Wondering what people are using for an airbrush?

Next to get some ideas before xmas, girlfriend agreed to get me what I want this year.

Iwata

Iwata Eclipse. Bottom feed or top feed or both. If you get the bottom feed you can use bottles and also a color cup so it acts like a top feed. I also have a Peak which is basically a nice knock off of them but I like the Iwata better.

I would shop around for price, not necessarily buy it from this place , but here is their line up .

http://www.tcpglobal.com/airbrushdepot/iwata.aspx?gclid=CLyDvJHnnp4CFZho5QodpVcFsA

chris check out the peak line at bearair....

wondering what you guys suggest for top or bottom feed?

and what about compressors? I have a small pancake style husky compressor. thinking that should be plenty for what i want to do.

Thanks for the suggestions guys, much apperiacated.

I think most use the top feed for fine detail or small amounts of paint application or stencils, at least that is how I use it. The top feeders also tend to come with finer needles too for really fine work. I like being able to spray larger amounts of paint like Pearl white for bellies and it is easier to hook up a bottle then to keep adding it to a top load cup. Now that is just me I am sure others will have different opinions. Like I said the bottom feed Iwata with a few color cups pretty much will cover both uses and the Peak is a good deal and pretty much able to do the same. Bear air is very expensive on their shipping though so i don't do business with them any more. Heck they are right down the way from me and they really sock it to you in shipping. The cups can hold small amounts of paint and then you can strap on a bottle to do more substantial amounts. I prefer a larger compressor tank, 12 to say 15 gallon, so i don't have to hear it cycle on, which you will get with a pancake type compressor. I turn mine on run till it shuts off and I am pretty much good for the rest of the day, but what you have will work just fine.

These guys are where I bought my stuff. They used to have free shipping over 50 but those days are gone i think.

Iwata Eclipse Airbrushes T-Shirts Automotive Motorcyles Helmets (http://www.dixieart.com/Iwata_Eclipse_Airbrush.html)

I use the Badger color cups. They fit my Iwata fine. I have found them at Micheals and A C Moore too.

Airbrush Depot Cups (http://www.tcpglobal.com/airbrushdepot/abbadcup.aspx)

Your more than welcome to stop by sometime and try them out.

Try the Grizzly air brushes! For $11 for the whole kit I bought 4 and they work great. You must be careful not to adjust the spray head to tight or you can split it. I like these better than my Badger! You get the air brush, 2 extra bottles and an air hose with fitting!, can't beat it.------LOUIE

Hey Chris go with the Iwata top feed to do your detail work and get a cheap bottom feed to lay down base coats. I have an old single action Paasche that I lay out Base coats with and it is more than effective at that. I also bought a Paasche talon last year top feed dual action that I have been using for detail. I will be buying an Iwata top feed this year for detail. The Talon has been less than satisfactory. Control issues and the packing bushing continuously needs adjustment.

For a starter just be sure you buy a double action unit. As a beginner the Badger line is just fine. Watch AC Moore's ad and cut out the discount coupon. If you are patient you can get one at their any item at 50% off and get a decent airbrush for short money. When you become an expert you can go for the high price lines.

I started with the badger 155 . It was fine for a while but I realy like to make mackerel and other striped plugs and I couldnt get any consistancy. Sometimes the lines would come out nice, spin plug around and the other side would be a big black blob. :wall:

I bought a new Iwata BCs and it is much nicer. I still use the badger for putting down base coats.

Pretty sure most of my problems were operator error.

Good Luck,
Scott