Airbrush Survey

This is the place to get answers about painting, weathering and other aspects of finishing a model.

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TER-OR
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Airbrush Survey

Post by TER-OR »

Hi. I would like to assemble information about the various models of airbrushes people use and distill it into a roundup type article. This would let people view the features and impressions of a number of airbrushes while making their decision about which to purchase. If you are interested in participating, please answer these questions and make sure to include your name. Please email these results to teror.teror@gmail.com

Thanks,
Terry

***********************************************************
Manufacturer and Model of Airbrush:
Cost of Airbrush:
Type (single, double):
Is it more suitable for fine lines or broad coverage?
Paint head (internal or external mix):
Body construction (plastic, chrome plated brass, other):
Internal construction (plastic, chrome plated brass, other):
Fitting type (Badger, Paashe, or proprietary):
Optional parts: color cups, multiple nozzles/tips, trigger pads etc.:
Ease of breakdown and cleaning (easy, moderate, difficult):
Durability of parts such as needle, tip etc:
Cost and availability of replacement parts (specific or broad idea):
Ease of use:
Performance with acrylics, lacquer, enamel:
Do you find the design easy hold, and comfortable to use?
"Cool" features not generally available (left or right hand interchangeable color cup, etc):
Why did you choose this airbrush?
How long have you used this model?
What type of work do you do with it?
Would you recommend it to others, and why?
Last edited by TER-OR on Mon Oct 27, 2008 8:42 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Mark Yungblut
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Post by Mark Yungblut »

Manufacturer and Model of Airbrush: Paashe V
Cost of Airbrush:
Type (single, double): Double
Is it more suitable for fine lines or broad coverage?Both depending on the tip chosen
Paint head (internal or external mix): internal
Body construction (plastic, chrome plated brass, other): Chrome plated brass
Internal construction (plastic, chrome plated brass, other): Brass
Fitting type (Badger, Paashe, or proprietary): Paashe
Optional parts: color cups, multiple nozzles/tips, trigger pads etc.: Color cups and bottle
Ease of breakdown and cleaning (easy, moderate, difficult): One of the easiest to break down
Durability of parts such as needle, tip etc: Had the same brush for 20 years.
Cost and availability of replacement parts (specific or broad idea):
Ease of use:
Performance with acrylics, lacquer, enamel: Outstanding if thinned properly
Do you find the design easy hold, and comfortable to use? Easy to hold.
"Cool" features not generally available (left or right hand interchangeable color cup, etc):
Why did you choose this airbrush? I chose this because it was one of the first double action airbrushes patented. as a result, it has realitively simple internal components. Additionally, It is easy to get replacement parts.
How long have you used this model? 20 years
What type of work do you do with it? Everything from 2D illustration to fine 3D work.
Would you recommend it to others, and why?Yes, durability and simplicity of use.
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iSteve
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Post by iSteve »

One point you might want to detail Terry is the range of widths of spray eg: 1/8", 1/16", 1/32", 2", 4", etc. One person's fine line is not necessarily the same as the next.
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Post by justcrash »

Manufacturer and Model of Airbrush: Badger 360

Cost of Airbrush: I believe $91 for the "deluxe Universal" pack

Type (single, double): Double

Is it more suitable for fine lines or broad coverage? It seems to be fine for both. The only limitations Ive found thus far have been in my own lack of skill, and not shortcoming of the brush itself.

Paint head (internal or external mix): Internal

Body construction (plastic, chrome plated brass, other): Gold plated Brass

Internal construction (plastic, chrome plated brass, other):Brass

Fitting type (Badger, Paashe, or proprietary): Badger

Optional parts: color cups, multiple nozzles/tips, trigger pads etc.: Mine came with 2 mixing cups and of course the spray cup. It also has a trigger pad, which I don't really use.

Ease of breakdown and cleaning (easy, moderate, difficult): This brush is extremely easy to break down and clean. With my Testors el cheapo, it was a single action nightmare!

Durability of parts such as needle, tip etc: Having only used this for a couple of months, I can't really speak on durability. However, I've had no problems thus far.

