Thinking of buying a new airbrush...

[JR]

I've had a series of AB's love the cheap Iwata the best, along with the tankless Iwata .

[BarryW]

It used to be the case that a tank on a compressor was needed to prevent pulsing. Many modern compressors seem to have overcome the pulsing issue without having a tank. Tim's Iwata is an example. Personally I would not buy a cheap, unbranded compressor without a tank but Iwata, Sparmax etc then fine.

Possible pulsing is not the only issue here. A compressor without a tank has to be going all the time you are spraying. If you have a long spraying session it can overheat and, of course, you get the continuous noise. With a decent tank most f the time it is silent when spraying and, of course, it is not likely to overheat.

[Tim Marlow]

Possible pulsing is not the only issue here. A compressor without a tank has to be going all the time you are spraying. If you have a long spraying session it can overheat and, of course, you get the continuous noise. With a decent tank most f the time it is silent when spraying and, of course, it is not likely to overheat.

The Iwata cuts in as soon as you press the trigger and cuts out as soon as you release it. It’s pretty quiet as well. Never had an overheat issue, but then you paint far bigger things than I do

[BarryW]

The Iwata cuts in as soon as you press the trigger and cuts out as soon as you release it. It’s pretty quiet as well. Never had an overheat issue, but then you paint far bigger things than I do

That’s exactly right. With a tank it will only cut in once the pressure in the tank has dropped to a certain level, then when it gets back up to pressure stops again. Consequently most of the time you are spraying it is in silence.

[Tim Marlow]

That’s exactly right. With a tank it will only cut in once the pressure in the tank has dropped to a certain level, then when it gets back up to pressure stops again. Consequently most of the time you are spraying it is in silence.

The cheaper tanked compressor I had (AS type) was so small it was constantly refilling, and the pressure switch was faulty (I think) so didn’t refill until the pressure had dropped below my requirements. It was quite difficult to use because of this, giving a very uneven spray pattern. The Iwata is several levels above it in performance and ease of use.
To be honest, if I had the space and cash I’d get a larger workshop compressor with a tank and use that. My brother in law does. He turns it on, it fills up, then he can spray all day before it needs filling again…..

[Scratchbuilder]

I have used Badger from the ancient powered from an inner tube or can of air 250 through to their Renegade. H&S Infinity, and Iwata Neo trigger operated, NEO CN and Eclipse which are my goto three. Plus an un-named double action which was cheap and cheerful, but I seem to use occasionally.
But I have been sent a new one on the market for review which is the GAAHLERI Mobius 0.2 from this new company, and after having had a play with it the results are favourable - but this was using a 50/50 mix of AK and IPA, Tamiya lacquer and their own brand thinners and the same with Mr Hobby, and for less than £100.
I have no affiliation with any of the companies above and any comments are my own.

[Mr Bowcat]

I've recently bought the Gaahleri GHAD 68 trigger airbrush. I wanted a trigger/pistol grip type for doing large areas. I'm starting to get handcramps using my traditional H&S for prolonged periods.

I'm pleasantly surprised. For something that was just over £60 it's really nicely made, sprays well and most importantly is comfortable to use, even for long sessions. The trigger is particularity nice and reminds be of the 2 stage trigger I have in one of my competition rifles. The first stage starts the air, then the trigger reaches a stop. A slight increase in pull then moves the needle and allows paint through.

It comes with 2 needles, two cups and a quick detach for the air hose. Smallest needle is .38, so will still use the H&S with .2 needle for fine work, but for laying down paint over a large area it's exactly what I wanted. Best of all, it seems to be incredibly economic on paint.

[Jim R]

The trigger is particularity nice and reminds be of the 2 stage trigger I have in one of my competition rifles. The first stage starts the air, then the trigger reaches a stop. A slight increase in pull then moves the needle and allows paint through.

That, I have found, is a real advantage of a pistol grip airbrush.

[BarryW]

Glad to hear the support for trigger airbrushes but do t rule them out for fine work. I very rarely use my .2 Infinity.