Cama's recommendations are spot on. I learned the hard way that dual action and gravity fed are far better options than the alternatives - especially with the small size of 1/285 and 1/2400 scale models.
- I have an Iwata HP-C+ w/.35mm needle and will soon have an Iwata HP-B w/.2mm needle (arriving this Wednesday).
- I also have an Iwata compressor (mine is a "Sprint Jet" without a tank). It also is super quiet.
- It is not cheap to get started, but the stuff will last a life-time
- I also use mine for priming, painting, shading and weathering
Amazon has a great selection of these products and I just noticed they have the Iwata HP-CS w/.35mm needle on sale for $85 (half off).
So you're thinking about getting an airbrush...
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33YearsGHQ
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Extra Crispy
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dougeagle
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Good stuff cama.
I've been airbrushing on and off for the past 12 years. I started with a single action Badger 350 and still use it today. Mainly for base coats, such as a 1/35 scale T-55 I built a few years ago, only green colour on it and I used the 350 for it.
I did have a Paasche VL, dual action which was good as a starter kit for those wanting to do airbrushing. Had some extra tips and needles and did good but also quit working properly after about 5 years, replacement parts cost the same as a new one, got another 5 years before it was done.
Now I've got a Badger Patriot 105, dual action, gravity fed for fine detail work such as camouflage and other details that need to be done.
When it comes to getting into airbrushing, you gotta consider the cost. As cama said, its not cheap, but the reward in the end is even better when you get good at it. And that's the thing too...takes practice to get used to it, different pressures, getting used to the trigger for proper air to paint flow and so on. And set up and clean up are always fun as well.
In the end...airbrushing is WAY cool...and not just for us wargamers either...I've done some fancy stuff for my oldest with my single action...such as his name, did a simple tree, even a supernova as he is into the idea about space and comets and asteroids and so on. Airbrushing is very fun indeed
I've been airbrushing on and off for the past 12 years. I started with a single action Badger 350 and still use it today. Mainly for base coats, such as a 1/35 scale T-55 I built a few years ago, only green colour on it and I used the 350 for it.
I did have a Paasche VL, dual action which was good as a starter kit for those wanting to do airbrushing. Had some extra tips and needles and did good but also quit working properly after about 5 years, replacement parts cost the same as a new one, got another 5 years before it was done.
Now I've got a Badger Patriot 105, dual action, gravity fed for fine detail work such as camouflage and other details that need to be done.
When it comes to getting into airbrushing, you gotta consider the cost. As cama said, its not cheap, but the reward in the end is even better when you get good at it. And that's the thing too...takes practice to get used to it, different pressures, getting used to the trigger for proper air to paint flow and so on. And set up and clean up are always fun as well.
In the end...airbrushing is WAY cool...and not just for us wargamers either...I've done some fancy stuff for my oldest with my single action...such as his name, did a simple tree, even a supernova as he is into the idea about space and comets and asteroids and so on. Airbrushing is very fun indeed
Doug
A goal is not always meant to be reached, it often serves simply as something to aim at.
Bruce Lee
A goal is not always meant to be reached, it often serves simply as something to aim at.
Bruce Lee
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piersyf
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Regarding spray booths, when I got my Iwata Revolution it was set up in the laundry to manage both noise from the compressor and overspray. It didn't take long to realise that if the paint is thinned properly and you have the right pressure, the overspray is tiny, there are no clouds of paint particles, and (as I only use acrylics) there are no fumes. I use lacquers from a rattle cans occasionally, and that only ever happens outside on good weather days, but the airbrush sits on my desk next to my $4000 computer... that's how much I don't need a spray booth...
There is no right or wrong, only decisions and consequences.