question for Iwata Eclipse users

Mine was doing that too... I sold it. It was an Eclipse hp-bs with the smaller gravity cup. I took it apart and could not find the usual needle seal that you find in all other airbrushes that have the through-body needle. I know the parts diagrams show that there's supposed to be one in there, but I could not find such a thing in my airbrush.

Which direction did you remove the needle?
If you removed it from the front then you dragged paint along the needle while removing it and that is what you are seeing.
Is it the gravity-feed model or the siphon-feed?

Mike

Hey guys. Thanks for your input. Mike: my Eclipse is the siphon-feed and I extract the needle from the front. Somewhere I read that it should be withdrawn this way and it is easier since you don't have to remove the double cut handle.
Jdavidb: what you had and what I have is the older Eclipse model. After I posted my message on the forum, I contacted a tech rep at Iwata-Medea and he explained that it was an older model and that it does not have that seal that you mentioned. The rep also explained that using a very thin paint could cause the condition. Anyway it is either live with it or buy a newer model. I'll keep what I've got and just work on keeping the needle clean between color changes.

Mike M

QUOTE: Originally posted by goldenretriver After I posted my message on the forum, I contacted a tech rep at Iwata-Medea and he explained that it was an older model and that it does not have that seal that you mentioned. The rep also explained that using a very thin paint could cause the condition. Anyway it is either live with it or buy a newer model. I'll keep what I've got and just work on keeping the needle clean between color changes.

Not trying to knock Iwata, but this is exactly why Badger is the company that I will always stay with. Badger would either fix that airbrush for free or possibly, and it is not uncommon, they may just send you a new airbrush for free.
It sounds like Iwata could care less about their customers from what you posted.


Mike

QUOTE: It sounds like Iwata could care less about their customers

i don't agree with that Mike, but, thats nothing new here in the AB forums is it!! my personal experiences with iwata customer services has been top notch. emails have been answered quickly and professionally. ofcourse, i haven't had any trouble with my iwatas, so i haven't had to use it much. i'll have to stand up for iwata as usual on my end. later.

Chris,

My point was not that they won't even respond, as they clearly do as you stated.
My point is that they do not go that extra mile to please the customer from what I hear.
That is what sets great companies apart from average companies.

Mike

I have an Eclipse and I always take the extra minute to pull the needle from the back. In general cleaning, I pull it completely apart anyways and oil everything. I have been using the thing for 6 years with all original parts including the needle. It works flawlessly.

You're right Mike, they are great companies aren't they!!

In closing, I am going to echo Saltydog's comment about Iwata's customer service. Mike, perhaps I didn't go far enough to explain how I was treated. First, I emailed the technical support at the company, explaining my problem. Within an hour or so, I received an email from one of their tech people who suggested that I call him, if I could, so that he could help me troubleshoot the problem. I called and was quickly connected to a fellow named Adam, who had sent me the email. Anyway, Adam was very helpful and even gave me some good maintenance tips i.e. doing a good cleaning and lube job on the trigger mechanism. In my opinion, the company was well represented by this service tech and I was satisfied by their help. No, they didn't offer to replace the airbrush, but in my opinion, they did what was expected. Badger might have possibly done more in this circumstance, but I am happy with Iwata-Medea. Just thought I would pass this along so that you had all the facts.

Mike M

Thanks for that Mike.
As long as you are happy that is all that matters.

Mike