Airbrush Upgrade

[SirTainly]

Guys, I'm becoming increasingly unhappy with my Aztek airbrush it seems to clog very easily, and the plastic needle shroud is very easily damaged while trying to clean it. Therefore I'm thinking of getting a better airbrush, and I've been recommended an Iwata, either a BCS or a CS. Anyone have have a recommendation for either of these, or maybe something else entirely ?

[chuck geiger]

I hate airbrushes, time consuming, clogging, adjusting the nozzle constantly for flow.

[RDG_Rich]

How much airbrushing do you plan on doing? You could easily go off the deep end and spend waaay too much money on something you don't really need. I got fed up with the 6 or so azteks I had, my complaints were similar. I don't do a lot of airbrushing, so I have been fine with the badger knock off from www.airbrushcity.com for several years now. My results weren't great with it until I polished the needle, and used only the color cups and jars that came with it. Just because it is a badger copy, the badger bottles didn't work with it. (poor seal from bottle to brush) I have considered picking up a badger anthem, but my modeling time is so limited now, that buying a new brush isn't very worthwhile.

[kiwi_al]

Simon,
There can be only one :

IWATA


 ;D ;D

[tom mann]

Iwata HP BCS.

[shamoo737]

I found my airbrushing really improve after I started filtering the paint before painting. It really helps not having big clumps of paint clogging the airbrush. I also like to airbrush with paint that is not too thick. Multiples coats are better then one thick one.

[SirTainly]

Chuck, I agree the are more work than a brush, but I hate brush marks, and spray cans have been causing me a great deal of hassle lately with really inconsistent finishes, that often can only be removed with brake fluid.

Rich, I don't do a lot of airbrushing, but I think that's really because I haven't found using the Aztek to be that good. In order to not clog the nozzles I've had to water paint down more then I'd like and loose the brightness of the colours. I'm all for using quality substitutes if you can get them, but given the expense I have to go to with getting one shipped in from abroad I might as well go for something I know will be good. Buying something locally is a no no, I'm paying more for things here than I am getting them shipped in from the States even if I'm forced to pay import duties.

Alister, which model is it you have ?


Tom, thanks if that's what you use to help get the results you do, then it's a great recommendation.

Shamoo, how do you filter the paint ? I also tend to go for more coats, but the thinner the Polyscale paint becomes the less bright the final colour. The orange boxcar I painted last week is about 2 shades flatter than the paint out of the tin.

[Hyperion]

Hm.  When I used my Aztek I hardly thinned Polyscale at all.  If, for whatever reason, you really need to thin it so much you lose color, perhaps you should switch to a larger tip.  If I recall correctly, I generally used either the light blue or the light orange tip with the Aztek.

[kiwi_al]

Here you go:

This is the labelling on the box
It's a single action:
Iwata Revolution HP-SAR
HP SAR R1000
Here's the link to my airbrush
http://www.iwata-medea.com/products/airbrush/revolution/sar_info.jsp
The engraving on the airbrush is SAR

Airbrush number 2 is:
Double action:

Iwata Revolution HP -CR
R4500

engraving on the airbrush is CR

I don't think mine are the HP variety as they look different to mine.

Here's the link - this is my airbrush
http://www.iwata-medea.com/products/airbrush/revolution/cr_info.jsp

I started with a badger 250-4 which really sucked but it was cheap when I decided cheap was not what I wanted and went upmarket to the Iwata range. You still need to clean them regularly, I strip mine down after each use and run Isopropyl alcohol to clean them if I'm using acrylics or dysol if it's floquil.
Don't use very old paint - clogs it badly. New paint generally doesn't need filtering.
You can use old stockings just don't nick yer girlfriends new one
s or it'll end up costing you an arm and a leg down the offlicence ;D


I found my airbrushing improved considerably AND I use less paint to boot. I also use a largish compressor (car painting type) so I have to do this in the garage eh ;D I use a paasche line filter to trap any moisture (got that from Hobby Lobby in Chattanooga)


Hope this rambling is of benefit 

[shamoo737]

I use pantyhose to filter the paint. A pair can last forever. I just cut it into little squares, and push it into the jar making a cone shape.

[Mark4]

I use pantyhose to filter the paint. A pair can last forever. I just cut it into little squares, and push it into the jar making a cone shape.

Doesn't the dried paint make them uncomfortable?

[tom mann]

Tom, thanks if that's what you use to help get the results you do, then it's a great recommendation.

Don't take my word for it, as NZ Steve also likes his Iwata.

I've had my Iwata for almost 4 years now.  Chuck, I had a badger 150 and could share your frustrations.  The Iwata (insert reason here) doesn't clog as much and is easier to clean.

[shamoo737]

 Mark, I never try to wear one, but you could test it for us. ;D 

Tom, thanks if that's what you use to help get the results you do, then it's a great recommendation.

Don't take my word for it, as NZ Steve also likes his Iwata.

I've had my Iwata for almost 4 years now.  Chuck, I had a badger 150 and could share your frustrations.  The Iwata (insert reason here) doesn't clog as much and is easier to clean.

[wcfn100]

I know Paasche is sort of passe, but I still really like my VL.  The set can be had for a low as $65 discounted and comes with three tips and a few other extras.


Jason

[Mark4]

Mark, I never try to wear one, but you could test it for us. ;D 

I did! Walked into my bank yesterday and got myself on the TV news! The paint isn't a good idea - I could hardly see a thing.

On a more serious note, I like my Paasche airbrushes - built like a brick outhouse. Easy to get spares, reasonably easy to clean.