This is my opinion. Take it for what it is – an opinion.
I’ve used one or three different models from just about every major vendor (Paasche, Iwata, Badger, Aztek) with a lot of different configurations (gravity vs. syphon feed, single action vs. double-action). They each have advantages and disadvantages.
Case in point: If you want it to last a lifetime, without buying lots of expensive replacement parts… Never, but NEVER spray anything of a heavy solvent base through an Aztek as the vast majority of the parts are PLASTIC and are NOT solvent resistant!!! The first time I spilled an acetone based AIRBRUSH cleaner (that was recommended to me to be used in it) on the old one I had, I just about died. Which is ironic, considering it’s made by Testor’s.
Also, expect to loose parts on an Aztek airbrush. The fiddly bits often have a poor fit after extensive use/swapping – the main selling point on the higher-priced models (hot-swapping tips/nibs). Did I mention that the replacement parts are expensive?
Badger makes good single-action low to mid-range brushes. Double-action models tend to have slightly loose actions, in my opinion (not a bad thing, just an observation – some people hate it, though). Don’t expect fine atomization out of most of the low to mid priced models they make. Paasche and Iwata are the mid to high-end makers, and they charge accordingly.
The vast majority of airbrush work on miniatures is going to be base coating. Fine detail? Why… That’s what the Series 7 Sable is for. Most of the time you don’t need fine atomization for that, but it helps for smooth application. My two airbrushes are gravity feed, both with roughly 8cc cups. I’ve one to base coat a drop pod, only refueling once during the procedure (it’s not an issue if you pre-mix your paint in a squeeze bottle).
That said, knowing how you are likely going to use it – the first thing you need to consider is price. Most good quality airbrushes from the makers listed above are expensive. Expect to pay AT LEAST $100 for a quality brush, with good atomization from the makers above. That does not even include a compressor. Don’t mess around with the disposable air cans that last 15 minutes. They are a waste of time and a huge waste of money. Bite the bullet and buy a compressor, too.
A Badger Renegade R1V double-action from a popular airbrush supplier with the exact, same compressor I recently purchased costs $249.98 US (not including shipping). Don’t bother – over priced.
WARNING – product endorsement follows! I am in no way compensated for this, I am simply a happy customer…
I recently purchased from a vendor on ebay two brand new airbrushes, one nearly equal to the Badger listed above, with the same compressor, plus two hoses, T-valve, and two quick disconnects for $165 and FREE confirmed, tracked shipping. That’s $80 less than the combo above, plus a SECOND airbrush that is BETTER than the Badger.
The brand is “Air Pro Tools.” These are quality brushes at obscenely low prices! They are as good as, if not better than, any Badger double-action brush I have ever used. They are about equal to some of the Paasche and Iwata models I have borrowed over the years – at a fraction of the price.
The specific models are:
* PS800 with .3mm tip and about an 8cc gravity feed cup with a friction-fit lid (plus a .2mm and .5mm tip)
* PS900 with Micro Air Control valve, .2 mm tip and about an 8cc gravity feed cup with a friction-fit lid
While not as bad, the action on these models are both slightly “loose” in a similar manner to Badger brushes. The 800 is roughly equal to the Badger RV1 Renegade. The 900 is about equal in performance to an Iwata Custom Micron CM-C Plus, with the same base features (that’s a $450 brush). It performed equally as well as my friend’s, who does motorcycle detail airbrush work. It even looks almost exactly like it (I almost took his home by mistake after using his forced air spray booth).
Yes, they are knock-offs. But they are GOOD knock-offs that really work!
Go to ebay and search for “PS800″ or “PS900″ and look for combo deals with a compressor. PM me if you want a direct link to the vendor (not allowed to direct link in posts, I think).
This is my opinion. Take it for what it is – an opinion.
I’ve used one or three different models from just about every major vendor (Paasche, Iwata, Badger, Aztek) with a lot of different configurations (gravity vs. syphon feed, single action vs. double-action). They each have advantages and disadvantages.
Case in point: If you want it to last a lifetime, without buying lots of expensive replacement parts… Never, but NEVER spray anything of a heavy solvent base through an Aztek as the vast majority of the parts are PLASTIC and are NOT solvent resistant!!! The first time I spilled an acetone based AIRBRUSH cleaner (that was recommended to me to be used in it) on the old one I had, I just about died. Which is ironic, considering it’s made by Testor’s.
Also, expect to loose parts on an Aztek airbrush. The fiddly bits often have a poor fit after extensive use/swapping – the main selling point on the higher-priced models (hot-swapping tips/nibs). Did I mention that the replacement parts are expensive?
Badger makes good single-action low to mid-range brushes. Double-action models tend to have slightly loose actions, in my opinion (not a bad thing, just an observation – some people hate it, though). Don’t expect fine atomization out of most of the low to mid priced models they make. Paasche and Iwata are the mid to high-end makers, and they charge accordingly.
The vast majority of airbrush work on miniatures is going to be base coating. Fine detail? Why… That’s what the Series 7 Sable is for. Most of the time you don’t need fine atomization for that, but it helps for smooth application. My two airbrushes are gravity feed, both with roughly 8cc cups. I’ve one to base coat a drop pod, only refueling once during the procedure (it’s not an issue if you pre-mix your paint in a squeeze bottle).
That said, knowing how you are likely going to use it – the first thing you need to consider is price. Most good quality airbrushes from the makers listed above are expensive. Expect to pay AT LEAST $100 for a quality brush, with good atomization from the makers above. That does not even include a compressor. Don’t mess around with the disposable air cans that last 15 minutes. They are a waste of time and a huge waste of money. Bite the bullet and buy a compressor, too.
A Badger Renegade R1V double-action from a popular airbrush supplier with the exact, same compressor I recently purchased costs $249.98 US (not including shipping). Don’t bother – over priced.
WARNING – product endorsement follows! I am in no way compensated for this, I am simply a happy customer…
I recently purchased from a vendor on ebay (via a limited-run ebay only special price) two brand new airbrushes, one nearly equal to the Badger listed above, with the same compressor, plus two hoses, T-valve, and two quick disconnects for $165 and FREE confirmed, tracked shipping. That’s $80 less than the combo above, plus a SECOND airbrush that is BETTER than the Badger.
The brand is “Air Pro Tools.” These are quality brushes at obscenely low prices! They are as good as, if not better than, any Badger double-action brush I have ever used. They are about equal to some of the Paasche and Iwata models I have borrowed over the years – at a fraction of the price.
The specific models are:
* PS800 with .3mm tip and about an 8cc gravity feed cup with a friction-fit lid (plus a .2mm and .5mm tip)
* PS900 with Micro Air Control valve, .2 mm tip and about an 8cc gravity feed cup with a friction-fit lid
(On a side note, two models sold by Air Pro Tools are also branded for and sold by MIG in Europe.)
While not as bad, the action on these models are both slightly “loose” in a similar manner to Badger brushes. The 800 is roughly equal to the Badger RV1 Renegade. The 900 is about equal in performance to an Iwata Custom Micron CM-C Plus, with the same base features (that’s a $450 brush).
Yes, they are knock-offs. But they are GOOD knock-offs that really work!
Air Pro Tools.