Cost and availability of replacement parts (specific or broad idea): I haven't researched this, but I'm betting Dixie Art supplies would have what I need.

Ease of use: Extremely easy to use. Heck.. I figured it out! ;)

Performance with acrylics, lacquer, enamel: I only spray Acrylic thus far, and i haven't found a reason to use anything else. If you use the right amount of thinner, it throws paint like a dream.

Do you find the design easy hold, and comfortable to use? Very much so.

"Cool" features not generally available (left or right hand interchangeable color cup, etc): Well, as the name suggests, the "360" allows me to rotate the syphon so that I can have a bottom feed or a gravity feed.. or even a "side" feed.. though I don't know why I would do that. :) The gravity feed is really good for smaller details.

Why did you choose this airbrush? My friend Terry suggested I give it a shot, when I asked his opinion of which airbrush to purchase.

How long have you used this model? As stated earlier, about 2-3 months.

What type of work do you do with it? My passion is sci fi, and out of sci fi, Star Trek is the cruelest of mistresses. I tend to work mainly in resin Star Trek models, in he 1/1400 scale.

Would you recommend it to others, and why? I would suggest it in a heatbeat. Its fairly inexpensive, doesn't feel like a toy, easy to clean, easy to use, and most important of all, professional results.
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MGMorden
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Post by MGMorden »

Hmm. Embarrasing, but my three brushes are all crappy. I've got the single-action Testor's, and two single action Badger's (one's a 200 or 250, can't remember. the other is a 350, or rather a clone of the 350).

For me the cheapest badger (labeled "Basic Spray Gun") works best out of those, but they're only good for large area coverage. I'm waiting on getting a compressor and a bit more working space before I go for a good double action (wanting to get a Sotar).
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Arthur Pendragon
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Re: Airbrush Survey

Post by Arthur Pendragon »

Manufacturer and Model of Airbrush: Badger Spray gun (for large areas), Badger 250 (for medium works) and two TESTORS AZTEC for more elaborate works
Cost of Airbrush: I cant´remember
Type (single, double): both
Is it more suitable for fine lines or broad coverage? Fine lines - Testors - Broad coverage - Badger Spray Gun (for really large projects) of 250 (i. ex. yesterday I´ve painted the basic light gray or the ProShop 1/24 X-Wing, and used the 250 OK !
Paint head (internal or external mix): both... But I prefer external mix...
Body construction (plastic, chrome plated brass, other): Mostly plastic...
Internal construction (plastic, chrome plated brass, other): mostly plastic
Fitting type (Badger, Paashe, or proprietary):
Optional parts: color cups, multiple nozzles/tips, trigger pads etc.: Well, the Testors came with a very beautiful wooden box, with everything. The others only came with one or two bottles, and the air hose.
Ease of breakdown and cleaning (easy, moderate, difficult): The easyest is the Badger Spray gun. The greatest nightmare is the Aztec !
Durability of parts such as needle, tip etc: well... I´m using these for years and years, and no problem arised.
Cost and availability of replacement parts (specific or broad idea): Dont´know...
Ease of use: The spray gun is the easyest to use. Personally, I don´t like airbrushing... Assemble everything... Put on my "spray both" (an used 20" TV cardboard box)... Then paint... Then clean it all.... Really too much trouble... Only use it when absolutely necessary (i.ex. spaceships and 1/32 aircraft models). All my figure models were handpainted.
http://www.culttvman.com/carlos_h_s_zan ... nosau.html
http://www.culttvman.com/carlos_zangran ... or_mo.html
http://www.culttvman.com/carlos_zangran ... ncor_.html
http://www.culttvman.com/carlos_zangran ... _fant.html

Performance with acrylics, lacquer, enamel: All OK.
Do you find the design easy hold, and comfortable to use? Only the AZTEC is confortable...
"Cool" features not generally available (left or right hand interchangeable color cup, etc): Only AZTEC have these features
Why did you choose this airbrush ? A FineScale Modeler article many years ago...
How long have you used this model ? over 10 years...
What type of work do you do with it ? Everything... From priming to detailing.
Would you recommend it to others, and why ? Well.. Yes... Good balance between price and performance.
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karim
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Post by karim »

