Tamiya or Iwata?

[GunNut]

I've used all sorts of airbrushes over the years, my all time favorite for versatility was a simple Paasche Model F single action that the no longer make. Ran out of sources for needles, but I could get some great lines with it. I had an Iwata HPC for a while but never used it, I was doing aircraft and armor at the time and didn't want to ruin a high end airbrush by shoving heavy enamels through it in bulk quantities. So I sold it, and shouldn't have. Also used the huge Paasche V series and a couple of Badgers.

Now I need a good one to replace my current workhorse, a Badger 155, it is good for general modeling, but now I need a high end, precision airbrush that I can really crank down to a fine line and shoot acrylics through with great precision. I know Iwata makes the Tamiya line, and I would get that one because I have heard so many good things about it, but parts availability??? Haven't seen a place online to buy replacement parts of accessories. I go through a lot of airbrush parts in the course of normal use. So I was leaning toward an Iwata.

Any advice, suggestions or experience with airbrushes geared toward figure painting?

Any onine sources would be good too.

Thanks!

 

[megroot]

Scott,

I followed a course in airbrushing, after buying my third airbrush. For me there is only one airbrush and that is the Evolution from Harder and Steinbeck. This is a precision instrument and at the highend of airbrushes. If you are looking for a highend airbrush, well this is it.

Evolution Airbrush (SIM-12036)
Supplied with interchangeable 2ml and 5ml colour cups and both 0.2mm needle/nozzle set (fitted) and 0.4mm needle/nozzle set.
Recommended applications include:
As per Focus, plus broader greater coverage applications utilising 0.4mm needle nozzle set and 5ml colour cup.
Cleaning and maintenance has been made easier than ever before with simple disassembly for cleaning with no tools required. All component parts are made from the most durable materials available

Interchangeable needles, nozzles and nozzle caps in 0.2mm, 0.4mm and 0.6mm are available so that the artist can customise to suit all types of colour and spray requirements.

On the internet you can find all kind of resources of this great airbrush.

marc

 

[quang]

I second Marc's opinion.

For the last two years, I'm using the Evolution for all my figures.

Good design, excellent ergonomy and ease of cleaning, minimum clogging. As good as the original Devilbiss Super 63 with modern features and up-to-date material.



HTH

Quang

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Hi Scott!

I too, use a Evolution. And theres also a 0,15 needle and noozle available.
However I seldom use it for figures 90mm and smaller, but mere priming. For bigger figures its a delight.
Being a heretic I use it for planes, tanks etc as well.

Just dont believe that you could use aircans for airsupply, a compressor is a must.

Cheers

 

[thegoodsgt]

If you hop over to some of these sites and search the discussions, you'll find many recommendations and comments regarding airbrushes, particularly Iwata. They're not specific to figures necessarily, but you'll be able to distill what's important to you.

http://www.missing-lynx.com/dg.htm
http://hsfeatures.com/features04/tempforums/forum.htm
http://www.arcforums.com/forums/index.php

 

[GunNut]

Originally posted by Uruk-Hai@Oct 6 2005, 06:43 AM
Hi Scott!

I too, use a Evolution. And theres also a 0,15 needle and noozle available.
However I seldom use it for figures 90mm and smaller, but mere priming. For bigger figures its a delight.
Being a heretic I use it for planes, tanks etc as well.

Just dont believe that you could use aircans for airsupply, a compressor is a must.

Cheers

Just great. Here I was all ready to drop some serious wallet on an Iwata, to replace my old Iwata I sold (like an idiot), and now you all recommend this new brand I have never heard of?!

It actually sounds like a great option. I read the reviews at the links posted (thanks!) and did some searching for other reviews, I think I will be going with the Harder & Steenbeck Airbrush Evolution Silverline 0.2 + 0.4 mm Two in One. People have been posting elsewhere that parts availability is not a problem, that obeeliks gets parts from Belgium to the US in mere days (I am in the US, parts availability was an issue). I can wait for parts should I need them.

Now, the tool comes with a hose, and I use both a compressor and a CO2 tank, depending on how lazy I am to get the CO2 tank refilled. Will the European connections fit a standard US industrial air compressor? I have managed to make a Badger, Paasche and Iwata link up via various fittings and connectors, so I think all will be well with the H&S.

This is a good thing! I have been needing a new airbrush for detailed work, I think this is the one.

Thanks for all the advice! :lol:

 

[Pete Wenman]

Scott hi

I got my Evolution a couple of months back from Obeeliks,
and can only say it ROCKS

Re the coupling Jan is really helpful, and will advise what you
need. If in doubt just send him a photo of the connector on your
compressor (thats what I did) and Jan will see you good.

I used the Courier option and got mine in the post the following day
here in the UK, and I know several of the guys at ARC got theirs
in 3 days Belgium - USA.

Pete

 

[Jim Patrick]

Well, I don't have an Evolution but I do have the Tamiya HG Superfins. Been using it for almost 8 years now and I have ZERO complaints about it. Always work fine for me.

Jim Patrick