Hi guys,
returning to the modelling scene with a large stash ready to be worked on! Currently in possession of the Iwata HP-B+ and a Badger LG-100.

The 100 has a few battle scars and I'd like to upgrade it to the following Iwata series
- HP-CS eclipse
- HP-CR revolution

What would you recommend? This is for general purpose like base coating and even tri-tone camouflage. I spray both vallejo and tamiya.

Also I use to run my badger on this huge air compressor.. I would love to see those horrid days end for a nice small desk worthy compressor. Recommendations?
I've seen the people recommend:

- Oilless Pancake Air Compressor
- iwata power jet lite (despite being more than the price of both airbrushes I inquire about together...)

Looking forward to your replies, and greatly appreciated.
Best,
Callum.

If you really need a 0.5mm nozzle then the CR would be a good choice. But you stated that you wanted to do base coating and camo which needs a bit of precision so I would go for the CS. It is also easier to clean due to the self entering nozzle design.

As for the compressor. If it has to be a table top model then there are the TC-20 and TC-60 style ones. You can check TCP global.

I have no advice, concerning the airbrush. However, you can use a nail art compressor. They are whisper quiet, though they don't have a tank. Another option would be to use canned air.

I'd suggest you get a Grex AC1810-A compressor. It is truly quiet, as loud as a fish tank compressor. It only runs when you depress the airbrush trigger. It is super reliable. You can keep it on your workbench. $199.00.

Callum,
Thanks for asking about Iwata models, it is a bit dizzying at first and I am considering one as well.
I have been using the Tamiya Superfine HG which I am told is an Iwata clone, but I am looking to upgrade/replace a 15yr old, pretty worn out gun.

I am not sure about the availability or cost there in Australia, but have you looked at CO2 for air?
It is silent, dry (needs not need an in-line moisture trap) , and has constant pressure.
A 20lb tank with a dual regulator and the fitting to match an airbrush was less than the cost of a 'quiet' desktop model when I looked 10+yrs ago.
I spray a fair amount and have only refilled the tank twice in all this time. Costs less than $20 a refill

Mike

Thank you for the replies! They are much appreciated.

Matthew have you personally used those before? They seem like a better choice than Iwatas IS 800 compressor. I'm curious as to how these compressors work. I'm use to a big air tank compressor over in the shed - has a regulator etc.
Does the regulator on these compressors without a tank ensure a particular set airflow from when you press the trigger all the way through?
Basically is the airflow consistent like that of a tank compressor?

Mike, I'll keep that in mind - seems like a great alternative and surely is available in my location.

Jomark, I'll go with the HP-C+ I think or CH with the air regulator depending on what happens with the compressor.

Looking forward to your replies.
Best,
Callum.

A compressor like this would be fine for the short term though?

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/1-6HP-Air-Compressor-for-Spray-Gun-Air-Brush-AS-186-/260985916715?hash=item3cc3f90d2b:g:LX0AAOSw-vlVhnAv

I can't say that I would like to pay $400au at this time for a compressor. This one is a knock off of the Paasche D3000R.
3 Litre tank and very quite - can't go wrong there no? for a quarter of the price ($100au)

A quality compressor I was thinking of buying was the iwata IS 875HT - seemed like good kit with a small tank. Then again, a very pricey one.

Best,
Callum

i have the HP-CS, and while I'm not familiar with the CR, it seems to me that the HP-CS would serve you better. it has a finer needle and overall would allow for greater versatility, allowing you to do base coats and camo details in the same brush. also, it has an exposed needle nut, which allows you to pull the needle should the nozzle become clogged, or you want a quick thinner splash before changing colors.

the compressor you linked to seems good and the added tank would allow you longer paint sessions. you will also have the benefit of getting larger pressure thanks to the tank. i have a tankless compressor (which is now replaced by one with a tank) which only goes to 28psi, and even though its a quiet compressor for home use, the noise will drive you mad after some time, and it gets hot. if you are working in a tight environment, that would become an issue.

edit: the HP-C+ is a fantastic airbrush, but i only use it for camo patterns and detail painting.

I have the Iwata Revolution HP-CR. It's the best investment I've made in hobby equipment. It's extremely strong and well made, and has a nice polished surface. Disassembly and cleaning is quick and easy with few parts. Overall painting and lines down to 1 mm is possible with the same needle, although you will have to change paint consistency, air pressure, and distance to surface. Never had a problem with overspray or splatter, unless I was trying for that effect.

Hi guys,
The compressor is sorted! I went with the Iwata 875HT. Available here in the AU and plenty of top reviews.

Onto the airbrush I have an iwata HP-BH with the .02 needle and the mac value. I bought it specifically to do tri-camo schemes.

I would like one for base coating and other general work.
However I'm more for the HP CS eclipse, HP C plus and HP CH rather than the others. Funny enough the CR is nearly the same amount as the HP C+ now.
Biggles and Nathan - your feedback is greatly appreciated! Thank you, and regarding those 2 I was rather drawn away due to the lack of a paint flow adjuster on the end working with the badger 100 previously I'd love the adjuster as a addition for more ease. (though I should get use to free handing )

Would purchasing the HP-CH be overkill for this? Or would it be wise to take the safe route and have that MAC valve available to save me buying an in-line one (if needed).

Other than that I was going to go with the C plus due to the paint flow adjuster on the end unlike the Eclipse.

should just buy all 4 for 500... Problem solved.

just a question, when you say "in line" one are you referring to the air adjustment or water trap? I find the air adjustment to be better at the regulator rather than a mac valve. On the CM-C+ the mac valve serves as a minor adjustment tool rather than an empirical psi regulator.

By in line a mean having a mac valve connected to the airbrush and air hose.

Callum.

For me the MAC valve is simply a fine tuning device rather than a precision device. It would be recommended to have a regulator from the source to ensure consistent air pressure then adjust the MAC valve for minor changes as you paint.

For your "paint flow adjuster" I'm assuming you're referring to the pre-set handle for the needle? If that is the case you can check if you can find the HP-CSP which is an updated version of the HP-CS that has the pre-set handle. I've been using it for detailing and it works well. It is usually available in japan but I think I saw sellers over at ebay. Worst case is that you can buy the pre-set handle separately. (I also saw an HP-CRP which is the HP-CR with pre-set)

The main reason I keep coming back to my HP-CS over the CMC+ is the ease of cleaning due to the floating nozzle design.

Jomark,
Thank you for the help - it is much appreciated. I went with the HP-CS and HP-C +. Thought going with the CH model might be overkill and also being in possession of the BH model too.
These together with the HP-BH and the iwata 875HT compressor I assume should fulfil all my needs for many years.

Cheers!

P.S sorry about the terminology - pretty inexperienced with airbrushes.