Bought an Iwata

congrats on the new AB. I use the HP-CS and HP-CR, which are both gravity feed ABs. basically the way you described the cleaning for your bottom feed is how i clean my ABs. I pull the needle out at the end of my painting session, otherwise I just spray windex thru the AB (i use acrylics) in between switching colors. start spraying and let us know how you like it!

I don't think you will be disappointed with your Iwata. I just got an HP-C+ and I started making very thin, tight lines right out of the box. I just blew cleaner through the brush after use until it was clear, and - ready to go for next time. I don't think you will need to remove the needle every time you use it. I also have 2 Badgers and an Omni and I only remove the needle about every third use.

Rich

It wouldn't surprise me if their cleaning regimen is that simple. I don't know if airbrushes are really any different, but it seems like their cleaning recommendations are a lot simpler these days that they used to be. It seems as though the old stereotype of complete disassembly after each painting session was serious overkill.

I have a Badger 200NH (basically single action Anthem), and I hardly ever take it apart these days. Usually I only shoot thinner though it. Maybe every now and again, particularly are a really long airbrushing session, I take off the caps and the cone and use a small brush to brush out anything left in the paint chamber or on the needle, and call it good. Since adopting this more laissez-faire approach to cleaning, I have occaisionally disassembled it, to see if there was any paint that I was missing, but have never really found any.

Congrats! I LOVE my Iwata. It's a gravity fed model and I've had virtually no problems with it. The control it gives me and the balanced 'feel' of it in my hand made it a worthwhile purchase.

Happy airbrushing!
Eric

The cleaning procedure is the same for all of the airbrushes out there pretty much.

Mike

I just bought an Iwata revolution CR today at Hobby Lobby with the 40% off coupon.I have been wanting a gravity feed AB for awhile now. I already have a Badger 155 and I just dont have the skill to get consistant fine line detail with it, although i have no doubt the brush is capable. Anyway the Iwata , right out of the box shot nice fine lines, and I have not even had time to play with the air pressures and mixtures yet. I bought it pretty much on impulse and am very impressed with it.
Thanks TOM

Talk about coincidences, Tom. I also bought the same Iwata airbrush at Hobby Lobby today using the same 40% off coupon, though I haven't had a chance to try mine out yet. By another coincidence, I also own a Badger 155, so I have a question. Will the same air hose fit both airbrushes? I guess I thought they were standardized, or maybe I just didn't think when i bought the Iwata. Let me know if I have to buy another hose before I get disappointed when my present hose doesn't fit.

BTW I like the 155 quite well, but I think a gravity feed will overcome some difficulties I have spraying really fine lines. I can hardly wait to try it out. Maybe this weekend.

ChemMan,

The Iwata uses a different airhose.
The Badger hose fits the Badgers and the Thayer & Chandlers.

Mike

Thanks Mike, I was afraid of that when I saw the connection (I keep my airbrush equipment in a different location so I couldn't compare immediately.)

Looks like another trip to Hobby Lobby. Since I have to go to get the airhose, I might as well print another 40% off coupon..... I wish they wouldn't do that....

Iwata makes an adapter to fit the Badger hose or you can go with the quick disconnect route. Check out Bear Air or Dixie.

E

Yeah I found out the hard way, there not interchangable. I had to print another coupon and go back and buy another hose. Hobby Lobby did not have an adapter that would work for both and I figured with the coupon it would be about the same as ordering one online.
TOM

I have 4 Iwata airbrushes, and every single one of them are fantastic. My brushes are in constant use (just about every night), so I make sure they're clean.

Between colors, I spray Windex, but once I'm done for the evening, I'll break them down and clean them. Typically, I'll remove the needle, and run a cleaning brush through the insides, reassemble, and run Windex through one last time before wiping it down.

Considering the amount of money I've spent on my two high-end brushes, I've just made breaking them down each time part of the ritual, like shutting off the lights.

I've used (and owned) Badgers, Paasche, Aztek, and a Binks over the years, and I'm a hardcore dedicated fan of Iwata.

Jeff

QUOTE: Originally posted by Jeff Herne I've used (and owned) Badgers, Paasche, Aztek, and a Binks over the years, and I'm a hardcore dedicated fan of Iwata.

Poor soul.

Eliot - great to hear you made the jump!!! Like I told you in mail, don't get rid of the Badgers as they still hold a valuable place in the lineup bit I think you will really come to appreciate that Iwata after a little practice...

Time to get out the milk jug and primer it up! Good luck!!!

Next stop for me is an HP-CS.... then I swear that's the last airbrush I buy!

Well, I bit the bullet and bought the airhose. Maybe it's worth starting the new 40% off Tamiya P-47 just to give the Iwata a try.

Jeff, thanks for the cleaning tip. It always makes me uncomfortable not to break down an airbrush and clean it - even if it's just my old Badger 350.

QUOTE: Originally posted by ChemMan Jeff, thanks for the cleaning tip. It always makes me uncomfortable not to break down an airbrush and clean it - even if it's just my old Badger 350.

There are very few airbrush experts who recommend you break it down each time you use it.

Mike

QUOTE: There are very few airbrush experts who recommend you break it down each time you use it.

That's true. I only ever disasemble every 2 or 3 months.

My cleaning technique (for my Paasche VL):
1) switch to a bottle of cleaner and spray until clear
2) backflush/boil a bit
3) empty the thing out
4) remove back end and pull needle
5) wipe needle down
6) put a tiny drop of glycerin on the needle
7) reinsert

That's it.

Now the Paasche VL is a great all purpose brush but is a bit weak on the detail end of things. What would be a great Iwata to get to do detail work with acrylics?

I bought Iwata HP-B+ and they include 3/8'' connector. For hose I use polyurathane with 4x6 mm (4mm inner diameter and 6mm outer) from local shop. Use quick disconnect system if you own Badger and it is a valuable part, one hose with many brushes.

It ain't the airbrush, it's the hand that holds it. 'Nuf said.

Absolutely agree w/ you Craig. But unexpert modeler like me, Iwata already a proof coz very easy to use & could draw a very fine line with no splatter problemo at all. I never own such as Badger 100LG or Thayer Chandler Omni 4000, but maybe I'll buy 2 of that just to compare their performance by myself.

Nathaniel -

if you want to get an Iwata that handles acrylics of all kinds well, the HP-CR works well for detail. it has an adequate needle/nozzle to handle larger pigments but still puts out amazing detail (with practice)