Help on Airbrushes

[YoungNastyPainter]

Hi I finally decided to get myself an airbrush for base coating and for painting larger flat areas of color. I read in a previous thread that Bear air are a good supplier and that Aztek would be a good relatively cheap make to get me started. I\'ve narrowed my choice down to these two the Aztek 9174 Model Set or the Aztek 4308 Set could somebody give me some guidance on which would be more suited to my needs or if there is a better more suitable airbrush of comparable price. Thanks
Micheal

 

[Modderrhu]

I don\'t know much about the things yet - still learning - but here are my thoughts on the matter. For base coating and larger flat areas, a single-action, external mixer is the easiest to use and clean. Something like >>this<<. No good for any detail work, but ideal for stuff like terrain and base coating. For more detailed work, one of those nice \'n\' shiny dual-action, internal mixers would be called for. I used an Iwata HP-C about 16 years ago, and it was a dream.

 

[airhead]

Mod, I agree, for basing and priming, I\'d stick with a single action external mix.

I\'ve never had great luck with Badger, but I know that Pasche are built like trucks.

Iwatas are the sweetest guns I\'ve shot, but replacing needles makes you learn to care for them.

 

[airhead]

sorry for the double post.

I\'ve given away 2 of those aztec guns. There are a few fans of them around, but I never could get used to the actions and the cartridge tips.

The first one is set up to use propellent cans. That becomes a very expensive operation after a short while. A small compressor and a good regulator will serve you much better.

 

[YoungNastyPainter]

Thanks for the replys i\'m thinking of getting that Pasche or the Aztek 9174 now and a small compressor after hearing what you had to say and also after reading around another few web-sites thanks
Micheal

 

[hashmallum]

Here in Poland a good Compressor is about 100$ and a very good airbrush - profi- about 40$
I use Airbrush for priming and applying basecolour , but also for painting tanks , applying rust , varnishing , and opainting nmm

 

[airhead]

Odd, my experience is reversed.

Cheap compressor at $40 on ebay.

Good airbrush (Iwata HP-B) at $100. (and a Custom Micron goes for about $300)

 

[Xavier]

Buy the Aztek 4308

Well my first airbrush, I\'ve had it for 4 yrs now was the A470 it came in the A4702 kit. It was wiser to spend $20 more and get the A4709 kit with all the accessories.

One of the most importnat thing is to get an internal mix. This will make the paint drops smaller and give you a better coverage. For miniatures the drop size will be visible espcially if you take photos to post on the net.
I recommend the Aztek 4308 choice it gives you a good amout of accessories at a very resonable price. Once you get a little more proficent you can then chose a better brush, like the Iwata HP-B

 

[markstorch]

I just picked up the Iwata HP-BH a couple months back. I figured it\'s better to have more tool than you need than less.

The consensus I found when I did my research was that the Iwatas are more expensive, but generally worth it. I got strong feeling that you could either spend the money now, or outgrow whatever else you get and spend it later.

 

[Spacemunkie]

There are many proponents of Aztek airbrushes.

I detested mine. It was a pain in the arse. Bought an Iwata and never regretted it.

 

[airhead]

SM, that is exactly the way I felt.

I use Vega 2000\'s for t-shirts, but I loves my Iwata HP-B for detail work.

If the Iwata Eclipse\'s had been out when I started shooting paint, I would have probablye ended up with them.

The Paschee\'s are like Ford or Chevy Pickups, durable and get the job done.

The Vegas are like 18-wheelers. Made to take lots of use and keep on going.

The Iwata\'s are like Ferrarri\'s. Sweet to use, and handle any curves you can throw at them.

The Aztecs are Yugos.

 

[Xavier]

Originally posted by airhead
The Aztecs are Yugos.

Ouch that hurt.

Truthfully I\'d liken it more to a Van more versitle than all the vehicles but not as good as each in its nitch.

I\'ve painted surfaces as larges 8x10\' murals down to 25mm miniatures with the Aztec brush just by changing the tips and cups. Something the high end brushes cannot do.
So I\'ve been satisfied with it\'s versatility. However I do primarly paint 25mm figs so I\'ll eventuall end up with a HP-BH.

 

[Dragon Forge Design]

I have 3 Iwatas,

HP-C
Custom Micton B
RG-3

I wouldn\'t own anything else. I know you may want to jump into a airbrush quick, but If you can hold out for a HP-C Id do it. You will just end up saving again and buying one down the road.

Look on eBay I see a lot of them there for sale in the $120.00 or less . Otherwise go with Dixie Art.com

 

[markstorch]

If you are loking at the Iwatas, there is aguy from Hong Kong on ebay that is very reputable and posts them at pretty cut rate prices. I got mine around Christmas and got to use an ebay coupon as well to make it pretty reasonable indeed.