"Recommend an airbrush" Topic

Can anyone recommend an airbrush to me. I want to spend less then $300 USD on it. I intend to use it on 1/56th vehicles and artillery. I live in a small apartment in the USA. Negative recommendations or pans are welcome too.

Small apartments and Airbrushes really don't mix. As for a suggestion on a Airbrush how about a Badger Patriot 105 and a Master airbrush compressor with tank. For less then $200 USD shipped you can get the setup off of Amazon.

Iwata NEO and a portable spray booth:

link

For a compressor I'd recommend avoiding 'hobby types' and go with a 3-5 pound (tank) type from Wal Mart, Big Box store.

Second the Badger Patriot.

I've never had a legit complaint about my Aztek with an off-the-shelf compressor. A good kit was dirt cheap on Ebay and the total was about $200. USD

Badger krome

Neo for Iwata, purely on price. Its a solid workhorse that will deliver the goods for 1/56, and the money saved can be spent on a compressor with air tank. Always get an air tank too.

Another Neo Iwata recommendation. There is also a Neo mini compressor if space is a real issue.

I have Master airbrush compressor with tank and Neo. With some paints and so on this is likely to get close to $300. USD I would get some airbrush paints so that you get an idea of how thin they should be. Don't use craft paint in an airbrush.

I would recommend Neo over a cheap Chinese airbrush as if you have problems, it is unlikely that the airbrush is the cause. I have heard a couple of people say that they prefer their Neo to other, more expensive brushes they own.

I thought I was doing well by myself, but went to a demo and learned a lot

If you are spraying acrylics, you don't really need a spray booth. I can spray other stuff on my balcony early am, but depends on where you live, high humidity can mess up anything. A good mask is a requirement if you spray other than acrylics (and not a bad idea for acrylics). There is a spray booth around $80 USD on amazon and other places but I have no experience with it

John

I tried a badger but didn't get on with it. Now have an Aztec which is really good. A compressor is essential though, I'd go for a low noise one to avoid trouble with the neighbours.

Wear a respirator with ALL airbrushes.

It is quite a dangerous thing to suggest that with non toxic paints that there is no danger. The physical particulates that are made during the atomization of the paints is where the trouble lies. Not the chemical composition of them.

From Consumers Reports:

WHO VERIFIES THIS GENERAL CLAIM?
There is no organization that verifies the use of "non-toxic" other than the company manufacturing or marketing the product. While CPSC requires some products to display hazard labeling, it conducts no oversight or enforcement of the use of the term "non-toxic."

CONSUMERS UNION EVALUATION:
How meaningful is the label?
"Non-toxic" is not meaningful and can be misleading. There is no definition or standard used for judging whether a consumer product or its ingredients are "non-toxic," and no assurance that such a claim has been independently verified. A product that does not meet the definition of "toxic" according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission should not necessarily be considered non-toxic.

from:

link

Be safe, wear a good respirator mask.

The Badger Patriot 105 is the best workhorse airbrush I've used. You can do fine detail work (I regularly do 1/72 WW2 tank camo) up to quick basecoating with it. I use a Master compressor. I'd say my setup cost around $200. USD

@Ravenseye

Be safe, wear a good respirator mask

Fair enough

I highly recommend this mask 3M 6311 (three sizes available)
link
It's about $30 USD and I find it comfortable and effective. Can't smell dullcote or anything else when wearing it. I need glasses to see anything up close. If you don't, make sure you wear eye protection

The master compressor is fairly quiet, but I don't run it late at night (I live in an apartment)

John

link

I believe they are owned by badger
I own this airbrush and find it very easy to clean. It can also spray very finely
$120 USD on ebay

I have heard great things about iwata as well.

I looked at a badger at little wars and it seemed the part

for beginners
do not spray craft paint it will clog constantly
get a braided hose. The other hoses do not bend.
get airbrush cleaner
DO NOT USE WINDEX- it wears away the chrome and has ammonia
Do not use laquer thinner- it breaks the o rings

auction

a sweet deal in my opinion

The Badger Patriot 105 is the best workhorse airbrush I've used.

Have you seen the new Xtreme Patriot 105 yet?

I highly recommend this mask 3M 6311 (three sizes available)

Thanks for that.

I've ordered my stuff. Thank you all for your expert advice.

well what did you order?