Airbrush and compressor question

[TrialFire]

I am looking into purchasing an airbrush and compressor, however I am unsure of what I should be looking for. Currently I do own an iwata airbrush that I picked up from a friend. It has not ever been used.

Looking on Amazon I have found lots of kits where everything is included, but the reviews are typically very mixed. Any advice would be appreciated.

[qtan]

While I've never used the brand, the Iwata airbrush you were given is an excellent way to start. Airbrushes come in single-action and double-action styles and both are useful in this hobby. Single-action is easier to learn and maintain due to the simpler operation (push the trigger for the air to flow--paint is regulated by a separate setting), double-action is a bit more complicated but allows you to regulate the air flow and the paint volume from a single trigger. Personally, I use a single-action for most of my painting and move to the double-action when I want to do detail work.

As for the compressor, there are many good options on the market. Many hobby related compressors are small units with either no tank or a very small tank incorporated into the unit. Since the air demand for our type of painting is low, this style of compressor is ideal. The features I would consider most important are low noise, auto shut-off, built-in regulator with a water trap included. Most painting will be done at 30 psi or less (some of my painting is done as low at 10 psi), so a unit with specs reaching these low pressures would be helpful. Since you mentioned having an Iwata airbrush you might consider looking at the compressors they offer as a starting point for your search. Also the Scorpion series from Silentaire are very good.

Others are bound to come on here and offer more advice. Read through it all. There is bound to be a lot of useful information coming your way.

[JJCap1]

I use an HS Infinity:
https://garagekitsuscolors.com/products ... inity.html
Before that a Badger Sotar 20/20, before that a Paasche VL. Love the Infinity. My compressor is a Silentaire. It is absolutely silent. The exhaust fan makes more noise.

[Nalissa2]

I've been using a silentaire compressor for over 20 years. It's one of their bigger models
so it's a little pricey. You also need to change the oil every year. Other than that it works great
very low noise and the small tank fills up very fast. There are a lot of smaller units and I think
recently they all seem ideal for the beginning modeler. When I started they only had those awful
piston ones that jumped all over the floor when you put them on as the beginner option. Check youTube for videos of people making suggestions for good starter "kits".

If you already have an Iwata you're already ahead of the game. They are good brushes. I used practically every brand but I always come back to the Iwatas.

Good luck in your search.

[Valentini1986]

Airbrush:
http://www.iwata-medea.com/products/iwa ... pse/hp-cs/

Compressor:
http://www.sparmaxair.com/product_detail.php?id=1&r=8

Excellent combination and you will never need to upgrade your equipment. This airbrush is excellent for all types of paint (acrylic or thinner) and the 0.3 needle will be able to hit the smallest detail. As a compressor you must choose one with air tank. The major benefit is the continuously air pressure without drop.

Also a quick release is very helpful:
https://www.everythingairbrush.com/airb ... adger.html

[sippog]

Iwata are very decent brushes. I own an HPC and it was the first to give me decent results

[brandonlowe2]

I use a Grex Tritium and love it!

[Brent]

I use a Grex Tritium and love it!

Me, too!

[starmanmm]

If you can make it to WonderFest, they sometimes have AB and compressors there for you to try out.

[HermitSinister]

I have had good experience with this compressor for the last couple of years:

http://www.harborfreight.com/1-6-hp-40- ... 93657.html

I think I got it for around $50 or $60 on sale.

I'm using a Badger Patriot 105 brush, which I love. I started with a Paasche VL, but found it to be a bit fiddly and inconsistent. Also a pain to clean. The Badger is mucher nicer in all those areas.