzle, needle etc.) are much cheaper than the Revolution HP-CR and easy to find locally. You may end up saving money in the long run.
Overall, the Eclipse is more versatile design. I particularly like the bigger, self-centered nozzle which is much less likely to get lost.
I switched from a Paasche H to the Eclipse 2 years ago. I learned that I had to thin the paint more and use multiple passes, misty coats. I had to adjust and relearn how I airbrush. But the result is much better.
Let us know your experiences with the new Iwata.
This is critical.