Iwata HP-c or? HEEEEELPPPPPP

Pharoah - Know what you mean. This topic shows up everywhere on this site. Not to be dismissive, but read through some of the other threads on this subject. I posted one a while back called 'Poll: Ultimate airbrush" and received a lot of great advice. That advice, and some research on my own, led me to buy an Iwata HP-CS. Read the post by Snowy for more on that.
Also, I would never buy this item from Ebay. Their are some threads about airbrushes that show that you can usually get better prices from mail order suppliers (with free shipping, too). The same goes for some model kits, also.
Here are some sites that might help you.
www.iwata-medea.com
www.dixieart.com
www.greatmodels.com
Hope this helps. Stinger

PS - The item # for my Iwata HP-CS is ECL 4500. Don't know #'s for the other models or other brands. Also, just because I like my Iwata doesn't mean that their aren't others out there that are just as good. One thing I did notice about my Iwata is that I had to develop a different "hold" on the brush to use it, compared to my Badger. If you can, go to a store that sells different types, hold them in hand and see what feels best for you. I think there are many who would say that ease of actual use, and the results obtained from that, can sometimes outweigh a few extra minutes of cleaning. Good luck. Stinger

I also used to use an Aztek and replaced it with an Iwata Eclipse HP-BS and am very happy with it.
It has a well-balanced feel, easy to clean and performs well.
I got it for $89.95 delivered from Dixieart.
If I had it to do all over again I would buy the same unit.

Our unofficial airbrush guru (although he staunchly denies it!)MikeV is a big advocate of the Thayer and Chandler/Badger Omni series as a less expensive alternative to the Iwatas. Remember to consider the cost of replacement parts as well.

This is just my 2 cents worth since you were asking for units to consider. Take your time with your research and you will end up with the right airbrush for yourself.

Merlin

BAh!!! I have narrowed it down to the Iwata HP-C or the Omni/Thayer 6000 series. Is the quality of the iwata that much better? Its about a 40 dollar difference.

I wouldn't make a decision based on what's currently available on ebay if that's the case.

Do you really need an HP-C? If you're considering Iwata I don't think you need to go beyond the Eclipse or Revolution series for modeling purposes.

You can get an Omni 5000 [gravity feed] for $67.50 or Iwata Revolution for $59.00 [w/o hoses] from Dixieart, no shipping charge.

where did you find those prices? I looked on the site and they were a bit more spendy?

nevermind. I'm blind tonight!!!!

Iwata Hp C is NOT for models.

QUOTE: Originally posted by merlin V1650 Our unofficial airbrush guru (although he staunchly denies it!)MikeV is a big advocate of the Thayer and Chandler/Badger Omni series as a less expensive alternative to the Iwatas. Remember to consider the cost of replacement parts as well.

Guru? Haha. You guys crack me up.

Pharoah,

The HP-C *might* work for model paints but it was designed for thin mediums like water colors and other mediums that flow well through very small tips and needles. I would look at the Omni, Vega, Eclipse, Anthem, 360 or Matrix airbrushes. Some people also like the Paasche VL and the Crescendo so I have narrowed it down to 8 choices.

Mike

I went with the iwata eclipse from dixiart. I picked up the siphon feed version. Thanks for all your help everyone.

Good choice Pharoah.

Just remember to NEVER soak the airbrush in lacquer thinner because it will destroy the needle bearing in that Iwata.
If you are going to be spraying a lot of toxic paints through it then I would use it until the needle bearing wears out and then send it to Coast Airbrush to have a Teflon needle bearing put in it. They are impervious to lacquers, urethanes, etc.

Mike

MikeV, I got the Badger Universal 360. Any precautions I need to be aware of?

QUOTE: Originally posted by hou_ge2000 MikeV, I got the Badger Universal 360. Any precautions I need to be aware of?

I wasn't sure what needle bearing the 360 had so I asked a friend and here is what he told me to pass on to you:

The needle bearings in the 360 and the Crescendo are teflon from the factory and will not be affected by solvents.
But, don't soak the airvalve or anything else wiith an o-ring on it.

Mike

Mike, thanks so much for your help. I know who to talk to if I need some assistance from now on with the airbrush!!

QUOTE: Originally posted by Unknownpharoah Mike, thanks so much for your help. I know who to talk to if I need some assistance from now on with the airbrush!!

Uh oh! [:0] Haha.

I'll help if I can.

Mike