I have a Paasche model VL that I bought new in the 1970's! Big old heavy siphon-feed beast, not suitable for the finest work, but perfectly reliable and easy to clean. The internal components look like locomotive parts compared to many modern brushes.
I recently picked up the smaller Paasche models V and VJR on EBay--side-siphon and gravity versions, respectively, of the same basic design. Very nice brushes, and do finer work than the VL of course. I admire their internal simplicity and lack of resilient seals, they digest any sort of enamel or lacquer without complaint. The VJR is so much easier to clean than the siphon jobs, I'm kicking myself for not discovering this decades ago.
My best one is a Harder & Steenbeck Infinity. An amazing piece of precision machinery, but I'm still struggling to find the best paints, thinner ratios, air settings, etc., for it. With the tiny .015 and .020 tips it's not nearly as forgiving as the old Paasches.
I might also add that my as-new Paasche V cost less than I paid for my last H&S replacement needle!
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What airbrushes are in your collectiion?
MDriskill
Joined: June 24, 2017
KitMaker: 3 posts
AeroScale: 3 posts
Posted: Friday, June 23, 2017 - 10:42 PM UTC
Bigrip74
Joined: February 22, 2008
KitMaker: 5,026 posts
AeroScale: 2,811 posts
Posted: Friday, June 23, 2017 - 11:40 PM UTC
WOW! a needle that costs more than a $65 airbrush in the US. That must be an extra special a/b.
UPDATE: 6/24/17 @ 13:37 CST
IN USE A/B
Badger 200 G
Badger IL
Badger Sotar 20/20
Badger Renegade Krome (2)
Badger Crescendo 175
Chinese economy double action
Harder & Steenbeck Infinity
Harder & Steenbeck Evolution Silverline (2)
H&S Infinity CR Plus
FENGDA BD180
GREX Tritium TS3
GREX Tritium TG trigger AB
Iwata Eclipse
Iwata HP-CS Eclipse
Iwata Eclipse HP-CS
Iwata CM-C+
Iwata Revolution HP-M2
Iwata RG3L Gravity
Iwata TR-0
Infinity CR+
Master G22
Paasche H
Paasche VL
Paasche V
Paasche VJR
Paasche Millenium
Peak C5
Tamiya Superfine HG
Testors (Aztek)
NO LONGER IN USE A/B
Paasche H (2)
Testors (Aztek)
Aztek, (2)
Iwata NEO
Badger 150 (2)
Badger 200
Badger
Badger Crescendo
Harder & Steenbeck Evolution
Premi-Air G-35
UPDATE: 6/24/17 @ 13:37 CST
IN USE A/B
Badger 200 G
Badger IL
Badger Sotar 20/20
Badger Renegade Krome (2)
Badger Crescendo 175
Chinese economy double action
Harder & Steenbeck Infinity
Harder & Steenbeck Evolution Silverline (2)
H&S Infinity CR Plus
FENGDA BD180
GREX Tritium TS3
GREX Tritium TG trigger AB
Iwata Eclipse
Iwata HP-CS Eclipse
Iwata Eclipse HP-CS
Iwata CM-C+
Iwata Revolution HP-M2
Iwata RG3L Gravity
Iwata TR-0
Infinity CR+
Master G22
Paasche H
Paasche VL
Paasche V
Paasche VJR
Paasche Millenium
Peak C5
Tamiya Superfine HG
Testors (Aztek)
NO LONGER IN USE A/B
Paasche H (2)
Testors (Aztek)
Aztek, (2)
Iwata NEO
Badger 150 (2)
Badger 200
Badger
Badger Crescendo
Harder & Steenbeck Evolution
Premi-Air G-35
Merlin
Senior Editor
#017
Joined: June 11, 2003
KitMaker: 17,582 posts
AeroScale: 12,795 posts
Posted: Saturday, June 24, 2017 - 12:35 AM UTC
Hi Bob
I reckon you should add a third section in your round-up for "Back-Ups". Otherwise, it risks looking like a "Keep or Reject" list for anyone coming to it cold.
