Hi everyone,
As you can tell I am a complete noob with airbrushes. My question is. Which one should I get? Single or double action? I am only going to use it for Luft 46 type air craft or other war birds. I want to make sure that in time, when my talent gets better I have the right brush to get those beautiful looking camouflage patterns I see. I’m also concerned on spending more then I need.
If anyone has a preference of a brand I’d like to hear it. I’m thinking Badger from what I read in the sticky.
Thank you to anyone that answers. You’re help is truly appreciated
Double action is the way I would go(and have done so).
As for brands any of the following will give you a good A/B:
1.) Badger, Thayer and Chandler, Omni & Vega
2.) Iwata, Tamiya, Olympus, Gunze Sangyo, Wave
The first ones are american made, the second ones japanese.
Each of those ranges will have a variety of A/B to choose from(Siphon, Gravity, etc).
Personally, I like the japanese ranges.
Word of advise rather than going for a specific brand check what is easily available where you are in regards to spares, accessories. You don’t want to be stuck half-way through a build waiting for parts or worse your A/B to come back from the manufacturer from repairs.
Also go now for a good A/B, yep, might cost a bit more but you will be rewarded later on for it.
Thank you for that info. I will take it all into consideration
I do have one last question if you or anyone else can answer it for me?
Do I need a compressor? Well more like how much of a benefit is it? To be honest, when I first decided to get an airbrush I thought you had to have one. Do those canister things work ok? I have a hard time justifying forking out $250 on a hobby I don’t even know if I’ll be any good at. Thanks in advance[:)]
If you want to airbrush a lot, than yes a compressor or alternate air supply is recommended.
Those spray-cans don’t really work that well.
Check the forums there was a lot of discussion about compressors, CO2 Tanks, regulators, etc recently.
Which compressor you need really depends on your circumstances and needs.
I got 2 compressors but mostly use one that is silent and has a small tank attached as I am living in an apartment and can’t make much noise.
Although I don’t have the most experience I have used single-double and canned air-air compressor. Go with a double action! I didn’t really see the big deal until I tried one.
Canned air is bad, imo. Only for the fact that it usually runs out in the middle of a project. I’ve also owned a small hobby compressor which I was very unhappy with, prise wise and quality (in my experiences). I switched over to an affordable ($79) 2 gallon compressor from Wal-Mart which is oil-less, quiet and comes with a regulator. I haven’t seen that model anymore but I have seen the smaller pancake version which would also work. I’d advise to go that route if you will be brushing for a while. You could also use it to fill your tires or hook up a blower attachment to clean off your bench.
Badger owns Thayer & Chandler and the Omni and Vega are both models Thayer & Chandler designed.
Just thought I would clear that up. [;)]
Mike
I have a badger 155 and love it!!! it’s much better than say, an aztek. however, I got an aztek for my first AB, and it gave me good service, so you might want to consider it. Note, however, that the 155 anthem is much better.
yup the airburshes mentioned will do the job… in the states the median price for the badger types is about $60.00 the 155 can be had for about 49 dollars with the hose and everything…
The Iwata brand has some very good brushes but they will run you a litle more at about $70 plus (9o dollars or so) without the hose… (the hose is about 12 dollars)
Now, as far as a compressor… if you are unsure you are cut out to be a modeler then a cheaper one at Lowes or Walmart can be had for about $70… they are noisier than some of the hobby types but do the job equally as well… On Badgers website www.badger-airbrush.com click on the garage sale link and they have refurbished hobby compressors for about $99. the plus side to the Lowes type is if you dont get into modeling then yhou can always use it to blow out the garage floor or fill up a tire on the car so you can get to the repair shop…
I use the Lowes variety with no probs… just make sure it has a regulator and buy a moisture trap and you are set!! If you are in an apartment then the hobby type is sure to be the one you want… (a lot less noise!)
Good luck to you and if you find the brush you are interested in just ask about it and I am sure someone here has one and can tell ya all bout it!
—edit—
I reread your post and saw your interest in Luft aircraft… if you ever think you are going to do the squiggle pattern type camo then a Badger 155/360 or a 100. an Omni4000 or Iwata HP CS or HP CR are what you are looking for… fine lines… easy control etc…
Don’t forget to include the Badger 100 LG which is not mentioned enough in these discussions. It is an awesome airbrush that rivals the Eclipse HP-CS in every way in my opinion, except for price. [;)]
Mike