A budget airbrush from Iwata - Double action, gravity or siphon.

I look forward to seeing what you think.  I'd also love to see a picture of it disassembled if you have time.

Don

Don Wheeler

Kei,

Have you tried out that Neo yet?  How does it perform for you?

Don

Unfortunately, no. I have yet to shoot a single drop of liquid through the Neo yet. I may be able to find time this weekend, I hope.

So, all I can offer are some out-of-the-box impression for now.

Kei,

Have you tried out that Neo yet?  How does it perform for you?

Don

I took the Neo apart for a quick examination.

First, the not-so-exciting good news:

1. Replacement parts will be plentyful and easy to get. Any Iwata knock-off needle from "FengHua BiDa machine Manufacture" or similar should work.
2. The needle is plated and has a reasonably long taper.

The really bad bad news:

1. The needle has the same diameter as the made-in-China Iwata knock-off needle, 1.18 mm or 0.465". No chance of using made-in-Japan Iwata parts.
2. Look closely at the needle, I found signs of not-so-springy steel is used. A trade mark of "made-in-China" knock-off.

I still give Medea-Iwata the credit for improving the cup shape and trigger finish. They are important improvement over the current crop of knock-offs. I also expect the performance to be good when new. (I have to test it yet.) But they made a business decision to make Neo non-compatible of the main line Iwata.

At this point, I will have to say that a genius Iwata Revolution HP-CR is a better deal for the serious modeler. Or for another US$30 more, get the Eclipse HP-CS with a easier to clean self-centering nozzle. The Neo for Iwata may still be an option for those with very limited resources. (A high school student managing the allowance from parents.)

Until end of November, the Harbor Freight 1/5 HP airbrush compressor can be had for $70 using their discount coupon in the flyer. Coupled with the Neo, you can have a decent starter airbrush system for about $110. Not a bad deal.