I wouldn't say I don't use my H&S Evolution, Aztek etc. - I just don't use them as often as the TR-0. They definitely still have their days. For instance; the Aztek with the correct head will spray some stuff I wouldn't let near the TR-0, and the Evolution would actually be my first choice for some jobs - I'd just need to convince my arthritic finger that it was up for the challenge.
All the best
Rowan
I reckon you should add a third section in your round-up for "Back-Ups". Otherwise, it risks looking like a "Keep or Reject" list for anyone coming to it cold.
I wouldn't say I don't use my H&S Evolution, Aztek etc. - I just don't use them as often as the TR-0. They definitely still have their days. For instance; the Aztek with the correct head will spray some stuff I wouldn't let near the TR-0, and the Evolution would actually be my first choice for some jobs - I'd just need to convince my arthritic finger that it was up for the challenge.
All the best
Rowan
Bigrip74
Joined: February 22, 2008
KitMaker: 5,026 posts
AeroScale: 2,811 posts
Posted: Saturday, June 24, 2017 - 01:01 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Hi Bob
I reckon you should add a third section in your round-up for "Back-Ups". Otherwise, it risks looking like a "Keep or Reject" list for anyone coming to it cold.
I wouldn't say I don't use my H&S Evolution, Aztek etc. - I just don't use them as often as the TR-0. They definitely still have their days. For instance; the Aztek with the correct head will spray some stuff I wouldn't let near the TR-0, and the Evolution would actually be my first choice for some jobs - I'd just need to convince my arthritic finger that it was up for the challenge.
All the best
Rowan
Rowan, good idea Ill redo the list to include the BACK UP.
Bob
BlackWidow
Joined: August 09, 2009
KitMaker: 1,732 posts
AeroScale: 1,336 posts
Posted: Saturday, June 24, 2017 - 03:47 PM UTC
I use an airbrush which has not been mentioned here at all, but it's one of the most used in Germany.
I have 3 x Triplex, made by Gabbert in Leipzig, Germany. Compared to the H&S Evolution it's far cheaper, easier to handle and clean with the same result. I use only 2 needles (0,35 mm and 0,50 mm). The lowest is the oldest of them. Meanwhile it has some defects and I only use it for the "dirty" works now, like primer and Bodenglänzer (Future). My compressor is an AirCom Astro 20, made in Italy, with a 5 liters tank. Very quiet ....
Happy modelling!
Torsten
I have 3 x Triplex, made by Gabbert in Leipzig, Germany. Compared to the H&S Evolution it's far cheaper, easier to handle and clean with the same result. I use only 2 needles (0,35 mm and 0,50 mm). The lowest is the oldest of them. Meanwhile it has some defects and I only use it for the "dirty" works now, like primer and Bodenglänzer (Future). My compressor is an AirCom Astro 20, made in Italy, with a 5 liters tank. Very quiet ....
Happy modelling!
Torsten
spiralcity
Joined: October 14, 2012
KitMaker: 150 posts
AeroScale: 107 posts
Posted: Sunday, June 25, 2017 - 12:27 AM UTC
I read most of the comments here and come away with the understanding that many people believe it's the gun that is so mighty and important. The fact is it takes a lot of skill to be a great airbrush artist. practice is what makes you good or great, not so much the gum you use. Keep in mind that their are EXCELLENT Paasche VL artist, using the dated gun like a top of the line tool. I do understand that users want comfort and ease when selecting a gun and I do understand that we ALL want a gun that repeats well and is not finicky when it comes to using multiple brands of paint. I also understand not all guns are made equal, but that's where learning how to use your airbrush comes into play. In the long run the gun is much like a vehicle, we will all find our favorite and go with it. There is NO best, and I can not stress that enough. Best is subjective. (Not that I seen anyone call any brand best)
The most important thing to me when buying a gun is customer service. I want to know that if I buy a gun and it needs service that the company I bought from has my back 100%, no questions asked.