***********************************************************
Manufacturer and Model of Airbrush: Paasche VL
Cost of Airbrush: $49.00 (regular $110)
Type (single, double): Double
Is it more suitable for fine lines or broad coverage? very fine to wide coverage.
Paint head (internal or external mix): internal
Body construction (plastic, chrome plated brass, other): chrome plated brass
Internal construction (plastic, chrome plated brass, other): brass
Fitting type (Badger, Paashe, or proprietary): Paasche
Optional parts: color cups, multiple nozzles/tips, trigger pads etc.: various color cups & jars, alternate needles & tips, tip cover.
Ease of breakdown and cleaning (easy, moderate, difficult): cleaning easy; total breakdown & thourough cleaning moderate
Durability of parts such as needle, tip etc:
Cost and availability of replacement parts (specific or broad idea):
Ease of use: excellent.
Performance with acrylics, lacquer, enamel: acrylic performance is on par with other brushes I've used. If not thinned just right, needle clogging can occur.
Do you find the design easy hold, and comfortable to use? very comfortable.
"Cool" features not generally available (left or right hand interchangeable color cup, etc): dialable minimum paint flow for repeatable settings
Why did you choose this airbrush? reputation & cost.
How long have you used this model? 2 weeks
What type of work do you do with it? full range
Would you recommend it to others, and why? yes. good all-around brush.
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rallymodeller
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Re: Airbrush Survey

Post by rallymodeller »

Here's my entry:

Badger 360/Aztec
Cost of Airbrush: C$250/C$110
Type (single, double): Double/single
Is it more suitable for fine lines or broad coverage? Either or
Paint head (internal or external mix): Internal/Internal
Body construction : Chrome Brass and Turned Aluminum/Plastic
Internal construction: Chrome Brass, Brass, Stainless steel/plastic
Fitting type (Badger, Paashe, or proprietary): Badger/Aztec
Optional parts: Extra nozzles, 2 colour cups, 4 bottles, extra long hose/3 colour cups, 3 bottles, 6 nozzles, cleaning station,
Ease of breakdown and cleaning: easy/easy
Durability of parts such as needle, tip etc: fair/fair
Cost and availability of replacement parts: expensive, easy to find/moderate, easy to find
Ease of use: Easy/Very easy
Performance with acrylics, lacquer, enamel: Good all around/better with enamels
Do you find the design easy hold, and comfortable to use? Yes/yes
"Cool" features not generally available (left or right hand interchangeable color cup, etc): No/ambidextrous
Why did you choose this airbrush? Liked Badger's rep for quality/Liked Aztec's ease of use
How long have you used this model? 16 years/4 years
What type of work do you do with it? Models, auto paint work(badger), fine art
Would you recommend it to others, and why?I would more recommend the Aztec to others because of it's ease of use and user-friendliness. While a more advanced model such as a Paasche or an Aerographe may be better airbrushes, the Aztec's accesibility rates it superior.

In addition, I have 2 compressors - a self-built silent model made from an old fridge compressor and a propane tank and a small, portable Model Master unit.
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Post by fenristhewolfgod »

Manufacturer and Model of Airbrush: Badger Universal 360 Swivel
Cost of Airbrush: $91.00
Type (single, double): double
Is it more suitable for fine lines or broad coverage? both
Paint head (internal or external mix): internal
Body construction (plastic, chrome plated brass, other): chrome plated brass
Internal construction (plastic, chrome plated brass, other): chrome plated brass
Fitting type (Badger, Paashe, or proprietary): badger
Optional parts: color cups, multiple nozzles/tips, trigger pads etc.: 3 Bottles, trigger pad, 6' hose
Ease of breakdown and cleaning (easy, moderate, difficult): easy
Durability of parts such as needle, tip etc: don't know only had it for about a week and a half but good so far
Cost and availability of replacement parts (specific or broad idea): between 10 cents for a O-ring and $64.00 for a new body
Ease of use: Very Easy
Performance with acrylics, lacquer, enamel: Blowe enamels beautifully
Do you find the design easy hold, and comfortable to use? easy to hold and use
"Cool" features not generally available (left or right hand interchangeable color cup, etc): Can be used as gravity feed or syphon feed
Why did you choose this airbrush? After researching all that was suggested it looked to be the best one for me
How long have you used this model? about 2 weeks as I just got it and it's my first airbrush.
What type of work do you do with it? Starships so far
Would you recommend it to others, and why? Yes, easy to use and comfortable.
Chad

