please let me know some good beginner airbrushes which is user friendly and can still be of use at the intermediate stage..what else is needed, a compressor? Difference between single and double action? and price?

I absolutely reccomend the Aztek 470. Its very easy to use for a novice and once you become an expert, you can keep using it as it produces proffessional quality spraying. Its more affordable than the more common long needle/steel brushes and is easy to maintain.

As for a compressor, buy the best you can afford. I went through 3 before I found one I was happy with which was a massive waste of money. Its better to wait untill you can afford a decent compressr than to buy a cheap one.

The compressor should have a tank, a regulator and a moisture trap, I considor these to be essential. Airbrushing can be a complete nightmare if the compressor is not up to scratch. Also try to get an oil compressor. Although more expensive, they will save both you and your families sanity as the piston compressors can be very noisy indeed

Hella:
It really depends on the Budget you are on. With that said I think the best buy for your buck would be an Airbrush from the Aztec line. an A-470 or 430 contempo( I think it is called). Both are not too bad on the wallet if you shop around and are upgradable as your needs change.
The difference between a single action and double action Airbrush is as follows.
Single Action: Push the trigger down and paint comes out.
Double Action: Push the trigger down and only air comes out then pull the trigger back and the paint comes out. This takes some getting used to. So practice is needed. I just recently got the A470 and been practicing the double action thing with it, but if double action is not for you it can be adjusted to be a single action A/B also.
As for a compressor. I think and this is just my opinion here is a must. In the long run it is cheaper than the can thing. If you have a Wal mart close by they have a little 2 gallon Campell Hausefield compressor for about 97.99 was the last price I saw. If you get lucky though sometimes Sears will put the same size Craftsman compressor on sale for 99.99, but that again is up to your budget.
Hope this helps. God luck and Happy Painting..
Paul

I am a new user of airbrushes. I bought a doubleaction aztec 430 for my first brush and I love it! Takes some getting used to but any AB would. Go with the double action if possible as I hear most will move onto one after some experience is gained so why not start with it. This 430 AB is a breeze to clean and is priced right. Bought a 2HP compressor with a 1.5gallon tank from Canadian tire for $99 and it works great.

Cheers
HastyP

well this is my opinion :

There is no beginners airbrush !

Just buy a good airbrush ( Werner and Steinbeck ) the Evolution !!!

That is the best airbrush for me costs ? about 150 Euro's .( approx 160 dollars )

I know it aint cheap but buy something good and you will enjoy it for life .

Also don't save money on your compressor !!!

A complete good airbrush set will cost you appprox 450 Euro's but than you have some thing wich make the hobby worth wild .

Succes

Eric

Hey
I have a Badger 200, and love it. Single Action, built like a tank, still rolling after 12 years.
(Didnt get enough use though , life, work family interefered)
I just got an Aztek 430
Sweet beginner brush also
Double Action easy cleanup and use.
BUT
If I had it to do over - I'd get an Aztek 470
(It comes with more tips)
The tips are the critical element of an Aztek, and allow you to tweak the Airbrush for your needs.
I just ordered me the tips I wanted and they'll work on mine or the 470, but they dont fit right into my case.
Also most of the Aztek users here at Armorama are using 470's so they can give you their first hand experiences to learn from.
I got my compressor from www.airbrushcity.com and was most pleased with them.

Good Luck
firemann816

I totally agree with Eric ! I use an Iwata Eclipse HP-BCS and HP-CS both are dual action, but the CS is gravity feed. I also started out with these . Even professional airbrush artist say that there is nothing wrong with a beginner starting off with a dual action airbrush and the majority of them recommend it. I will recommend to buy your AB at BearAir. They definitely have the lowest prices I've seen on the internet and by far the best cutomer service. They also let you have 45 days to try out the airbrush. If youi don't like it for any reason, they will either refund your money or you can get an exchange on a different airbrush. CAN'T BEAT THAT DEAL !
Here is the link
http://www.bearair.com/


- ralph

I notice on Bear-Air that they have the Aztek 4709 (the nice one in the wood case with many tips, cups, etc.) for $89. It is at the local hobby shop for around $150 - Wow! Great deal!

They also list a basic 470 basic kit for $59. Does anyone know if this is the one that is similar but comes in a plastic case and only has one tip?

If I may offer an alternative suggestion: Try Tamiya Basic Spray work. It comes with an airbrush and compressor. It's easy to use and maintain.

2 years ago I bought a cheap badger copy and although it has served me well, I got the evolution for christmas. Cheap brushes are great for monotone colours but it was hard work to do camo and things like post-shading. Only option there was to mask as there was so much overspray.
If you buy a cheap alternative now .... as soon as you get the hang of it, you will want to upgrade. If you can buy a 470 for $59 dollars now ... go for it.

I bought a Badger 150 and just started using it. Works pretty well. Also bought a small aircompressor with 6 gallon tank from Sears. Came with a Brad nailer too so I was able to justify the purchase to my wife. Any advice or tips as to what you use for measuring and transfering paint to mix it?