smitty311
What models of airbrush do you have? Single or double action?
This question comes up often. You can probably do a search on "airbrush" or "air brush" and get multiple hits.
My first airbrush was a Paasche V. It is a double action side feed with the small connector. It served me well for over 10 years. I did everything from all my model train stuff to t-shirts with it. It worked best with the real caustic paints like Scalecoat & Floquil. However, I dropped it, and while I still have it in a box with hopes that someday I'll figure out how I can fix it, I've pressed on to other air brushes. Why do vendors stop making the "good" models?
My first attempt at a replacement was an Aztek A4709. Also double action side feed also small connectors. Unfortunately it has a really bizzare connector that would not work with any of my good air brush hoses or compressors. I hunted all over for adaptors with no luck. I have to use the cheap plastic tube they call a "hose" that came with the unit. Then I discovered the unit does not have a smooth action and is hard to control. It splatters (tried all different tips with no luck), it leaks internally, and after about 20 hours of use the double action stopped working. For the price it was it is a piece of junk. I do not recommend this brush.
I then began using my son's cheapo ($9.95) Badger single action external mix. It works ok, and for the price is wonderful. In fact, cleaning up after acrylics with the external mix is a dream. I can actually see the paint accumulation on the venturii point. I now understand why the internal mix brushes get so clogged with it. I still use this brush for painting big areas like the side of a box car.
Having such good luck with my son's I went to Harbor Tools and purchased their external mix air brush. It looks identical to the Badger, but it isn't. I could not get a smooth coat out of it at all. A Krylon spray can does a better job. I threw this one in the trash.
With my detail paint projects backing up I finally went to Michaels to get a new one. They did not have any Paasche or Iwata. So I thought I would get a Thayer-Chandler but discovered that apparently Badger had purchased the company and I couldn't tell what the various models meant. All the Thayer model numbers that I knew are not made anymore. Every Thayer I looked a looked exactly like the Badgers. Sooooo after much deliberation...
I finally compromised (price vs features) and purchased a Badger 150. This is a double action bottom feed. I've only used it a few times now and it is OK. It has standard coupling threads so it works with all my various compressors & hoses. I don't like the bottom feed. The paint cups end up being crammed against the hose and it is hard to keep them horizontal when the brush isn't. The double action is smooth and has good control. When I take it apart to clean it, as soon as I pull the needle out the entire trigger mechanism wants to fall to pieces. If it was a side or gravity feed I would be happy with it. I am guessing that people without prior air brush experience will find it to be wonderful.
As it is, I will probably be going back to get another one. As no one (besides the junky Aztek) makes side feed anymore, I should probably just bite the bullet and get a Iwata HP-SB (now also discontinued) or HP-AH, but I'll probably try to save $100 and get the Badger 360.