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Post by seam-filler »

Badger 150 (IL)
Cost of Airbrush: Around 40 GBP nowadays
Type (single, double): Double
Is it more suitable for fine lines or broad coverage? Both - depending on tip/needle
Paint head (internal or external mix): Internal
Body construction (plastic, chrome plated brass, other): CrBrass with plastic needle 'tail'
Internal construction (plastic, chrome plated brass, other): CrBrass
Fitting type (Badger, Paashe, or proprietary): Badger
Optional parts: color cups, multiple nozzles/tips, trigger pads etc.: Full badger range
Ease of breakdown and cleaning (easy, moderate, difficult): Easy breakdown - care needed on reassembly but not difficult
Durability of parts such as needle, tip etc: Got a spare needle with it but that's still packed after 15 years
Cost and availability of replacement parts (specific or broad idea): Most components under 10 GBP (some are just pennies)
Ease of use: Hard to master but sits comfortably in the hand
Performance with acrylics, lacquer, enamel: Acrylics & enamels - great. Dunno 'bout lacquers - I hate them.
Do you find the design easy hold, and comfortable to use? Nice to hold - well balance, but side cup could be better.
"Cool" features not generally available (left or right hand interchangeable color cup, etc): L/R interchangeable color cup. Can pre-set paint flow to a max rate. Interchangeable tips available for spray widths from 1/16th" to 3/4th"
Why did you choose this airbrush? 'cos I won it in a competition
How long have you used this model? 15 years (possibly more)
What type of work do you do with it? Mainly general coverage
Would you recommend it to others, and why? Yeah, more versatile than most Badgers because of interchangeable tips.

I tend to hand paint most of the time, but even though unpracticed with an airbrush I have never had bad results when using it.
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rossjr
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Post by rossjr »

Manufacturer and Model of Airbrush: Badger 150
Cost of Airbrush: $78
Type (single, double): Double
Is it more suitable for fine lines or broad coverage? Both
Paint head (internal or external mix): Internal Mix
Body construction (plastic, chrome plated brass, other): Chrome Plated
Internal construction (plastic, chrome plated brass, other): Brass (I think)
Fitting type (Badger, Paashe, or proprietary): Badger
Optional parts: color cups, multiple nozzles/tips, trigger pads etc.: Cups, all sizes of needles and tips.
Ease of breakdown and cleaning (easy, moderate, difficult): Easy
Durability of parts such as needle, tip etc: Still new will have to get back to you on that one
Cost and availability of replacement parts (specific or broad idea): everywhere
Ease of use: Very easy as dual action goes
Performance with acrylics, lacquer, enamel: Can't stand Acylics (personal) the others are perfect
Do you find the design easy hold, and comfortable to use? very natural
"Cool" features not generally available (left or right hand interchangeable color cup, etc): Has a threaded post to help set width and get consistent pattern
Why did you choose this airbrush? Recommendation form Erin
How long have you used this model? 1 month
What type of work do you do with it? Broad coverage and Blending
Would you recommend it to others, and why? So far yes, durable easy to use and great range for variouys applicaitions..... I had one a long time ago....
*************************************************************
Manufacturer and Model of Airbrush: Sotar 20/20
Cost of Airbrush: $100
Type (single, double): Double
Is it more suitable for fine lines or broad coverage? Appears so
Paint head (internal or external mix): Internal
Body construction (plastic, chrome plated brass, other): Painted Metal
Internal construction (plastic, chrome plated brass, other): brass
Fitting type (Badger, Paashe, or proprietary): Badger
Optional parts: color cups, multiple nozzles/tips, trigger pads etc.: Trigger pad
Ease of breakdown and cleaning (easy, moderate, difficult): Moderate - not auite used ot it yet.
Durability of parts such as needle, tip etc: Still new but appears to be durable
Cost and availability of replacement parts (specific or broad idea): broad
Ease of use: SO far very natural
Performance with acrylics, lacquer, enamel: Can't stand Acylics (personal) the others are perfect
Do you find the design easy hold, and comfortable to use? A little odd with the gravity feed, but that is just because I am used to using jars...
"Cool" features not generally available (left or right hand interchangeable color cup, etc): Gravity feed so has a built in cup
Why did you choose this airbrush? recommendation from Erin
How long have you used this model? 1 month
What type of work do you do with it? Blending mostly
Would you recommend it to others, and why? Too early to tell, but indcations are good. Seems durable, just need to more comfortable with color cup.
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rossjr
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Post by rossjr »

