Question about Iwata Eclipse AB

nophster

Member since
June 2009
From: Karachi, Pakistan

Question about Iwata Eclipse AB

Posted by nophster on Wednesday, July 29, 2009 8:10 AM

I recently purchased an Eclipse HP-CS airbrush, which comes with a 0.35 mm needle. I have not had an oportunity to try it out yet as I am still waiting for my SmartJet compressor to arrive. On a whim, I also purchased a 0.50 mm needle as an extra but I must confess I have no idea what difference it would make on the results. I bought it simply because I live outside the US and I figured I may need it at some point and then have to pay extra shipping.

So, basically, my questions are:

1. Is the Eclipse HP-CS enough to cover my airbrushing needs? I will mainly be painting 1/48 and 1/32 aircraft plus some cars, nothing much else.

2. Would this airbrush be classified as ideal for broad spray only, or is it good enough for delicate lines/stripes as well?

3. If "no" to Question 2, which other airbrush should I invest in which would, together with the HP-CS, cover all my airbrushing needs?

4. What will the 0.50 mm needle do?

Thanks!

Reply

Phil_H

Member since
August 2005
From: Sydney, Australia

Posted by Phil_H on Wednesday, July 29, 2009 9:09 AM

On its own, the 0.5mm needle won't be of much use. You'd need a matching 0.5mm nozzle to use it.

Reply

nophster

Member since
June 2009
From: Karachi, Pakistan

Posted by nophster on Wednesday, July 29, 2009 1:27 PM

I am sorry, I should've mentioned that I bought the nozzle too, along with the 0.5mm needle.

Reply

hkshooter

Member since
December 2003
From: Indiana

Posted by hkshooter on Wednesday, July 29, 2009 2:20 PM

In that case, with both needle and nozzle sets your ab will do whatever you need it too. You've made a fine and versatile choice.

Reply

nophster

Member since
June 2009
From: Karachi, Pakistan

Posted by nophster on Wednesday, July 29, 2009 9:53 PM

That's a relief! So, when would I use a 0.35mm and 0.5mm?

Reply

keilau

Member since
April 2004
From: Windy city, US

Posted by keilau on Wednesday, July 29, 2009 10:42 PM

nophster wrote:
That's a relief! So, when would I use a 0.35mm and 0.5mm?

I use the 0.35mm all the time with thinned acrylic and enamel on plastic, from hair line to wide stroke.

The 0.5mm would be handy for more viscous (thicker) paints on T-shirt etc.

Reply

nophster

Member since
June 2009
From: Karachi, Pakistan

Posted by nophster on Wednesday, July 29, 2009 11:28 PM

So the needle size is only related to the viscosity of the paint, and not the desired spray pattern?

Reply

keilau

Member since
April 2004
From: Windy city, US

Posted by keilau on Thursday, July 30, 2009 6:47 AM

nophster wrote:
So the needle size is only related to the viscosity of the paint, and not the desired spray pattern?

It is true for the most part. The finer nozzle gives you more linear control in drawing finer lines and better atomization with very thin paints. It is also better for NMF paints. I use the 0.35mm only.

The 0.5mm nozzle gives you shorter trigger travel when you need more paint quick. Some modeler actually prefer the 0.5mm nozzle/needle for that. The very fine line may be important to artist, but not to modeler in most situation.

Try both and find out which one you prefer. I know of few modeler who exchanges needle/nozzle on the Iwata regularly. Most just settle on one or the other.

Reply

Phil_H

Member since
August 2005
From: Sydney, Australia

Posted by Phil_H on Thursday, July 30, 2009 7:03 AM

My 0.35 Sparmax does everything I need.

Oddly enough I do get occasional clogging issues using Tamiya metallics if I don't thin sufficiently or work too slowly and allow the paint to settle in the cup.

Reply

nophster

Member since
June 2009
From: Karachi, Pakistan

Posted by nophster on Thursday, July 30, 2009 7:58 AM

Thanks for all the info. So I should be fine with the current equipment. Great. Can't wait for the compressor to arrive to try out the AB!

Reply

hkshooter

Member since
December 2003
From: Indiana

Posted by hkshooter on Thursday, July 30, 2009 10:11 AM

For what it's worth I use an Iwata CR for my main brush. It uses a .5mm nozzle and I do everything with it from base coats and broad coverage to smoke ring camo. My CS has the .35mm nozzle and I only use it for very fine work, which means I rarely use it, though it works well when I do.

Reply

MaxPower

Member since
June 2006
From: Calgary

Posted by MaxPower on Monday, August 3, 2009 8:43 PM

I've had that brush for a couple years now and I like it. It is finicky about being cleaned and lubed in my experience. I build 1/32 mostly and I paint all my smaller parts with it and details. Frankly I found not to like it a lot for painting an entire fuselage on a 1/32 aircraft and so I use my Badger for large area coverage.

Reply

hkshooter

Member since
December 2003
From: Indiana

Posted by hkshooter on Tuesday, August 4, 2009 6:30 PM

MaxPower wrote:
I've had that brush for a couple years now and I like it. It is finicky about being cleaned and lubed in my experience. I build 1/32 mostly and I paint all my smaller parts with it and details. Frankly I found not to like it a lot for painting an entire fuselage on a 1/32 aircraft and so I use my Badger for large area coverage.

I agree. Using the .35 is like trying to paint an airliner with a spray can. I use the .50 for most all of my work, only the small stuff gets the smaller combo.

Reply

doc-hm3

Member since
August 2007
From: The Plains of Kansas

Posted by doc-hm3 on Saturday, August 8, 2009 8:42 AM

You may also want to have an extra .35 needle and nossle for back up. Needle tips bend and nossles get scratched on the inside, if your not careful, the voice of experience.

doc

All gave some and some gave all.

Reply

bufflehead

Member since
July 2006
From: San Francisco Bay Area

Posted by bufflehead on Saturday, August 8, 2009 5:54 PM

nophster, I think you made a great choice with that AB and both the .35 and .50 needles/nozzles. I started out with a Badger 360 which has a .50 needle which is great for all around painting, but had a hard time doing fine work with it. I then bought an HP-CS and I absolutely love it! It does almost everything I need and only use the Badger for really large jobs and for matte coatings. The paint cup is big enough for most jobs and I find it easy to clean. I agree with Doc...get an extra needle & nozzle!

Ernest

Last Armor Build - 1/35 Dragon M-26A1, 1/35 Emhar Mk.IV Female