"Need a new airbrush" Topic

My low end Aztek airbrush just bit the dust. I still have all the nozzles for another Aztek but the Iwata models seem to be popular. I am starting to paint 54mm figures and 200mm busts. I was thinking I need finer nozzle sizes (0.35mm or less) in a dual action brush. Suggestions?
sky

I really like the Aztek, myself (I have the A4709 set). I'd be inclined to replace it (or the parts that failed).

Doug

Iwata Custom Micron is the one you want.

I use a Iawata HP C Plus

from 0.3 upwards (can get a 0.2 also)

I had an Aztek A470 before and the Iawata is far superior

I assume you have a good compressor also

If moving from an Aztek to Iawata you may also need to change the connector on the compressor or get a new tube

I got all mine (UK) from airbrushes.com

Al

Steeper learning curve with the Iwata but will be worth it in the end. The Aztec is good for the basics and probably meets most people's needs. If you want to get scary good, the Iwata or similar is the way to go.

Another vote for the Iwata

timmy says the micron ($$$!!!). I do like the MAC valve.

Ancients and Zar are you suggesting the same model?

Right now I am leaning towards the Hi-Line HP-BH.
sky

skyking,

Yes the cost is up there. But it is worth it! You will see and feel the difference the first time you use it.

I use an Iwata Eclipse CS for about 90% of the painting on my minis. I can get some very fine lines with it. You can see some of my work here pigmentedmini.com

Highly recommend an ultra sonic cleaner.

okay timmmy I'll consider it (I do have a bonus coming). What compressor do you use with yours?

Tim, a fellow Canuck here. What paints do you use and what thinners, if any, do you use?

I just found a local art store that will order me a brand new custom micron C+ (model 4500) for under $400. USD The specs are awesome. Timmmy I may be a convert!
sky

I use a Harder and Steenbeck evolution, a very good design.

Thayer Chandler omni 4000 is my weapon of choice. Great brush and a quarter the price of an Iwata micron…..wow 400 – 500 bucks is serious dosh to spend on an airbrush.

I've been using a Custom Micron for about 6 months now and I love it. Having said that, I recently tried out the Renegade Velocity (Badger) and found it to be really good for the money (fine line work specifically). It doesn't give you as clean a line as the CM, but the lines are nearly as fine. I imagine for 54mm or larger you would be just fine with one of these.

what about the Badger Krome Renegade>

don't we do this topic every month or so?

That's not a problem is it? That's why other forums use stickies.

Sorry Cardinal. I know that a lot of questions get asked over and over again. What are the best rules for X period, best Ymm figures for Z period etc. So I am guilty as charged in creating a redundancy loop!

But in some cases things do change: hardware is updated, some things are discontinued, new rules and figures released etc. So just doing a search and reading what some one thought (and was right about) back in 2010, may not apply anymore.

I do appreciate the help but I am still on the fence.
sky

Whenever the question comes up, there are always great new suggestions and ideas. If I wasn't interested in the subject I wouldn't read the thread. This subject is one that I always look at because of the suggestions given.

ok no problem really..Testors Aztek 470 then is my bet, I actually have 2 , they do everthing I need , which is a lot more than what most people need.. just keep the nozzeles clean..warm water dtergent an old toobrush.. I have been using them for more than tewn years..they are not a sexy beast like the others but hey ugly and versatile is good. if you sit on the fence too long you get splinters in your bum.

I just got my first airbrush a month ago, so take this with a grain of salt….

I have a Badger 105 Patriot I picked up from Amazon:

link

Seems OK so far! I got it for my experiments with the Vallejo Surface Primer. One thing you'll need to remember is that there doesn't seem to be a standard for the connection between the airbrush body and the hose. You may need an adapter if you change brands.

Ive just been researching these! After a lot of humming and har-ing I went for a Harder and Steenbeck. I actually bought the Evolution 2 in one with .2 and .4mm needles.

Vallejo also do a set of 8 or 10 Model air paints with a H&S ultra airbrush for ridiculously cheap money. You effectively get the paints for free. The Ultra is their entry level brush, has a few areas of reduced features (e.g. no quick hose release)but its a genuine dual action brush which has the same innards as the much more expensive H&S brushes.

Dont buy anything from china packed in blue polystyrene foam!