help on buying my first airbrush

[JazzyJeff]

Hi all…

I was wondering if anybody can recommend a semi-cheap airbrush/compressor for my illustration needs. I plan on using it as a tool to aid me in some of my drawings; I don’t intend to use it alone.. more like an accent to my pieces.
I’ve heard of many different models and types and single action and double action.. leaning towards a badger model 155 or 150? just wondering as to what would be a moderate solution to my needs—something that can pump out a fine to wide spray range.

Thanks to any help you can provide!

[WARHEAD]

Hey JazzyJeff,
from reading your requirements you will probably need/want a dual action brush (this controls paint as well as air flow) since you want to use a broad range of brush sizes. Single action is ok if you are prepared to buy a few different types of airbrush since there is less 'dynamics' to the nozzle and they are usually fixed nozzle types.

If you don't want to use the airbrush for complete works, just highlights or quick backgrounds it will be better for you to try compressed air in a can rather than spending lot's of money on a compressor you will have on for ten minutes.

Therefore my advice would be to get a simple dual action brush (I use Aztec ones because they are very easy to clean and change nozzles, but can be expensive) Badger are OK to begin with. Just make sure that the nozzles can be changed. And buy compressed air in a can to assess how much you will use the airbrush for. Hope this helps !