I am glad you done this nigel, I bought the 183 airbrush and the aco3 compressor, they arrive today. I only had one of the cheap little box set ups but was great for learning on and to see how I went. Learned a lot from this video and hope you do more of these type of vids too for beginners. Really enjoy looking at your stuff and many thanks 👍
Excellent! Thanks Nigel, certainly what I was hoping for. Something to treat myself with at the end of the month. Got a 1/35 T-26 coming in the post tomorrow so something simple to try it out on.
I bought one of these following a review by Alex Modelling. Had problems from the get go where air leaked into the paint cup giving poor spray performance. Contacted Bartsharp who took ages to respond and they sent me a replacement nozzle assembly. It didn't resolve the leaking air and if I used a pair of pliers I could tighten it enough to stop it, the problem with that was it took the chrome off and destroyed the knurling. Tried to contact and again had no response I binned it and put it down to a poor product/quality control, went and bought a H&S Evo and never looked back. Just thought your viewers may be interested.
That was a very thorough and useful video. I have 3 airbrushes at the moment (a cheapy Chinese one, an Iwata Neo and an all-in-one airbrush & compressor), though I'm fairly new to airbrushing, but I'm sorely tempted by this Bartsharp. I look forward to seeing how it stands the test of time. For the money, it seems well worth having.
I've got a couple of Bartsharps and use them for general work very often, for the price they're well worth a try. Great video, hope to see more on airbrushes and modelling tools!
A most informative and impressive video which has been saved to my "learning" library. Thank you Nige for bringing this much sought after video to the beginner. Cheers. With this in the bag, I am hoping that you can follow this up with other equally important technically minded tutorials which will instill confidence in the end user to practice what he learns. Cheers for now and applause to you. Mike
Hi Nigel I liked this video so much I went to Bartsharp web site this week and ordered a 186 airbrush from Alison she answered all my questions about the airbrush though emails. I really wanted an Trigger action one but they're all out of stock except the side freed and which I didn't like, The reason I wanted a trigger one I have RA in my first two fingers on both hands, but I will give this one a go, I told Alison that I had watched your beginners guide on the 186, all the best. Michael
Looks like great value for money. I got an H&S evolution (0.4mm, 0.2mm and 0,15mm needle) and am thinking of getting a second one. I'll keep this in mind. Although I hate the wrench needed for nozzle removal.
Eeltje, Like you I hate small nozzle and spanner, but the atomisation with Iawata type nozzle is a lot better than the H&S. If it suits you, you will be converted especially pre shading, German type blotch camo patters and fine detail work. I own two H&S, Evolution and Infinity, great for primer and camo type work, but for detail the Iawata type nozzles win hands down, they atomise paint better. I've just ordered the 9mL fixed cup 0.2, 0.3 & 0.5 version for £35, Nigel assures needle seal is PTFE so great for lacquers etc
I’ve recently bought a couple of the bartsharp 130s. I’m quite impressed so far. I always use cheap standard thinners or gun wash to blow my airbrushes through. I get 5L of Tetrosyl standard thinners for £13 at my local motor factors. Lasts for ages. I keep my expensive mr hobby thinners for paint only.
Thank you for the review Nigel. I bought my 186 kit almost exactly a year ago, I have used it a lot in that time and it still performs very well. However it is not the same as yours, the nozzle set up is completely different as is the rear needle guard. I wonder if they have changed it because of problems with air bubbling back in the paint cup which I had but have mostly resolved.
Excellent review and tutorial . The thing easy thing about your channel is youcan hit the like button before you even watch the video. Always such great content. Thanks for sharing Nigel and God Bless.
More useful info, Nigel, thanks a lot. I look forward to your thoughts on the spray booth. I have the smaller one at present (not Bartsharp but v similar) but may be persuaded to go for its big brother depending on your review. Xylene is very nasty stuff and a bit of a "nuclear option" for airbrush cleaning. I would definitely wear gloves when using it as it can be absorbed through the skin and attack the central nervous system.
I have a Harder & Steenback Evolution. But I also use a cheap airbrush for general work. But that cheap airbrush has now gave up the ghost. So I have gone and ordered one of these to use for general work and as a backup. It looks a brilliant kit for the price. Thanks for giving an honest review. I had not heard of Bartsharp before your video.
@@NigelsModellingBench Yes, Alison looks to be very helpful. She even emailed me before confirming the order to make sure it was the sort of airbrush kit I needed. Not many companies would do something like that. They would just send it out and be glad of the sale.
