That Airbrush again!

[Neptune]

Before you say it, I did already a search on the board.

So, the question is once again, I want to buy an airbrush, but which one? I've read Paul Budzik's article and became much wiser from it, even added it to my favorites!
However, I've been searching some shops in Belgium and they seem to come up with all different types of Airbrushes. I've narrowed it down to Aztek and Badger. The Badger is mainly the 150 model. Is it any good? From what I've found in my search here, it seems so.
For Aztek it's more complicated. Some shops have the A470, others the A430. What's the difference between those? Does anybody have experience with them? There is a considerable price difference I can see.
Now regarding any advice, take in account I'm a real beginner. I have a compressor, but used it with the cheap Revell "spray gun" type of airbrush. But now I'm looking into some serious stuff, to be perfect to my needs it should handle both large surfaces as well as finer details or small hulls (but I guess, being a beginner I shouldn't demand too much).

Paasche, which I've seen mentioned in a lot of cases or Iwata, don't really seem to be available over here.

Perhaps we can make a compendium of Airbrushes and which ones are used the most as a sticky, so that future queries are reduced?
I love Paul's article, but also noticed that he says "higher pressures" and "small pressures" without really saying in which ballpark those pressures are...



Any advice would be most welcome.

[EJFoeth]

I bought my Harder & Steenbeck Infinity CR Plus at the airbrush (online) shop in Almere: http://www.airbrush-services-almere.nl/shop9/shop9.html. From what I read, the H&S Infinity is a bit overkill for modeling work and performs equally well as the Iwata's (also overkill for modeling). But whatever you do, try a double-action gravity-feeding airbrush.

I choose this brand over the Badger (I used to have a few) for easier cleaning, easier maintenance and much cleverer build. For instance, you can use the H&S without a nozzle, reinserting the needle isn't a pain as with the Badger, the nozzle tip part is much easier to handle (and clean) and less prone to damage, and it uses Teflon rings and no O-rings near the nozzle head reducing the chances for leakage. The H&S has a maximum trigger position (which you can set) to avoid accidental overspray. Plus, why buy anything from a brand that names a product "the patriot".... As the needles and nozzles can be changed very quickly, there is no need to buy several Iwata's, should you consider owning more airbrushes (I did for a while but not at the moment).

For overpressure I use only a few tenths over one bar. It depends on paint consistency, both the type and how it is thinned down, and them some trial and error. Less = better. If found spraying enamels much easier than acrylics, but that may be just me. I did not have use for the finest needles; they do not agree well with the modeling paints and easily show some tip-dry. The medium needles with well thinned-down enamels gave beautiful results even with the needle of the airbrush almost touching the workpiece.

[carr]

..

[Busto963]

I second the vote for Iwata: superb kit, and superb value.

I do sympathize about availability owning an absolutely first rate Olympus single action airbrush that is notoriously difficult to find parts for.

[denstore]

I second the vote for Iwata: superb kit, and superb value.

I do sympathize about availability owning an absolutely first rate Olympus single action airbrush that is notoriously difficult to find parts for.

Olympos parts are not that hard to find, but they tend to be quite expensive.
I have at times used Iwata parts with no real problem. Grex parts work as well.

About chosing an airbrush:
I have tried almost every brand, and have come to the conclusion that its mostly a matter of taste and wallet. Almost every brand has something that fits. It's more a matter of finding what it is you are looking for. And lots of the stuff you read on the 'net is written by people obviously partial to a certain brand or style. So, try to find a store with several brands and models, and see what fits your hand. It's you, and not your friend or some reviewer that will hold it for hours.
That's the best way to start. Also take some time to consider if you think you need to paint mostly fine detail or large surfaces. For people doing lot of RC stuff and other large models, siphon feed might be the best. Most fine scale modellers are better of with gravity feed.
And are you prepared to experiment with mixes and settings a lot? If not, choose an airbrush with at least 0.3mm nozzle size. Preferably 0.5mm. It might not be the best for fine detail, but it will be a lot less demanding.

[GTDEATH13]

I have been using three different Badger airbrushes for my models. They are Badger 100, 150 and 200. I chose them bercause they have interchangeable parts.
The 150 is only for varnishes since I hate the procedure of cleaning it up.
The other too are for all other requirments. Cleaning a gravity feed airbrush is much simpler than the 150.
My next purchase will be a Badger Renegade Velocity. All my airbrushes were purchased online from Chicago Airbrush supply. They really have nice offers, especially on Badger airbrushes.