[brushe]

I wanted to get my wife a air brush for Mothers Day. Well I have found out there is a gravity feed and then the one that draws the paint from a jar. I think she will be using differ colors a lot. Since project will be small, Tombstones , wig heads. The gravity feed looks like it would be easier to clean. Dose any have experience with them? I mean if you could pick , which one would you get.

 

[Ugly Joe]

I've used both (own both kinds - both gravity feed and siphon feed), and I like my gravity feed better...but then, it's a better airbrush overall, so that may be coloring my preferences.

I've found the gravity feed works better with less air, so it's great for detail work.
The siphon feed, I actually kind of like for broader area applications...it makes a wonderfully fine mist, but takes a bit more air pressure to produce results.

Cleaning the gravity feed is 50x easier than the siphon...but then again, the brush is better designed in general.
(that, and I paid considerably more for it, even at a discount)

If she expects to change out the colors a lot, keep in mind the siphon feed bottles are fairly cheap, so having a number of them around won't be as expensive.
Does the gravity feed you're looking at even have interchangeable reservoirs for paint?
(mine does not - but cleaning it takes no time in-between colors)

I guess the bottom line is: you'll get what you pay for.

Oh, and keep in mind an in-line air filter with regulator will make her airbrushing much easier.

 

[scourge]

I own both as well. For a gift I would recommend a gravity feed. Does she already own a compressor? With a gravity feed she can test the waters without multiple jars to consider. Just like Joe said, way easy to clean! The Iwata HP-BS (eclipse) is a great airbrush to start with. Cost effective and reliable. Hope that helps a little. And again like Joe said, must get a moisture filter.

 

[brushe]

Thanks Ugly Joe and Scourge. This is the one I am looking at. I know it's probably not a good one, but all the feed back from the people that have bought it seem to be happy. The way work is now , I am pinching pennies and stretching dollars. So if it works I am sure she will be happy. She has wanted one for a long time.

NEW GRAVITY FEED AIRBRUSH & AIR BRUSH COMPRESSOR KIT NR - eBay (item 380116654062 end time May-10-09 06:32:26 PDT)

 

[Baron Samedi]

Hi Brushe.
Like Scourge, my weapon of choice is the Iwata. It's a great all round tool, very versatile and easy to maintain. I have had mine for several years and it continues to serve me well.
I'm not familiar with the brand in the link (Powercat), but, looking at the spec it seems to be fairly good value for money, . Plus it comes with the compressor and that all important moisture trap.

 

[brushe]

Yeah Baron Samedi, it's kind of like a good way to get started. If it was something we needed or used all the time. I would try to find something better, even if it was used. But for wig heads and tombstones, what ever little project she decides to do. At least she will have one to play with. I will have to keep the Iwata in mind though. If she really gets into it maybe we can look into a better one when the economy picks up some.

 

[Mr Unpleasant]

I'm in agreement with everything that been said so far, and that looks like a decent set-up, specially if you only plan on doing Halloween props here and there. The Iwata that Baron Samedi mentioned is the top of the line and extremely expensive. It's best to start with something like you have in mind just to get the feel for movement of your hand and to see if you enjoy using an airbrush, then move up to a quality brush that suits your needs. Although, I might reccomend using a large compressor if possible, those little compressor tend to be somewhat loud(except fot the $$$ units) and that can get annoying after a while. There's always co2 tank which make airbrushing silent except for the pssst sound from the brush

When I started using airbrushes I took a class that lasted two days, it was a blast and I learned a lot of technique. That may actually be a better gift that an airbrush itself.

p.s. I use a Universal Badger air brush - That means it can be gravity fed or flip the cup over and stick a jar on for siphon feed.

 

[Terra]

So, can you use the same air compressor that you use for props (I have a 17 gal) for an airbrush?

 

[Dark lord]

Terra- yep just use a good regulator to dial the pressure down,any compressor will work,the bigger motor & tank better as it takes longer to drain air supply
& compressor kicks on less wear & tear on the motor. I use from hobby comp for small quick stuff to my full 40 gal shop compressor. (use a moister trap)

& as for the EBay airbrush,never heard of it, but the best advice is-can you get replacement parts....? cheap AB's are ok, but 1-if you can't readily get parts then a waste of money.
I use & love Iwata's line of AB's & save me a lot of headaches.Check with Bearair.com & coastairbrush.com. they have great prices & selections of dif AB's
These are 2 companies run by airbrush artist that KNOW the products & can answer any questions & have great prices & stand behind what they sell !
Badgers universal is good for both worlds siphon & grav, don't own one myself,but heard pretty good things about them.
Personally unless you really know your AB's & stuff,i would stay away from EBay....

 

[Terra]

Thanks Dark lord Would this be a good first time air brush? It comes with the regulator and air hose for $100. Discount Art Supplies | Craft Supplies | Art Supply Store Online | MisterArt.com

 

[brushe]

Terra that was a great question! I have 3 air compressors. So now I just need the moisture trap and a air brush. Thanks and also to Dark Lord. I am learning, sometimes it is better to ask, then just try!