@@NigelsModellingBench The Airbrush came in the mail today. Fantastic service considering I only ordered it yesterday. Looks like I got the last one in stock. Used it to varnish my Tamiya 1/35 Challenger 2 Tank already. Good result so far from it. Looking forward to trying it with paint.
Nigel, Your stripping this airbrush and seeing is a PTFE seal on needle makes this AB a must have for anyone thinking of using Lacquers. Lacquers attack and destroy the needle seal if a cheap O ring, PTFE resists. £50 and PTFE it's a no brainer to buy, I just ordered one and my main AB's are H&S.. It will need the .2 and .3 needle polished to give best performance, but plenty How to videos out there and done carefully this is easy and gives great results. This Iwata type needle, nozzle and guide does seem to give a btter atomisation of paint than my H&S and I am becoming a fan of the small nozzle, until the carpet monster eats it. This Iawata type set up lasts years, my H&S 2 years if lucky, but they have improved nozzle alloy and I'm happy 18 months in with new nozzle alloy. H&S are great to prime, main coat etc, but for post shading it's mt Hobby Pro Con 0.2 Iawata type AB and it isn't finer than my H&S 0.2, just seems a lot thinner paint coverage. spray pattern. If an airbrush doesn't quite ideally do what you want, it can do another job, metals or clears. metals air brush should be reserved for, nothing worse than a blob of metal on your nice gloss red car. Airbrushes are personal choice and should be tried before buying to see if suitrs you. Said but the Iawata copies are pretty much the same, H&S aren't that different but a different spray style, seem to need a wetter coat as seem more speckly (AB sounding happy), not as fine as the Iwata copies. My H&S 0.2 and Pro con 0.2 are two different atomizations, the H&S does the job, but pro con has a lot more tolerance. Hate the nozzle, but for detail the Pro Con wins, but can still do same with H&S, just harder for me
If anyone was thinking to buy a H&S airbrush, I would strongly suggest this kit ot Mr Hobby Pro con boy £90 and the best AB I own, fixed large cup, so this changable cup version as only AB is better. Small cup pre shading and detail, medium prime and camo........why would I use a 13 mL cup that big unless it was for alcohol
Thanks for this Nigel - I will be ordering one. I'm coming back to the hobby after many years (Airfix Chipmunk coming). Any thoughts on a value for money compressor to match?
Another great review i also have a iwata br i had to change all the air valve parts wow it was 65 pound because the rubber seals had perished and had damaged the brass parts
Nigel - Is here any way I can get this kit in the USA? It can be exported to Canada but, alas, the Canadian supplier does not export the kit to the US. I follow your channel daily and really enjoy your videos. I learned some new airbrush tips this morning. Thanks. I would be willing to send you the price plus any handling and shipping charges.
Be interesting to see how it is in 12 months time, though if it's anything like my cheap Sparmax it should be fine, had my Sparmax 3-4 years now and still going strong. For £50 I will be buying one to researve for clear coats, nothing worse than a spot of paint working its way loose and contaminating your clear coat. I would hope the main needle seal is PTFE and not rubber, though I believe its only the cheap rubber O rings that disintigrate and stick to needle if use lacquers. I have polished needles in the past using fine wet and dry, makes a big difference to spray pattern, Found the ridges from the sharpening tool collected paint in them and gave more tip dry and some splatttering, once polished this problem was solved. should make a big difference to the 0.2 needle, not so much a problem 0.5 needle
@@NigelsModellingBench PTFE main needle seal is great, especially at the price and gives the comfidence to use with Lacquers or enamels. I was tempted to buy another sparmax, but its small 2mL cup like your Iawata. My H&S have changable size cups like this AB and I do like that, so think it's the one for me. British companies like Bartsharp and Sparmax do tend to get the better Chinese stuff, as we both know the Chinese are now doing some good quality tools as well as the usual rubbish You should get your riveters soon, a review I'm looking forward to seeing. A tip: you can put finger on top of the wheel guide to maintain a constant pressure for very even depth rivets. I know you will love them and there are another 3 sets at about £10 each + £2.50 P&P all 4 is still £2.50 P&P. I got you the big 0.55, 0.65 & 0.75 wheel version, but they do a 1.0, 1.25 & 1.50 big wheel and same micro wheel to get into wing roots (micro wheel is smaller than the R&B). If you didn't know was Chinese you would never guess, better than R&B and UMM USA and I love the tools John does at UMM, especially his scribers, but these are the best.