A group shot of some of my guns:
My two newest guns:
My old 200 GIL not posted in group shot because it was out for a tune-up at Badger:
[
The most important thing to me when buying a gun is customer service. I want to know that if I buy a gun and it needs service that the company I bought from has my back 100%, no questions asked.
A group shot of some of my guns:
My two newest guns:
My old 200 GIL not posted in group shot because it was out for a tune-up at Badger:
[
spiralcity
Joined: October 14, 2012
KitMaker: 150 posts
AeroScale: 107 posts
Posted: Sunday, June 25, 2017 - 12:45 AM UTC
Quoted Text
I use an airbrush which has not been mentioned here at all, but it's one of the most used in Germany.
I have 3 x Triplex, made by Gabbert in Leipzig, Germany. Compared to the H&S Evolution it's far cheaper, easier to handle and clean with the same result. I use only 2 needles (0,35 mm and 0,50 mm). The lowest is the oldest of them. Meanwhile it has some defects and I only use it for the "dirty" works now, like primer and Bodenglänzer (Future). My compressor is an AirCom Astro 20, made in Italy, with a 5 liters tank. Very quiet ....
Happy modelling!
Torsten
Hi, how do you like the balance of your guns? I never used that brand. Do you have a link to their home page?
rdt1953
Joined: February 06, 2015
KitMaker: 1,098 posts
AeroScale: 900 posts
Posted: Sunday, June 25, 2017 - 02:22 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Hi Bob
I reckon you should add a third section in your round-up for "Back-Ups". Otherwise, it risks looking like a "Keep or Reject" list for anyone coming to it cold.
I wouldn't say I don't use my H&S Evolution, Aztek etc. - I just don't use them as often as the TR-0. They definitely still have their days. For instance; the Aztek with the correct head will spray some stuff I wouldn't let near the TR-0, and the Evolution would actually be my first choice for some jobs - I'd just need to convince my arthritic finger that it was up for the challenge.
All the best
Rowan
Bob - I still use the 200 Gravity feed for model work - the Tamiya super fine is not happy with heavy work and I use the 200 siphon feed on none model work - even the old 150 has seen some action as a loner to beginners!
Emeritus
Joined: March 30, 2004
KitMaker: 2,845 posts
AeroScale: 1,564 posts
Posted: Sunday, June 25, 2017 - 02:36 AM UTC
I got just two at the moment: Badger 105 Patriot and Wave EZ500 (by B.B. Rich).
Before these, I had just a couple of other brushes. I started out with a Badger 360, which I ended up selling and replacing with the 105 because the 360's cup was on the smaller size and I just pretty much never used the siphon feed option allowed by the rotating head.
Then a few years ago I briefly had a cheapo Chinese brush in the style of the old Iwata HP-C, something I bought off Ebay mainly for s***s 'n' giggles to see if you could get anything resembling a usable airbrush for around 15€ it cost. To be honest, it wasn't that bad for the ultra cheap price, but even the humble Badger 105 just put it to shame on all areas from ease of cleanup, smoothness of action to atomization quality, etc, so I quite quickly sold it off for about same I paid for it in the first place.
Before these, I had just a couple of other brushes. I started out with a Badger 360, which I ended up selling and replacing with the 105 because the 360's cup was on the smaller size and I just pretty much never used the siphon feed option allowed by the rotating head.
Then a few years ago I briefly had a cheapo Chinese brush in the style of the old Iwata HP-C, something I bought off Ebay mainly for s***s 'n' giggles to see if you could get anything resembling a usable airbrush for around 15€ it cost. To be honest, it wasn't that bad for the ultra cheap price, but even the humble Badger 105 just put it to shame on all areas from ease of cleanup, smoothness of action to atomization quality, etc, so I quite quickly sold it off for about same I paid for it in the first place.