Oh yeah I used to have:

Manufacturer and Model of Airbrush: Aztec 4709
Cost of Airbrush: $89
Type (single, double): Double
Is it more suitable for fine lines or broad coverage? both
Paint head (internal or external mix): internal
Body construction (plastic, chrome plated brass, other): Plastic
Internal construction (plastic, chrome plated brass, other): plastic
Fitting type (Badger, Paashe, or proprietary): Aztec
Optional parts: color cups, multiple nozzles/tips, trigger pads etc.: Assorted tips, jars and cups in a great wooden case
Ease of breakdown and cleaning (easy, moderate, difficult): easy
Durability of parts such as needle, tip etc: Seemed to go through a tip about 2 times a year. Springs in the tips tend to wear out.
Cost and availability of replacement parts (specific or broad idea): Good
Ease of use: Little awkward due to the lighter materials, dial on back of handle was difficult to adjust as you didn't have any point of reference.
Performance with acrylics, lacquer, enamel: Great on Lacquer and enamel - tried to us acrylics through it with mixed results - I blame myself and not the airbrush
Do you find the design easy hold, and comfortable to use? too light
"Cool" features not generally available (left or right hand interchangeable color cup, etc): Interchangeable, easy to change tips or spray patterns.
Why did you choose this airbrush? Like the idea of interchangeable tips and the nice case to keep things organized. Body had a lifetime warrenty.
How long have you used this model? 10 years
What type of work do you do with it? All types coverage, camo, etc...
Would you recommend it to others, and why? No, Found it limiting to work with on fine applications, had to send the body in once for repairs and didn't like being without my airbrush for a month.
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Kiff
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Post by Kiff »

Hello all, Ive been considereing getting an airbrush, I was going to go for the Badger 360, but I found my local model shop doent stock them, and the owner said he has used them and they are good but he finds the Aztec better and less prone to breakage, he showed me the models he kept. He had two types, a basic one at £27 or the better one at about £100, this one has 6 extra heads, a set of pins, a case, lifetime warrently and comes with a set of inks to use. Does this sound like a good deal??
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Post by Colin »

Well, I have the Aztek and have never regretted the £80 or so I spent on it. Mine didn'yt come with the inks, mind you.
Scale Modellers do it with precision
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Kiff
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Post by Kiff »

I see, well thats is reassuring, I wanted to know, how does the Aztec 4709 handle very fine lines, Im doing the Omega Class destroyer and I want to do the panel line well so I need an airbrush that can handle very fine lines an do nice detail work? Thanks for the help :)
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Kiff
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Post by Kiff »

Ive been looking at some of the home pages of the modelers here to get alook at what kind of work you do with whatever airbrush, but you can imagine my horror when I found out that my only airbrush, a nasty little cheap thing I attempted to use but was soo poor made it was shocking, was actulally the Badger 250!!!!!