Nigel, You've had the Flory effect, they have sold out. Maybe you should recontact and say recent sales due to your Honest review and maybe NMB10 (even 5% would be a win):) I bought the 9mL fixed cup version for £35 (same 0.2, 0.3 & 0.5 needle options), very cheap for a PTFE (can be called Gortex, Teflon or varios trade names) needle seal AB that will happily work with Lacquers and enamels and not just acrylics
Please do not use that phrase Keith lol. I have just used the airbrush with MCLT and I reckon the rubber o ring between cup and body has been affected?
My advice is always the same with Airbrushing.. buy the best you can afford. If you have a budget of no more than £50, this could well be the best value.
Nigel, please stop saying that you get free UK post and packing, maybe in England and Wales you do but up here in Scotland it's a postcode lottery. I watched your review of the Bartsharp spray booth and went ahead and bought it, next day an e-mail to say that Hermes would not deliver without me paying postage due to my postcode. This is the couriers being greedy in my opinion and nothing to do with the company selling.
I brought this airbrush three months ago and absolutely love it
I am glad you done this nigel, I bought the 183 airbrush and the aco3 compressor, they arrive today. I only had one of the cheap little box set ups but was great for learning on and to see how I went. Learned a lot from this video and hope you do more of these type of vids too for beginners. Really enjoy looking at your stuff and many thanks 👍
Good to hear
Excellent! Thanks Nigel, certainly what I was hoping for. Something to treat myself with at the end of the month.
Got a 1/35 T-26 coming in the post tomorrow so something simple to try it out on.
I bought one of these following a review by Alex Modelling. Had problems from the get go where air leaked into the paint cup giving poor spray performance. Contacted Bartsharp who took ages to respond and they sent me a replacement nozzle assembly. It didn't resolve the leaking air and if I used a pair of pliers I could tighten it enough to stop it, the problem with that was it took the chrome off and destroyed the knurling. Tried to contact and again had no response I binned it and put it down to a poor product/quality control, went and bought a H&S Evo and never looked back. Just thought your viewers may be interested.
I've got a couple of Iwata which have been an absolute joy and couple of years ago invested in a H&S Evo ........results are fantastic.
Great review Nigel. You took your time to explain all the bits and bobs too!😉
That was a very thorough and useful video. I have 3 airbrushes at the moment (a cheapy Chinese one, an Iwata Neo and an all-in-one airbrush & compressor), though I'm fairly new to airbrushing, but I'm sorely tempted by this Bartsharp. I look forward to seeing how it stands the test of time. For the money, it seems well worth having.
I've got a couple of Bartsharps and use them for general work very often, for the price they're well worth a try. Great video, hope to see more on airbrushes and modelling tools!
Good to know!
A most informative and impressive video which has been saved to my "learning" library. Thank you Nige for bringing this much sought after video to the beginner. Cheers. With this in the bag, I am hoping that you can follow this up with other equally important technically minded tutorials which will instill confidence in the end user to practice what he learns. Cheers for now and applause to you. Mike
Can’t complain for the price first impression look very good well done Nigel 👍
Hi Nigel I liked this video so much I went to Bartsharp web site this week and ordered a 186 airbrush from Alison she answered all my questions about the airbrush though emails. I really wanted an Trigger action one but they're all out of stock except the side freed and which I didn't like, The reason I wanted a trigger one I have RA in my first two fingers on both hands, but I will give this one a go, I told Alison that I had watched your beginners guide on the 186, all the best. Michael
Thank you very much for spending time to make this video. Very helpful and interesting.
Glad it was helpful!
Looks like great value for money. I got an H&S evolution (0.4mm, 0.2mm and 0,15mm needle) and am thinking of getting a second one. I'll keep this in mind. Although I hate the wrench needed for nozzle removal.
Eeltje, Like you I hate small nozzle and spanner, but the atomisation with Iawata type nozzle is a lot better than the H&S. If it suits you, you will be converted especially pre shading, German type blotch camo patters and fine detail work. I own two H&S, Evolution and Infinity, great for primer and camo type work, but for detail the Iawata type nozzles win hands down, they atomise paint better. I've just ordered the 9mL fixed cup 0.2, 0.3 & 0.5 version for £35, Nigel assures needle seal is PTFE so great for lacquers etc
I’ve recently bought a couple of the bartsharp 130s. I’m quite impressed so far. I always use cheap standard thinners or gun wash to blow my airbrushes through. I get 5L of Tetrosyl standard thinners for £13 at my local motor factors. Lasts for ages. I keep my expensive mr hobby thinners for paint only.
