I'm in the market for an airbrush, I've been brush painting my models and though I think they turn out okay, I'd like to take it up a notch.

So my question is, what are some good airbrushes that are'nt overly expensive? say $200 and under.



-Thanks

Hi Jason ,Welcome to Armorama.
Your question will have many varied responses. But heres mine, I would recomend a double action gravity feed (paint cup on top) these give the best painting performance and the easiest to clean.
I have 2 Iwata air brushes, HP-C & HP-CH. The CH has ajustments for both paint and air (kind of like cruise control). I wish I bought the CH before the C .
I paid $180USD including shipping from Roger Wong on eBay
Great guy to do business with, "professional"
You may want to look up a couple of Air Brush site to learn the differences of brands and types

Good Luck

Bruce

I do agree, too. I'm using a Badger 100LG and I'm happy with that. Spare pieces are easy to find and cheap when needed.

Hi Jason.. since your in the state's i'll give you my favorite airbrush tip..

1st off.. like they say double action is the way to go.. although I tend to use siphon feed the most because I tend to spill the paint cup..

My favorite airbrush is the Badger 360 universal.. its double action.. only one needle and tip size to worry about and it can work as either a siphon feed.. (from the bottom, or gavity feed .. from the top.. the cup rotates.. )

another good airbrush is the Badger 155 Anthiem.. which is the same as the 360 except that it is siphon feed only..

The reason I mention these airbrushs is that both are typicaly carried by A.C. Moore crafts and Michales Crafts stores. they both put out flyers in local area newspapers that feature a coupon for 40% off any non sale item.. sometimes around x-mas you also see 50% off coupons..

if you can find a good air brush there for a starter then the savings is worth it..

they also carry some single action airbrushs also but i'd go for the double action right away..

I've been using my Badger 360 now for about 3 years and its done everything i've needed it too with no problem.. I use mostly model master enamals but also tamiya acrylics too.. with no probs..

Yup - Double action is the way to go.
I would (if I could) get a gravity feed, it makes small batch painting nice and easy.

I have a Badger 175 and like it quite a bit (only downside is no gravity feed). It's robust and solid. It's easy enough to clean and having metal parts I don't worry about the assembly and dissassembly during cleanup.

Make sure you get one with adjustable tips to get different size paint patterns

Also if you buy retail and have a Michaels or AC Moores nearby make sure you get one thier 40% off coupons and get the brush for almost 1/2 off. Here the coupons come out almost every week. Make sure the brush isn't already on sale or the coupon wont be valid (regular priced items only).

And don't forget to get a compressor or a tank of CO2.Those small cans of Propel are expensive in the long run.To get your feet wet,if you are painting large armor,start with a medium tip.Practice spraying the base color smmothly,then graduate to a finer tip to spray camoflage patterns.
Slow and steady wins the race.
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