Now over here it goes by the name of Humbrol, but I was shocked, I mean I had the worst expirence possible with this littel terror. So I ask those more expirence than I, is this a horrid conincidence that Humbrol has an airbrush that looks very much like the Badger, or is it an indication of the level of ease and quality to expect from the Badger range, or airbrushes in general? I mean if either the Aztec or the Badger are in any way near as crappy as the one I posses then I think I should reconsider teh whole airbrush idea? Erin help!
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TER-OR
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Post by TER-OR »

It probably is a Badger. You can send them back to Badger for refurbishment, if you want. It easily could be a bad seal, espescially if you use a lot of lacquers.
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DasPhule
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Post by DasPhule »

The 250 is an external mix, bottom of the barrel, barely sprays anything POS. Sorry, but it's the truth. It barely qualifies as an airbrush. Humbrol very well may have reboxed them under their brand, I know Tamiya brand brushes are Iwatas, so it's not inconceivable that Humbrol would do the same.

My latest IM to you should answer the rest of your questions. ANYTHING is better than that 250, so no, you didn't get a good airbrush experience first time around. Hopefully we can change that experience with the advice we have been dispensing to ya!

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Kiff
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Post by Kiff »

I see, well you have convinced me that Badger is the way, I sent you a IM, oh and dont worry, some day by hook or by crook, I'll make it to Wonderfest. :)
Dan
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tibu
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Post by tibu »

Manufacturer and Model of Airbrush: Iwata Eclipse CS
Cost of Airbrush: 150 USD
Type (single, double): Double
Is it more suitable for fine lines or broad coverage? Both
Paint head (internal or external mix): Internal
Body construction (plastic, chrome plated brass, other): Chrome plated brass
Internal construction (plastic, chrome plated brass, other): Chrome Plated brass
Fitting type (Badger, Paashe, or proprietary): Iwata
Optional parts: color cups, multiple nozzles/tips, trigger pads etc.: No
Ease of breakdown and cleaning (easy, moderate, difficult): Easy
Durability of parts such as needle, tip etc: Quite durable until they fall down
Cost and availability of replacement parts (specific or broad idea): 30 USD for a nozzle, 10 for a needle
Ease of use: Easy
Performance with acrylics, lacquer, enamel: Only used with acrylics and it is excelent
Do you find the design easy hold, and comfortable to use? Very comfortable
"Cool" features not generally available (left or right hand interchangeable color cup, etc):
Why did you choose this airbrush? Basically reading some reviews from the internet. I also wanted a gravity model since they are a lot easier to clean and can be used with small amounts of paint
How long have you used this model? 2 year1s
What type of work do you do with it? Everything about models sci fi and aircraft
Would you recommend it to others, and why? Definetly, it performs very well and it is easy to clean
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Post by NCC1701-D »

Could someone please compile the results of this poll when its done so us noobs can make up our minds & buy an brush without having to worry about other brands.

thx.
Extremist Trekkie.
============
Sorry about being a total noob, I've just started modeling
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TER-OR
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Post by TER-OR »

I'll work on compiling the rest of these replies. I've got most included already, and I can send that to you if you want it asap. The results are all over the board, but there are some general trends.

The nickel-plated parts hold up best and are easisest to clean.

Badger seems to be more easily dissembled and maintained than Iwata. Iwata seems to be preferred by figure modelers. Iwata also has a strong presence along with Paashe in Europe.

Having examined many different brushes last year at Wonderfest, Erin and I decided that the Badger 360 is the best all-around brush on the market.

Email me if you are in urgent need of these results, if you're gonna buy a brush soon and want to peruse the poll.
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Post by Kylwell »