That was actually cellulose thinners I was using.. don't know where I got Xylene from??
Very useful information. Thanks Nigel.
Glad it was helpful!
Great review, cheers Nigel
I'm impressed. I wil buy one. I can upgrade later to Iwata.
Thank you for the review Nigel. I bought my 186 kit almost exactly a year ago, I have used it a lot in that time and it still performs very well. However it is not the same as yours, the nozzle set up is completely different as is the rear needle guard. I wonder if they have changed it because of problems with air bubbling back in the paint cup which I had but have mostly resolved.
Great video thanks. I have immediately bought the airbrush as it seems great VFM
Glad it helped
Thanks for a great video! 👍👍👍
The kit is out of stock, Ive put it in my wish list. Hope they will come back.
Excellent review and tutorial . The thing easy thing about your channel is youcan hit the like button before you even watch the video. Always such great content. Thanks for sharing Nigel and God Bless.
More useful info, Nigel, thanks a lot. I look forward to your thoughts on the spray booth. I have the smaller one at present (not Bartsharp but v similar) but may be persuaded to go for its big brother depending on your review. Xylene is very nasty stuff and a bit of a "nuclear option" for airbrush cleaning. I would definitely wear gloves when using it as it can be absorbed through the skin and attack the central nervous system.
I have a Harder & Steenback Evolution. But I also use a cheap airbrush for general work. But that cheap airbrush has now gave up the ghost. So I have gone and ordered one of these to use for general work and as a backup. It looks a brilliant kit for the price. Thanks for giving an honest review. I had not heard of Bartsharp before your video.
If you have any issues with it, drop Alison an email and she will sort it for you.
@@NigelsModellingBench Yes, Alison looks to be very helpful. She even emailed me before confirming the order to make sure it was the sort of airbrush kit I needed. Not many companies would do something like that. They would just send it out and be glad of the sale.
@@NigelsModellingBench The Airbrush came in the mail today. Fantastic service considering I only ordered it yesterday. Looks like I got the last one in stock. Used it to varnish my Tamiya 1/35 Challenger 2 Tank already. Good result so far from it. Looking forward to trying it with paint.
Nigel,
Your stripping this airbrush and seeing is a PTFE seal on needle makes this AB a must have for anyone thinking of using Lacquers. Lacquers attack and destroy the needle seal if a cheap O ring, PTFE resists. £50 and PTFE it's a no brainer to buy, I just ordered one and my main AB's are H&S.. It will need the .2 and .3 needle polished to give best performance, but plenty How to videos out there and done carefully this is easy and gives great results. This Iwata type needle, nozzle and guide does seem to give a btter atomisation of paint than my H&S and I am becoming a fan of the small nozzle, until the carpet monster eats it. This Iawata type set up lasts years, my H&S 2 years if lucky, but they have improved nozzle alloy and I'm happy 18 months in with new nozzle alloy. H&S are great to prime, main coat etc, but for post shading it's mt Hobby Pro Con 0.2 Iawata type AB and it isn't finer than my H&S 0.2, just seems a lot thinner paint coverage. spray pattern.
If an airbrush doesn't quite ideally do what you want, it can do another job, metals or clears. metals air brush should be reserved for, nothing worse than a blob of metal on your nice gloss red car. Airbrushes are personal choice and should be tried before buying to see if suitrs you. Said but the Iawata copies are pretty much the same, H&S aren't that different but a different spray style, seem to need a wetter coat as seem more speckly (AB sounding happy), not as fine as the Iwata copies.
My H&S 0.2 and Pro con 0.2 are two different atomizations, the H&S does the job, but pro con has a lot more tolerance. Hate the nozzle, but for detail the Pro Con wins, but can still do same with H&S, just harder for me
If anyone was thinking to buy a H&S airbrush, I would strongly suggest this kit ot Mr Hobby Pro con boy £90 and the best AB I own, fixed large cup, so this changable cup version as only AB is better. Small cup pre shading and detail, medium prime and camo........why would I use a 13 mL cup that big unless it was for alcohol
Thanks for this Nigel - I will be ordering one. I'm coming back to the hobby after many years (Airfix Chipmunk coming). Any thoughts on a value for money compressor to match?
Check out the Bartsharp website.
Great video..... what came to my mind is what level of spare parts would you recommend?
For this airbrush Bartsharp do a spares pack with all the seals for less then a fiver!!
