Airbrush/Compressor

Hi peeps, I am going to take the leap and buy an airbrush and a compressor. I am mainly going to use it for base coasting and general painting of miniatures and larger Amt and Revell Star Wars models.

I was thinking about a Badger Krome and someone mentioned an Iwata Eclipse Hp-CS. Just wondering if you guys can shed any light on what way to go.

Cheers

I am using the Iwata HP C plus at the moment (0.3mm), and allthough it works ok for what I do, I sometimes miss the more detailed option of a 0.2mm option.

If I would have to buy a new one I would prob go for the H&S infinity 2-1 airbrush. Changing/cleaning the nozzle is easier on this model and you get the option for 0.2mm and 0.4mm sizes.

0.4 is great for larger areas, and if you ever think of going more detailed (which you will), the 0.2 will be perfect.

They are a bit more expensive, but if you are really into painting you will want to buy a bit better than "just basic". Just make sure to clean them with care (be gentle with the nozzle!)

About the compressor, I didnt really see a question on that but Ill give you some general advice:

I first bought one without a tank, it would run for max. 20minutes before it overheated (needed ovenmits to actually move it outside to cool down). Also, without a tank it will run constantly (alot of sound!) and the presure might fluctuate at times (splatter, and you dont want that!).

So step 1: buy one with atleast (personal preference and experience) a 4Liter tank.

Than there is oiled or not oiled.. Oiled does not run warm and makes hardly any sound. I now have a Sil air in my student room and no one can hear it. When I have music on I cant even hear it when Im next to it (if it turns on, which is not that often with a 4L tank, depending on your spray habbit ofcourse)

These are new very expensive, so try to get a seccond hand one.
With this there is one major tip: If the deal looks to good to be true, it is! Make sure that you can see it run a few times and check for leakages. Also see if you can get the oil anywhere because the oil needed is a specific one and not sold at alot of stores.

I payed around 150 euros for mine and its about 15 years old. Dont be scared when its old... these things are made to last very long!

If you get an oiled one, make sure to clean the tank every now and than (there will most likely be an option to release air from the tan

apperently there is a max word count....

~from the tank. This will remove build up water in the tank aswell as some of the oil that will get in there.

summary:
get a bit more expensive airbrush than just the basic one to be future proof and get a good compressor with a tank! The compressor is most important, you need constand pressure!

end of long story, hope it helps!

I second painted's recommendation for a tanked compressor. It makes a huge difference.

3rd..

I got a H&S Evolution with extra needle and 2 dif size cups.
works amazing and the clean up is so easy.

highly recommended?.

Bill

Yes H&S Evo its a highly recommend if you can afford it ;)