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I'm having a few issues with my Iwata HPC Hi-Line (sputter, can't go small)

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  • Member since
    July 2011
I'm having a few issues with my Iwata HPC Hi-Line (sputter, can't go small)
Posted by RonUSMC2 on Monday, December 19, 2011 11:30 AM

It's a new airbrush, and here is a link to it: http://www.iwata-medea.com/index.php/products/hp_ch

 

I'm not used to the additional screw on the bottom, so I've been adjusting that back and forth during all my testing to see if that is the problem.

The paints I have used are Vallejo Model Air straight from the bottle and Vallejo model color thinned with water.

The compressor could be the weakest link. It's a smaller compressor with 2 condensation traps and it has no tank. It runs up to 60 PSI, but I keep it around 20 PSI (15 PSI with trigger pulled). Here are my problems.

1. If I try to get it too small by screwing in the rear screw and tightening the bottom screw it eventually stops working and every now and then pushes out paint intermittently. I'm thinking I may need to thin down Model Air a bit more.

2. If I try to do very wide it will sputter out paint splashes around the edges.

3. If the bottom screw is not fully open or fully closed, the paint bubbles in the cup. I'm not sure if this is a problem or not, but when you are talking about small amounts of paint the paint is formed into bubbles and none is reaching the nozzle.

4. If I spray straight water out of the brush I sometimes can get sputtering. Not a solid fine mist but intermittent. 

Any ideas before I go home tonight and start playing with it more?

 

 

 

 

  • Member since
    December 2011
Posted by Alan H on Monday, December 26, 2011 10:25 AM

The front screw is a Micro Air Control (MAC) valve.  It allows you to change the air pressure at the gun rather than going back to the compressor.  It's handy when doing fine lines.  Leave it all the way open while you learn the basics of the airbrush.  The rear screw is a needle travel limiter.  It allows you to set a line width.  I'd leave it open too, and just get the hang of how the airbrush sprays without the fine adjustments.  When you get a feel for this, then use them.

15 PSI is a little light.  I usually shoot most hobby paints at between 20-25 PSI.  Some need higher, say 30-35 PSI.  For Model Air, I don't thin it.  Try turning up the pressure, and whatever you do, don't let it dry in the airbrush!

The HP-CH is an excellent airbrush.  I like mine.  All you need to do is practice

  • Member since
    December 2011
Posted by Alan H on Monday, December 26, 2011 10:27 AM

One more thing: Vallejo does not recommend using Model Color in an airbrush.  It's very thick and not formulated for spraying.  Stick with Model Air.  Paint bubbling in the cup usually means you've got some dried paint in the nozzle.  A thorough cleaning is in order.  Be careful of the nozzle.  Too much force and you will break it off.  Iwata airbrushes only require finger tightening of the parts.  

  • Member since
    April 2011
  • From: Caput Mundi (Rome,Italy)
Posted by Italian Starfighter on Monday, December 26, 2011 4:32 PM

........Clean the airbrush tip and needle very well and......thin your paint to the milk consistence,for the Vallejo air try 50% thinning,for the others I can't help you...... When you want a very fine line you must thin more your paint,get down air pressure (8-10 psi) and you work very close your model........Ciao Enrico.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/tigerman12/ThatsAmoreGBBadge.jpg

 

 

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