I am primarily a Model Boat builder although I have built model aicraft both static and flying in the past .
Space dictates that I move back to Aircraft and I am considering the purchase of an airbrush to get a superior finish.
In the past I have managed with an old humbrol basic uinit, but I am confused with the types on the market now.
Do I get bottom feed,top feed, single action ,double action???
Any help would be appreciated.
I have tried the locall model shop but I think they are more interested in sale than advice
Well, my personal preference is showing here, but I’d go for a double action gravity feed. Double action is much more versatile than single and gravity feed is easier to clean than jars and tubes and whatnot. It’s also a bit easier to get good demarcation lines with gravity feed, as you can use a bit lower pressure with them. Other people might give you slightly different advice, but not much different I don’t think.
Hi Kilo
Have to agree with madda. I just bought a double action gravity feed and I can’t believe the step up in quality and versatility from my old single action.
Secondly, try not to get drawn too much into the make debate ie. Aztek versus Iwata versus Badger etc.
It is more a case of practice and learning to use this complex little tool rather than who made it.
Here is a good page MusicCity from here made up with some explanations of what different types of airbrushes are etc.
–edit-- forgot to post the link:
http://www.craigcentral.com/models/ab.asp
And I agree with the previous two recommendations. There’s plenty of good brushes out there, check out www.dixieart.com and you can see the majority of what’s on the market right now. (from Iwata, Badger, Paasche, Thayer and Chandler)… dixie art also has free shipping for orders abover $45.00 which is a good deal if you decide to buy online. They do good business and the prices are great!
[#ditto]
Possibly see if your LHS has a day where they let people test airbrushes. My shop did that. I myself use an Aztek and I have had great luck with it. I have friends who use Badgers and Paasche brushes and they love them. It is a matter of preference and spending the time to understand how it works in order to acheive good results everytime you use it. They are a complicated little item to understand after just a few trys.
thanks for the advice i am still not conviced wether my pension justifies £140.00 in order to achieve a better finish, but I appreciate your help chaps
not sure the conversion rate, and how much shipping can customs would be, but some people from Australia and the UK have found it is cheaper in the long run to order from the US and have it shipped for the airbrush itself. Maybe one will happen along and be able to fill you in better.
I know your dilemma. Just getting back into model building and had a lot of trouble deciding which airbrush is best. I have a old single action badger 200, works ok and just bought a Iwata CH for the fine detail work and must say it is a step up.
Definately cheaper to buy the airbrush from the US and have it shipped.That’s what I did and I paid about half of what I would have to pay for it in Canada! (, even with exchange and duty no less! You should be able to get a good double action Iwata or Badger for about 40 pounds plus another 10-15 for shipping.Look on E-bay to get an idea.
Good Luck Airbrush hunting
I would also go with the gravity feed double action AB.
Another good place to purchase ABs is http://www.coastairbrush.com/toc.html. for anyone who lives in So. CA, these guys have a store in Anaheim and are pretty helpful.
Go to http://www.dixieart.com and look at the badger 155