 

[Dark lord]

Thanks Dark lord Would this be a good first time air brush? It comes with the regulator and air hose for $100. Discount Art Supplies | Craft Supplies | Art Supply Store Online | MisterArt.com

Thats a nice deal Terra, The cr's grav feed are great for low pressure detail & decent background spraying. As for a 1st timer ,well a good AB is worth it's weight,but most of the AB's on the market -brand names- are well made.That is a good one for detail & the BCS -bottom feed-is good for larger. & a little trick ,remove the needle guard cap & you can pull super fine lines/detailing, being able to work as close as 1/2 inch from the item you are ABing.Just take care when doing this as not to ding the end of the needle....... & remember when working with acrylics, CLEAN THEM GUNS UNTIL YOU CAN EAT OF THEM....... hardened acrylics are a nightmare to remove when dried inside of an AB.....
Paasche & Bagdger are the most popular for starter AB for cost & cheaper parts. Most hobby stores carry parts for these, but Iwatas are a little more
But you can find beter prices online than most hobby store prices,unless they have a sale. . Personally after i used an Iwata, i never used anything else ! ( I do custom auto airbrush & T shirts )

 

[Dark lord]

Here is a great deal from Bearair.com on a Paasche VL kit,$55. comes with lg & small bottles,small color cup,hose,etc & 3 needle/nozzle sizes pending how thick medium you are trying to push thru it Paasche VL Complete Set-Bear Air
Iwata also carries now a cost effective version of they'e higher end units called Revolution series,I haven't tryed one, but have heard they are good low cost & perform pretty darn good. coastairbrush.com

 

[Terra]

Brushe, I hope it's okay that I'm asking so many questions on your thread. I've been eyeballing air brushes for some time now. Now that I know I can use my current air compressor I'm going to go ahead and take the plunge.

Dark lord, thanks for all those tips. I am completely green in this area and I could use any gotchas that you can think of.

Baron, Scourge and Dark lord: You guys talking up Iwata so much makes me want to go ahead and get one of these. Scourge, I looked at the HP-BS. Then it seems that perhaps the HP-CS would be better for me. From what I can tell, it will let me do more painting without refilling. Do I have that right? Generally I will be using this to paint props and close detail work of prop heads.

So, if the Iwata HP-CS is the one for me, I found it for $120 at TCP-Global. In my cart I also have:

Mini regulator, gauge and Water Trap Combo for $20: Item Detail

Iwata Air Brush Cleaning System (has a built-in air-brush holder) for $25 and 10' straight tubing.

Do I need to change anything, need anything more and will I be good to go to start painting?

Thanks all for your help. I'm getting very excited to get my hands on this stuff. My vampiress is getting close to getting her make-up job and I wanted to use this for her

 

[Baron Samedi]

Sounds like you're all good to go, Terra!
Apart from the larger cup, I think the specs of the BS and CS are more or less the same. I find my BS Eclipse an admirable tool for the fine detail work I require on my figures.I find it gives good coverage up to around 2" or so.
If you are using your CS for larger areas, such as full scale props you may wish to consider purchasing a larger (0.5mm) needle, nozzle and cap for a broader application.

 

[Lester]

I'm a little late for mothers day but I have airbrushed everything from t shirts to cars and animatronics and gravity feed is the way to go. I tend to let my colors mingle at color change.... and always when using black. Hard black kills a nice job. mix in some blue, pluple or brown to take the edge off. very little in nature is actully black if you really look at it theres allways and over tone. But now that im way off topic the Iwata is the best on the market altough some knock offs have hit the market that are basicly the exact same thing at half the price. Vulcun has a good one Ive airbrushed twelve years and can barley notice a difference. and the vulcan has some adjustments that are handy for doing hair on animals and other small repetitive strokes.

 

[Dark lord]

& lets not forget the most important item........respirator mask...Safety Equipment and Supplies
or 3Ms 6000 or 7000 series ..... Safety Respirators & Masks

 

[scourge]

Terra, sounds like you are all set to go! Just getting everything is the battle. I have two other Iwata's besides the HP-BS, HP-BC and the HP-SB. The one you are looking at will be perfect. Great tip from Lester about bleeding colors at the change. Black is not so good at realism but great for over dramatic Halloween props. I can't wait to see what you come up with.

 

[[email protected]]

Terra you mean to say all those great props you do and none of it is airbrushed?WOW!I am humbled.

 

[brushe]

Brushe, I hope it's okay that I'm asking so many questions on your thread. I've been eyeballing air brushes for some time now. Now that I know I can use my current air compressor I'm going to go ahead and take the plunge.


Terra you can jump on my post any time you like. I love you work, and your questions have been very helpful. That is what I think these forums are all about, just sharing and helping others.