MDriskill
Joined: June 24, 2017
KitMaker: 3 posts
AeroScale: 3 posts
Posted: Sunday, June 25, 2017 - 05:51 AM UTC
I should have mentioned I only paid $35 for the old Paasche V on EBay, and about $40 for the H&S tip/needle set.
pantherkid
Joined: September 18, 2011
KitMaker: 73 posts
AeroScale: 20 posts
Posted: Sunday, June 25, 2017 - 07:55 AM UTC
The one and only airbrush is the Bager 350 and it lasted for me for 35 years, trigger is getting weak so time to upgrade, I'm thinking on a Bager 200, I only need the use for spraying model car bodies so dont need the use for a dougle action brush, but was wondering how fine of a line can I get with a 200? Thanks and good luck. Rick
Bigrip74
Joined: February 22, 2008
KitMaker: 5,026 posts
AeroScale: 2,811 posts
Posted: Sunday, June 25, 2017 - 08:56 PM UTC
The first list is for those a/b in use, the second is for those that are either shelved, not in use or as a backup either for no longer used or just not used recently.
UPDATE: 6/26/17 @ 10:51 CST
PRESENTLY IN USE A/B
Badger 105 Patriot
Badger 200 G (2)
Badger IL
Badger 350
Badger Sotar 20/20
Badger Renegade Krome (2)
Badger Crescendo 175
Chinese economy double action
Harder & Steenbeck Infinity
Harder & Steenbeck Evolution Silverline (2)
H&S Infinity CR Plus
FENGDA BD180
GREX Tritium TS3
GREX Tritium TG trigger AB
Iwata Eclipse
Iwata HP-CS Eclipse
Iwata Eclipse HP-CS
Iwata CM-C+
Iwata Revolution HP-M2
Iwata RG3L Gravity
Iwata TR-0
Infinity CR+
Master G22
Paasche H
Paasche VL
Paasche V
Paasche VJR
Paasche Millenium
Peak C5
Tamiya Superfine HG
Testors (Aztek)
(3) Triplex, made by Gabbert
Wave EZ500
IN RESERVE OR BACKUP A/B
Paasche H (2)
Testors (Aztek)
Aztek, (2)
Iwata NEO
Badger 150 (2)
Badger 200
Badger
Badger Crescendo
Harder & Steenbeck Evolution
Premi-Air G-35
UPDATE: 6/26/17 @ 10:51 CST
PRESENTLY IN USE A/B
Badger 105 Patriot
Badger 200 G (2)
Badger IL
Badger 350
Badger Sotar 20/20
Badger Renegade Krome (2)
Badger Crescendo 175
Chinese economy double action
Harder & Steenbeck Infinity
Harder & Steenbeck Evolution Silverline (2)
H&S Infinity CR Plus
FENGDA BD180
GREX Tritium TS3
GREX Tritium TG trigger AB
Iwata Eclipse
Iwata HP-CS Eclipse
Iwata Eclipse HP-CS
Iwata CM-C+
Iwata Revolution HP-M2
Iwata RG3L Gravity
Iwata TR-0
Infinity CR+
Master G22
Paasche H
Paasche VL
Paasche V
Paasche VJR
Paasche Millenium
Peak C5
Tamiya Superfine HG
Testors (Aztek)
(3) Triplex, made by Gabbert
Wave EZ500
IN RESERVE OR BACKUP A/B
Paasche H (2)
Testors (Aztek)
Aztek, (2)
Iwata NEO
Badger 150 (2)
Badger 200
Badger
Badger Crescendo
Harder & Steenbeck Evolution
Premi-Air G-35
bomber14
Joined: February 02, 2015
KitMaker: 330 posts
AeroScale: 286 posts
Posted: Sunday, June 25, 2017 - 11:23 PM UTC
i have only two
my first was a paasche H i bought back in the early 90's and the iwata neo. i bought a new handle with the built in trigger lock fot it so i guess you can say i upgraded i
i mainly use the neo although i would like to get another brush with finer needles. the neo has a 0.35 needle i think. i would buy a smaller needle for it but i don't know if it would work.
i like the h&s brushes or another iwata but they are priced too high. i would consider a used one if there is anyplace to find one.