Another great review i also have a iwata br i had to change all the air valve parts wow it was 65 pound because the rubber seals had perished and had damaged the brass parts
Thanks for the info
Nigel - Is here any way I can get this kit in the USA? It can be exported to Canada but, alas, the Canadian supplier does not export the kit to the US. I follow your channel daily and really enjoy your videos. I learned some new airbrush tips this morning. Thanks. I would be willing to send you the price plus any handling and shipping charges.
Unfortunately not Deane. I'm sure there will be a product the same but under a different name available in the USA. Have you looked on Amazon?
Be interesting to see how it is in 12 months time, though if it's anything like my cheap Sparmax it should be fine, had my Sparmax 3-4 years now and still going strong. For £50 I will be buying one to researve for clear coats, nothing worse than a spot of paint working its way loose and contaminating your clear coat. I would hope the main needle seal is PTFE and not rubber, though I believe its only the cheap rubber O rings that disintigrate and stick to needle if use lacquers.
I have polished needles in the past using fine wet and dry, makes a big difference to spray pattern, Found the ridges from the sharpening tool collected paint in them and gave more tip dry and some splatttering, once polished this problem was solved. should make a big difference to the 0.2 needle, not so much a problem 0.5 needle
I'll give the .2 a polish then Keith. I just stripped it.. the seal is indeed PTFE.
@@NigelsModellingBench PTFE main needle seal is great, especially at the price and gives the comfidence to use with Lacquers or enamels. I was tempted to buy another sparmax, but its small 2mL cup like your Iawata. My H&S have changable size cups like this AB and I do like that, so think it's the one for me. British companies like Bartsharp and Sparmax do tend to get the better Chinese stuff, as we both know the Chinese are now doing some good quality tools as well as the usual rubbish
You should get your riveters soon, a review I'm looking forward to seeing. A tip: you can put finger on top of the wheel guide to maintain a constant pressure for very even depth rivets. I know you will love them and there are another 3 sets at about £10 each + £2.50 P&P all 4 is still £2.50 P&P. I got you the big 0.55, 0.65 & 0.75 wheel version, but they do a 1.0, 1.25 & 1.50 big wheel and same micro wheel to get into wing roots (micro wheel is smaller than the R&B). If you didn't know was Chinese you would never guess, better than R&B and UMM USA and I love the tools John does at UMM, especially his scribers, but these are the best.
That nozzle method looks so archaic compared to the Iwata and H&S methods.
I’m sure I have a Bartsharp one with the easy release nozzle.
The nozzle design is the same as both my Iwatas?
@@NigelsModellingBench my Iwata Eclipse has the quick release method. So much easier to clean.
Bloody hell... I just checked my Eclipse and sure enough it has a brass pull out section. Thanks Will!!
Nigel,
You've had the Flory effect, they have sold out. Maybe you should recontact and say recent sales due to your Honest review and maybe NMB10 (even 5% would be a win):) I bought the 9mL fixed cup version for £35 (same 0.2, 0.3 & 0.5 needle options), very cheap for a PTFE (can be called Gortex, Teflon or varios trade names) needle seal AB that will happily work with Lacquers and enamels and not just acrylics
Please do not use that phrase Keith lol. I have just used the airbrush with MCLT and I reckon the rubber o ring between cup and body has been affected?
Hi nigel I've never airbrushed before and interested in getting one is this product perfect for beginners
My advice is always the same with Airbrushing.. buy the best you can afford. If you have a budget of no more than £50, this could well be the best value.
Thankyou Nigel will definitely give it some thought,by the way I love your vids they are always amazing
Hi Nigel, have you had to change your o rings yet ?
No, not replaced anything and only use Lacquer through it.
Is it safe to use it with cellulose thinner without eating the seals?
It has a PTFE seal at the back of the needle, so i guess it'll be OK??
I picked up a veda 186 a few years back. I wonder if they are the same.
Could be. I think the Chinese manufacturers make items and European/US companies put their own name on them?
Thumbs up Nigel?
Rats, just tried to order the last one they had in stock and somebody beat me too it - cheers Nige, I’ll have to wait until they restock.
Just a comment for the algorithm
Looks a good buy, what's your email, I'm looking for some advice on a build not relevant to this review.
Nigel, please stop saying that you get free UK post and packing, maybe in England and Wales you do but up here in Scotland it's a postcode lottery. I watched your review of the Bartsharp spray booth and went ahead and bought it, next day an e-mail to say that Hermes would not deliver without me paying postage due to my postcode. This is the couriers being greedy in my opinion and nothing to do with the company selling.
What a rip off!! Surely, if you're on mainland UK this shouldn't happen?