Problem with Iwata HP-CS

So even from the start you can't get paint to flow at all?? Cause tip dry when its bad enough will block paint flow, you will see this happening when it starts to backfeed with bubbles inside the cup. Also, when not properly cleaned, the trigger will move the chuck  back and forth, but the needle itself can be stuck inside the body at the point of the needle seal, and won't move.

What paints are you using and did you thin them enough to be able to spray in the first place. This is a great airbrush and is generally trouble free.

Hi, Nathan. I am using Tamiya acrylics. Probably thinned to 70-30 or so. Dumped it over to the Badger and it sprayed fine. I am pretty sure I can see the needle moving back and forth. No bubbles, no spatter, nothing but air. I plan on a good cleaning in the next few days.

Try to shoot water. If it comes out, you need to thin the paint more. I thin Tamiya acrylics to a 1:1 ratio. Iwata ABs are highly reliable (I have two of them) but there's a chance that you got a lemon.

I'll try that, Chris. I know Iwata's reputation, but this is the first one I've owned. It was a bargain buy at Hobby Lobby - Started out at 199.99, then at 119.99 and then 72.99.....I wonder if someone bought it,  then boogered it up and then returned it.....at any rate, even if I have to buy some parts, it will still be less than a full price buy. I hope.

Yes, try shooting just thinner through it and get back to us. The HP disassembles pretty easy if you need to go that route. Unfortunately, some parts can get spendy.

I think someone may have purchased this, boogered it up and then packed it back up and returned it. I have it in the ultrasonic cleaner. When i took it apart, there was all sorts of red junk in and around the tip parts. Before this, i put a bit of cleaner in it, blocked the end and no bubbles, nothing. I also could not push the needle so that it stuck out. We'll see.

didn't find (or lost) the nozzle part number 4. cannot see how it could have been lost though. it now shoots everything back through the cup. sigh. There was no end-cap either part number 3..

Somebody seriously screwed it up and returned it. If I were you, I'd return it and buy brand new.

I have an Eclipse HP-CS that I bought new for something like $110 from Chicago Airbrush Supply 2 years ago. I've never had a problem with it. It's an awesome airbrush and dead easy to clean.

Geezer

didn't find (or lost) the nozzle part number 4. cannot see how it could have been lost though. it now shoots everything back through the cup. sigh. There was no end-cap either part number 3..

If possible, take a photo and show us what you have got. If these parts are missing, you're missing the whole front end of the brush, as the nozzle cap and crown attach to the front of #3, the head cap.

Phil, I can do that, but I mis-identified the part number. It is part #1 the needle cap, not the head cap (#3). Old eyes and a PO'd state of mind. What is missing apparently - the needle cap and a nozzle. everything else is accounted for.

Okay.. Part 1 - the needle cap. It's there to protect the point of the needle. Your airbrush should work without it, people often remove this to get right up close and personal.

The sticking point is the nozzle itself (part 4). There's no way on earth that it will work without it.

The good news is that you should be able to get these parts for <$20.00

Yeah, I think I can find one at HL this evening. I'll keep you posted. Really appreciate the time and replies from you guys. As others have said, a great bunch of folks here.

lyle

Wow. No Nozzle? Hope Hobby Lobby can make it right for you, unless they advertised it as used and incomplete? While your at it, this airbrush can also be changed to a .5mm needle and nozzle set up for general coverage and priming by replacing parts # 2 and #4, and getting a .5mm needle. Just a good all around versatile airbrush.

Nathan, I saw that conversion kit. May get it down the road. My Badgers are .5mm already. I don't expect HL to do anything other than to say, "sorry for you luck".....In their eyes, i'm sure, I cannot prove anything. we'll see.

Geezer, if HL will not help you on this, you will need to shop for parts, and from what you said is missing it will cost you more to put it back together than the cost of a new one. think of this, a new nozzle from HL $27.49 + shipping $7.95 = $35.44 + a needle cap $6.99 = $42.43. Now what did you pay for this thing? Well Geezer it is a good brush. I have two of them, HP-BCS & HP-CS. If you want to end up with a .5mm brush you will need to, when you buy your nozzle and needle head, replace your.35 needle with an .5 needle.  Unless you are a pro-modeler .5 or.35 will not make much of a difference.

Chicago Airbrush sells a .5 conversion kit which costs less than the total price of all the necessary parts. But, unless you plan to shoot primers, the difference between .35 and .5 is minimal.

I do believe that Deputy Roscoe P. Coletrain said it best..."Good News, Good News". It was either him or the Gaither Vocal Band.

Bought a nozzle and needle cap at Hobby Lobby this evening. Shazaam, it seems to be working. Told them why I was buying the parts and the lack of response was deafening. Still, for under 100 bucks, i got an Iwata HP-CS.

Gentlemen, thank you for all the assistance.

Lyle.

Good to hear you got it working. Shame about the response from the shop staff.

Yea, a floor manager was standing right there. She looks like she has a burr up her saddle anyway. The cashier did ask if i wanted to return it, etc. NO, not unless you will sell me another one at that price. Anyway, Happy, Happy.

Seems to spray okay. amazingly small lines with the .35mm needle.

It's always good to see a happy ending.  Don't you think, "How the heck did I manage to paint without the Iwata?"

Great that it works now. And yes, you can get really fine lines with the .35mm, especially once you practice, almost no need to go any smaller. I can tell quite a difference between that and my .5mm set up.

I am glade a simple/cheap solution worked for you. Happy Iwata painting!!

Thanks guys. I may even try, wait for it......making mottles on the models. Bad, I know. I played around with it for about 20 min and I do think I like it. Trigger seems pretty responsive. Anyway, yes a happy ending and I think i'll send a nasty gram to HL via e-mail.

Lyle.

Bearcat57

Glad you're in business, Lyle. I wouldn't want to be without my Iwata

just one thing though....everyone knows Roscoe was the Sheriff - not the Deputy!
hot pursuit!!..ghiiiiig ghiiiig ghiiiiig ghiiiig!

Bearcat, you are 100% correct. my bad. As much as we watched that show and my son when little (and now if asked) mimicked that I should have gotten it right. Sheesh what a goober. (nother show)