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As it says in the subject, really. I play guard, and am interested in investing in an airbrush. I've read the dakkawiki article, but wanted to canvas opinion. Enlighten me: costs, brands, periphrals; bring it on!

I use an iwata HP-C plus

http://www.iwata-medea.com/index.php/products/hp_c_plus/

I am still learning how to use it, but it performs great.

The Iwata High Performance C-PLUS Airbrush -
http://www.graphicair.co.uk/products/Iwata-High-Performance-C%252dPLUS-Airbrush.html

BTW that's a great price - I paid £150 2 months ago for mine :( (oops - missed the tax so it will come to about £142.18ish)

That is the same brush I have also.

If you are looking for something a bit cheaper, check out the PS900, which is an Iwata knockoff that has been highly recommended by folks here in the forums.

Any advice on compressors?

I've only known, and loved, the Iwata Smart-Jet. It is quiet compared to similarly priced competitors, it has a moisture trap and auto-shutoff. Works for me.

Gunzhard wrote:I've only known, and loved, the Iwata Smart-Jet. It is quiet compared to similarly priced competitors, it has a moisture trap and auto-shutoff. Works for me.

+ 1 for the Smart Jet

Eclipse is ok (I use one) and it can be upgraded with a limit nut on the end later (ala HPC) if you need it. The HP B rather than C is good for finer work (smaller 0.2mm needle and cup on top) but you'll need to be more precise with your thinning. I'm thinking of trying one of these for doing blending on minis, in particular power armoured minis or other larger smooth area sculpts.

Harder and Stenbeck are also a good make of airbrush....

I heartily recommend the Iwata's but be prepared for very high priced parts.

I'm currently using a Badger 105 Patriot. Great airbrush and even with it's larger nozzle (.6mm is the one I have) it can still go down to a pencil line.

AB compressors aren't bad compressors. I have the Smart Jet. Just be aware that with a .5mm or larger airbrush it won't spray beyond 30psi (though you don't need higher than that for model airbrushing). If you don't mind the noise or have a shop I'd suggest a compressor from like Home Depot or Lowes or something. Just make sure you buy a moisture trap.

I use the paaasche vl-s model and i 'm pleased with it

Guys, I'm really appreciative of all this! Anyone have any experience of the Premi-Air G35/baby compressor. I'm not looking to go crazy on this - I mean, I know an airbrush is a big outlay, and I want to get it right, but equally in all honesty I'm never going to be Gold Daemon standard painter, just an enthusiastic amateur with a lot of tanks.

Never be cheap with the airbrush. I've heard good things about the PS900 but read your reviews, check out airbrushing sites and forums and see what is recommended (always a noob asking about brushes/compressors on those types of sites).

I wouldn't recommend the higher end $400 AB to start with but the Iwata HP-C is a good brush, nearly anything made by Badger is good.

Google some reviews for that airbrush and see what some true ab artists have to say about it. It doesn't seem bad and a reasonable price. You don't need a $400 AB for 40k painting but don't be a tight arse either when it comes to your tools.

I'd say whatever you get:

Go with a Dual-Action, Gravity Feed airbrush and a Compressor with a moisture trap, tank and auto-shutoff.

Most miniature painters (not all) seem to agree that these are the specs best suited to our purposes.

Regardless of what you intend to do NEVER get a single action. You'll just end up upgrading later to a double action so might as well spend the extra $5-10 and get dual action right away. Not to mention dual action are technically easier to use.