joe
my first was a paasche H i bought back in the early 90's and the iwata neo. i bought a new handle with the built in trigger lock fot it so i guess you can say i upgraded i
i mainly use the neo although i would like to get another brush with finer needles. the neo has a 0.35 needle i think. i would buy a smaller needle for it but i don't know if it would work.
i like the h&s brushes or another iwata but they are priced too high. i would consider a used one if there is anyplace to find one.
joe
BlackWidow
Joined: August 09, 2009
KitMaker: 1,732 posts
AeroScale: 1,336 posts
Posted: Monday, June 26, 2017 - 12:01 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Hi, how do you like the balance of your guns? I never used that brand. Do you have a link to their home page?
Hi Kevin,
I have no comparison to other airbrushes, because I use this one from the first day on. The guns work excellent with Gunze, Tamiya, Vallejo and Agama and fine with Revell Aqua Color (all acrylic paints). With enamel paints no problems at all. But I don't use them any longer. The Triplex works still fine with low pressure and high thinning ratio but not with all paints I mentioned. Better stay here with Gunze or Vallejo. You can work with needles of 0,25 mm (set I), 0,35 mm (set II) and 0,50 mm (set III). I usually work with the last two sets.
Sure Gabbert has a homepage. Sorry only in german. I can also recommend my local airbrush dealer Theis Airbrushservice, who is also based in Leipzig, like Gabbert. Sorry, his webside is also only in german, but you can email him in english also. Ralf Theis has all sorts of airbrush brands. He has also compressors. And of course a quick and friendly service. Delivery here in Germany within 3-4 days. Have a look if you like.
Below you can see the parts of my Triplex. You only need to clean parts 3,4,5 and 7. It can't be easier, I guess.
spiralcity
Joined: October 14, 2012
KitMaker: 150 posts
AeroScale: 107 posts
Posted: Monday, June 26, 2017 - 01:23 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Quoted TextHi, how do you like the balance of your guns? I never used that brand. Do you have a link to their home page?
Hi Kevin,
I have no comparison to other airbrushes, because I use this one from the first day on. The guns work excellent with Gunze, Tamiya, Vallejo and Agama and fine with Revell Aqua Color (all acrylic paints). With enamel paints no problems at all. But I don't use them any longer. The Triplex works still fine with low pressure and high thinning ratio but not with all paints I mentioned. Better stay here with Gunze or Vallejo. You can work with needles of 0,25 mm (set I), 0,35 mm (set II) and 0,50 mm (set III). I usually work with the last two sets.
Sure Gabbert has a homepage. Sorry only in german. I can also recommend my local airbrush dealer Theis Airbrushservice, who is also based in Leipzig, like Gabbert. Sorry, his webside is also only in german, but you can email him in english also. Ralf Theis has all sorts of airbrush brands. He has also compressors. And of course a quick and friendly service. Delivery here in Germany within 3-4 days. Have a look if you like.
Below you can see the parts of my Triplex. You only need to clean parts 3,4,5 and 7. It can't be easier, I guess.
Hi, thanks for the reply. I went to the site, but as you stated it was in German only. I dropped an email for pricing with shipping to the USA. I'll wait and see what happens. I always like trying a new gun, so this will be interesting.
Merlin
Senior Editor#017
Joined: June 11, 2003
KitMaker: 17,582 posts
AeroScale: 12,795 posts
Posted: Monday, June 26, 2017 - 02:30 AM UTC
Hi Bob
Seeing Eetu's post reminded me that I have an Iwata Revolution HP-M1 that I wheel out quite frequently as a back-up for the TR-0. A single-action airbrush really comes into its own for some tasks, so a good quality one is certainly worth having.
All the best
Rowan
Seeing Eetu's post reminded me that I have an Iwata Revolution HP-M1 that I wheel out quite frequently as a back-up for the TR-0. A single-action airbrush really comes into its own for some tasks, so a good quality one is certainly worth having.
All the best
Rowan
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