Looking for advice on my airbrush problems.
Background: I have an Iwata HP-CS Eclipse that I used for 10 years with no problem, until a couple of months ago when I noticed paint seeping into the far rear part of the unit. I replaced the needle and nozzle, and removed the needle packing screw set to inspect it for any visible damage. That part appeared to be fine. But still, I have paint seeping where it should not.
I actually bought a second HP-CS and used it to finish out my pair of F-86D Dog Sabres.
But now on my current project, I cannot seem to get the new HP-CS to spray anything, quite literally. It is put together correctly. It is clean. I have disassembled it to verify there is no built up paint inside. I've lubed the needle. I've cleaned the nozzle. And it won't even spray water. I have it connected to a Craftsman air compressor, and it does spray air. On the other end of the air tube is a water trap, which came with the new HP-CS and is a new addition to my airbrush setup. But as I said, this thing worked just fine while I finished those F-86s.
Did I get a lemon? Or despite what my eyes tell me, is there dried paint in there that I simply cannot see?
My typical cleaning regimen is to spray Tamiya airbrush cleaner through to break down and clean out any paint inside. I then disassemble and clean the individual parts with lacquer thinner (needle, nozzle, inside the forward areas of the airbrush, the nozzle cap, and inside the paint cup).
I tried using a couple of my older airbrushes. I didn't seem to have the correct paint cups for the Badger Crescendo. I was able to paint with the older Badger Universal 360 but it had a lot of spewing problems. Probably wasn't real clean or perhaps it didn't know what to do with itself, suddenly being used after sitting in a drawer for more than 10 years.
I have thinner for each of the brands of paint that I use - Alclad, AK Interactive, Vallejo, Mission Models, and Tamiya. The paint is plenty thin to spray through this thing.
I really like the Iwata. Any suggestions as to what I should do with it (the new one)? Had I bought it at a brick-and-mortar location, I'd be returning it, but I got it online from Hobby Lobby. I'll have to see if the local store will take returns. Failing that, is there another model or brand to recommend?