Manufacturer and Model of Airbrush: Iwata Eclipse HP-BPS
Cost of Airbrush: $79
Type (single, double): Double
Is it more suitable for fine lines or broad coverage? Either, 1/16 to broad
Paint head (internal or external mix): Internal mix
Body construction (plastic, chrome plated brass, other): chrome & brass
Internal construction (plastic, chrome plated brass, other): same
Fitting type (Badger, Paashe, or proprietary): Iwata I guess, looks ot be the same as the Paashe & Thayer & Chandler I had.
Optional parts: color cups, multiple nozzles/tips, trigger pads etc.: 1 color cup, lots of paint bottle adapters
Ease of breakdown and cleaning (easy, moderate, difficult): Easy
Durability of parts such as needle, tip etc: 3 years and no breakage
Cost and availability of replacement parts (specific or broad idea): Fairly easy, have never had to go hunting really.
Ease of use: Easy, if you're used to double action brushes
Performance with acrylics, lacquer, enamel: Have only used it with acrylics & model master metalisers, has some issues with large flake metalics.
Do you find the design easy hold, and comfortable to use? yes
"Cool" features not generally available (left or right hand interchangeable color cup, etc): Longest hose I've ever seen...cut away rear.
Why did you choose this airbrush? Tried a friends,
How long have you used this model? 3 years
What type of work do you do with it? Modeling & some art
Would you recommend it to others, and why? In a heartbeat. Easy to clean, reliable, better than either of the other 2 brushes I've had, adaptable.

Robert Merrill
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TER-OR
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Post by TER-OR »

Which were the others you had, for the sake of comparison. That's good information for people to know, as it shows experiences they may share.
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Post by Kylwell »

TER-OR

My first brush was a Thayer & Chandler, now owned by Badger, lovely brush for ink and super fine paints but didn't care much for model paints and refused to spray metalics.

Next I had a Paashe VL, not a bad brush but after several tips, numerous needles and even a full body replacement, its just a pain to keep clean and the parts seem to damage easily. I did, however, spray just about anything you could put into the color cup...swear it'd spray plaster of paris if I'd put some in. It would tho, clog up just as soon as you stopped spraying for a moment.

Now I have and Iwata after talking to a friend of mine whose a professional painter and uses Iwata's.

R
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Post by TER-OR »

I've got an Omni 3000, it's kind of the prototype for the Badger 155/360. Very good brush, and parts are cheap.

I'm finding something of split between Iwata and Badger. Many figure painters use Iwatas - for a long time the HP-A series were the best detail brushes around, and loyalties die hard. The T&C Nailaire is a nice detail brush, too, but Iwata has the edge. The Sotar gives it a run for the money, though.
Raised by wolves, tamed by nuns, padded for your protection.

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Post by bartleby »

Manufacturer and Model of Airbrush: Paasche VL
Cost of Airbrush: ???
Type (single, double): Double
Is it more suitable for fine lines or broad coverage?Both depending on the tip chosen
Paint head (internal or external mix): internal
Body construction (plastic, chrome plated brass, other): Chrome plated brass
Internal construction (plastic, chrome plated brass, other): Brass
Fitting type (Badger, Paashe, or proprietary): Paasche
Optional parts: color cups, multiple nozzles/tips, trigger pads etc.: Color cups and bottle
Ease of breakdown and cleaning (easy, moderate, difficult): very easy
Durability of parts such as needle, tip etc: one needle bend (my fault :) )
Cost and availability of replacement parts (specific or broad idea): ???
Ease of use: ok, no problem
Performance with acrylics, lacquer, enamel: right good
Do you find the design easy hold, and comfortable to use? Easy to hold.
"Cool" features not generally available (left or right hand interchangeable color cup, etc): mini- and maxiflow can be adjusted
Why did you choose this airbrush? was a gift by a friend
How long have you used this model? 2 years
What type of work do you do with it? model painting (from 1/72 airplanes to sci-fi and 1/35 armor...)
Would you recommend it to others, and why? Yes, durability and simplicity of use and very good handling
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Post by NCC1701-D »

since there hasnt been any new info for 10 days, do you think it would be olk to compile all the data ?
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Post by TER-OR »

I'm doing that, as i can. It's more time consuming than I'd thought reformatting the text so it's readable. Gimme about a week, maybe by this weekend.
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Post by Kylwell »

I find it interesting that Fine Scale Modeller did a big "Airbrush" article and failed to mention the Badger 360 or anything about Iwata's. Going to have to write them a nasty letter....
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