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Hello, i have a question im looking at getting a airbrush/compressor to upgrade my hobby abilities.

Im looking at the Iwata HP-CS
http://www.amazon.com/Iwata-Medea-Eclipse-Action-Airbrush-Gravity/dp/B000BQKFAI/ref=pd_sim_t_2

And for compressor this from harborfreight, im completely new to this and does anyone see any problems with this, would i need more attatchments/etc.

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-tools/air-compressors/1-3-hp-3-gallon-100-psi-oilless-air-compressor-97080.html


Thank you in advance for the advice!

That airbrush is good.

Harbor Freight tools shouldn't be bought thinking that the first one is going to work well or for a long time. They should be bought thinking that 1 in 5 will work. I would recommend going to a big box home improvement store and buying a name brand aircrompessor from them.

Do you have any recommendations?
I dont know what to choice compressor wise?

I know a tank is good and a psi above 50 so it doesnt spurt as much.

I have the same airbrush, it's great... but that compressor is huge, I would imagine it will be quite loud. I don't know anything about it otherwise though... I would recommend getting a fairly decent compressor though. Paasche makes one with a tank that is fairly inexpensive... you could even get a cheaper AB like the Iwata NEO for example to keep the total down.

You might want to also check out Chicago Airbrush... they have great deals. http://www.chicagoairbrushsupply.com/


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Oh and you really only want like 15-25 psi working pressure anyway...

I wouldn't buy any compressor not made for and airbrush. Mainly because of how freaking loud they are. If you're using that compressor indoors its going to suck. You also don't need a tank, a tankless compressor made for airbrushing by a reputable airbrush manufacturer like iwata will have no problem maintaining even airflow. That hp-cs is a great brush, it was my first brush. I've bought a few brushes way more expensive than the hp-cs and I still use it all the time.

Thare1774 wrote:I wouldn't buy any compressor not made for and airbrush. Mainly because of how freaking loud they are. If you're using that compressor indoors its going to suck. You also don't need a tank, a tankless compressor made for airbrushing by a reputable airbrush manufacturer like iwata will have no problem maintaining even airflow. That hp-cs is a great brush, it was my first brush. I've bought a few brushes way more expensive than the hp-cs and I still use it all the time.

Thare is absolutely right with everything here... but I will say that a compressor with a tank, while not necessary, is certainly better. Check out this setup dude:

Iwata NEO AB - $49.95
http://www.chicagoairbrushsupply.com/neoforiwcnbo.html
Iwata 10ft Braided hose - $21.60
http://www.chicagoairbrushsupply.com/iw10ftbrnyai.html
Paasche D3000R Compressor - $152.60
http://www.chicagoairbrushsupply.com/d3000.html

You can get cheaper hose but the braided is nice and not that expensive. In my opinion that NEO was designed and targeted specifically at us - - model builders and hobbyists and for use with small hobby compressors.

Tractor Supply sells a 2 Gallon Campbell Hausfeld compressor, its usually $80. It runs a air brush well and includes a regulator. The benefit to a compressor like this is it can pull double duty filling tires or running some air tools.

i thinking about the paasche d3000r compressor and getting the iwata hp-cs with braided hose since everyone give it good reviews

If you've got the cash, you can't go wrong with that setup imo.

This is what I started with and what I recommend:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-IWATA-HP-CS-Eclipse-AIRBRUSH-KIT-w-TANK-COMPRESSOR-/190595993889?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c60681121

I've been using this setup for about 2 years now, no issues or complaints. If you spend 10 dollars more you can get a package from the same seller w/ createx paints, I didn't really have a need/want for them, but I'm thinking it might be worth it if you do have a use for them.

Do you know how that compressor compares to the Paasche one?


And paint wise i should be okay thinning/watering down GW and Vallejo paints right?


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And i also use tamiya from time to time, do those water down well.
Acrylic and enamel btw.

The GW, Vallejo, P3, Reaper paints etc... all work well in the airbrush when properly thinned. You can use water but I wouldn't advise it... the best option is a proper AB medium because it will not evaporate as fast as plain water, windex or alcohol mixtures. Imo Liquitex Airbrush Medium is the best: http://www.aswexpress.com/discount-art-supplies/airbrush-equipment/colors-mediums-and-supplies/liquitex/liquitex-airbrush-medium.html

With Tamiya paints you need to use their Tamiya thinner.

I use an Iwata HP-CS w/ a Paasche D3000R Compressor.

Gotta say, I really like the setup. Compressor isn't that noisy, and provides extremely stable air pressure with no moisture.

I use Vallejo paints (game color and model color), and both work fine. The game color are normally better and require less thinning, but the model color work fine too. Its great being able to mix in some satin varnish with my base coat layers, and not have to worry about putting on a primer layer (the varnish makes the base coats durable enough to withstand painting, and you hit it with a full on layer of varnish at the end).

I use Tamiya paints thinned down with their acrylic thinner. Its like the holy grail of airbrushable paints IMO, you can't beat the price for what you get, and its high quality stuff.

I use a Paasche AB Turbine, double action. It's the best detail airbrush I ever invested in.


I also use a CO2 tank instead of a compressor. So I can't really help you out in that department. CO2 tanks are really cheap and last you an extremely long time though and there isn't any condensation that builds up in the system.

Sorry, posted in the wrong thread.