Ok...I just spent about 2 hours going through EVERY post about airbrushes. The Vega 2000 and the Paasche VL specificly.
I heard alot of good/bad comments about the Paasche VL and alot of good comments about the Vega 2000 but not so many bad ones. I'm going to be ordering one of the two in the next couple of days so I'm looking for technical pros and cons between the two. I'll only be doing whitetail heads with this brush for the time being, maybe up to 10 a year. I know practice, tallent, and experience is everything but I'm looking for cloging/spraying problems ect.
I plan on using all water based paints because of limited area to spray in and health reasons. thanks for any help!
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I have used a Pasche' for years and have a Vega (chevy flash back) I recieved a Iwata HP-BC for a gift. Where have I been why did someone not shove this air brush in my ear. Sweety!
....Is also for the HP-B. If it is a choice between the other two(I have both) then go for the Vega. My Paasche is in a drawer, the Vega and the Iwata are hooked up and get used EVERYTIME I paint.
....I only use laquer paints. I had nothing but trouble with water based and I will not use the stuff. You will need retarder and thinner with which ever airbrush you pick. Water based caused me trouble with all three.
But, to be fair, I am mostly mad at the paint.
I tried to get the Iwata HP-BC but they were backordered. Back to the Vega ... With waterbased paints it WILL clog up, PERIOD. And it will do it CONSTANTLY - like every other second, even with the paint being strained and thinned. (Not exagerating.) I have used a Pasche and had the same problem.
Laquer will work much better. ('Sure wish I had some that I could put my hand on right now ... sigh.)
The Vega is a good airbrush, and it's easy to take apart and clean, but it doesn't care much for water based paints. For about $50.00 more you can get the Iwata from Dixie Art Supply. (It will cost you about $40.00 more through a taxidermy supplier.)
I have always used Polytranspar WA with no problems and endorsed them (until today) because laquers stink and they leave a foggy cloud in the air that I just KNOW can't be good. Forget it. After today, I'm switching to poison ... at least it works.
Today was not a good airbrush day for me ... can you tell? (LOL!)
Nancy M.
I was comparing apples and oranges.
The Iwata HP-BC is approx. 95-100 dollars more than the Vega 2000 Kit, (plus you will have to buy an air hose - at 15-20 dollars) if you are comparing them from the same supplier. The smaller difference came from comparing the Vega's price from a taxidermy supplier to the Iwata's price from Dixie Art. (dixieart.com)
Well, since the NTA show in Buffalo, however many years thats been. Its a nice smooth brush for me as a mammal and bird guy. I dont do the reptiles and fish, so it might be different then. BUT, I couldnt help but notice the reasons you stated, Joe, for choosing water paint. You arent supposed to breath in water based paint fumes either! Size of the area and health are the reasons why you get proper ventilation and a respirator, regardless of the paint type. Now that its on a par, I find laquers to be much easier to use around hair. Just my opinion, of course, so good luck with your choice!
Thanks for ypur non-reply to my lomg E-Mail on airbrushing that you asked about.
I could have swore I replied to you lol. Damn computer must have kept it from being sent lol kidding. I'm going to give that guy a call and see what he says. I've been waiting for a weekday to give a call. You cleared up double and single action pretty good too. I knew I wanted a double but wasn't sure why! Hey, also thanks for the source to get the capes and what not from, seams reasonable to me!