Hi Guys,

Like to get myself a new airbrush , for both Fine detail and Large spray areas.
I work with mainly (humbrol,MM,Testors) -Enamels, Or (Vallejo) Acrylic paints.

I figure I'm looking for a dual action, internal mix, but gravity or siphon feed?
Which type of airbrush would be best based on the paint mediums I use?
Easiest to clean without dismantling? Any particular type which gives easy and quick color change?

I'm wondering between Badgers:
Model 150, Model 175 Crescendo, Universal Model 360, Model 155 Anthem .
and Omni Matrix-dual action or Vega 2000.

But according to Badger's chart list, fine work with heavier mediums such as enamels won't do with model 150.
Also, seem to be spoilt for choice as the 155 and 360 are equip with nozzles which spray from pencil line to 2-3" size. Comparing which changing nozzle sizes for the other airbrushes..

What about other airbrush brands?

Also want to get a new compressor , one which I can use with 2 airbrushes, quiet, and that I can leave on for a couple of hours.


Help...I'm LOST for choice!!!

Hi there..


I have a couple of badgers and couldn't be more pleased with them..

I started out with Azteks but then tossed them when I got a Badger 175 Cresendo.. it had 3 tip and needle sizes small, medium, and large. for models I only ever used the small tip and needle.

The best thing about this airbrush is that it will prob spray anything. I think Badger developed this one for T-shirt Artists. I found this airbrush good to use for single color basecoats but found it a bit lacking in fine control.

(though I'm sure there are those out there who might disagree with me on this)

Also cleaning this airbrush isn't all that hard or time consuming.

Color change is fairly easy, I would just spray it dry. then a bit of thinner then put my next color on.. (I used seprate siphon tops though..

I also have a Badger 360. this is the same as the 155 in all respects except one. on the 360 the color cup rotates so that it also works as a gravity feed.

I find the 360 great for laying down paint in siphon feed mode. I have lots of control and have never had a problem. I use Model Master enamals for the most part. but have also sprayed Tamiya acrylics and polyscale with this airbrush. I am not so good with really fine lines yet as a lot of an airbrushs work depends on the operator and I am not up to pencil sized yet.. But some people out there swear by the 155/360 for fine detail.

I like the addition of the gravity feed as it lets you spray with very little paint in the cup (for small parts and touch ups) and at low pressure which helps with fine lines. something I am working on.

working in siphon feed mode paint change is very easy.. just pull off the color i'm using.. turn the color cup to gravity feed.. put in a little thinner spray out till paint is gone.. turn it back down and pop on another color cup.. if using the color cup in gravity mode it requires a little more cleaning out first...

Cleaning the 360 is the easiest of all. generally 5 mins or so after I'm done.. (I like to clean it well).

Thanks man...the 360 is sounding much more interesting. Especially the ability to rotate the paint feed..will most probably become real handy.

Any advice on a compressor to go with it??

I have a Campbell-Hausfeld compressor that I really like, its very simple to operate too, which of course is a big plus.

campbell hausfeld website:
http://www.chpower.com/

I've used Badger's 150, for 30+ years spraying enamels with out problems. In fact 98% of my paints used with an airbrush are enamels, and I use or have used the following without any problems spraying enamels.
Badger 150-mostly with the fine or IL or medium heads and needles, and occasionally with the HD or large head and needle.
Badger 100G-again mostly with the fine, occasionlly with the medium, and even though the books says it won't work with the HD or large head and needle, it does.
Iwata HP-B- still use the original tip and needle.
Passache VSR-90..... worked fine with with the #1 and #2 tip and needle. (someone else now has that airbrush)

You just need to remember to adjust the paint thinner ratio. The finer the tip and needle, the thinner the paint needed. The thinner the paint used, the lower air pressure needed.

As for a compressor, I suggest one that is quite, and has a tank on it.

I use the Tamiya HG superfine, which is about the same as the well known Evolution airbrush. I'm very pleased with it.

The compressor I use is the SilAir 15exp, which in my opinion, has evey feature a scale modeller requires.

Martin

Martin

I have just got myself a HG Superfine :-)

Do you know where you can get spare parts... needle etc ?

I know me, I'll bend sonething along the way ! I haven't been able to see anywhere on the web you can get spares.

Thanks