my badger 150 is great for general coverage on my armour, but i cant rely on the medium size nozzle for freehand camo. now since i can probly get a brand new iwata airbrush for half price i was planning on trying out iwata( heard soem good things about them).

Im planing on going for the hp-b.
1- Does it have a cap on top liek the hp-c to prevent paint spills?
2- Would it be good for free hand camo?
3- using acrylics and enamels?
4-Easy to clean?
5- i see theres a the hp-b, hp-b plus, whats the difference between the two?

Thanks

Frank

Frank, I have an HP-B. and to put it plainly, I love it! I had an Aztek that I used for general coverage but my Iwata has spoiled me to the point I didn't use the Aztec anymore and sold it to a friend. I'm planning on getting another Iwata for general use. To answer your questions:
1) No, there is no cap. But in a little over 3 years I've never had a spill.
2) It's excellent for freehand camo! The only one better is probably the Iwata Custom Micron series, which goes for $300.00 plus.
3) I only use acrylics, but I have heard others say as long as you thin them enough enamels are fine.
4) Very easy to clean, even if I break it down it doesn't take long.
5) The Iwata "plus" line features include, a dual-purpose cutaway and preset handle; teflon needle packing for solvent-based paints; larger nozzle threads for more secure fit and better centering of nozzle; redesigned tapered gravity feed cups for easy clean up and efficient paint flow; and single-piece auxiliary lever/needle chucking guide assures easy assembly. (I copied this from Dixieart)

If you can afford the extra $ for the plus then I would say do it. If for no other reason the pre-set handle will prove to be very handy.

HTH,
Mike

edit: By the way where are you getting one for half price??

Thanks mike, i guess the choice is made for iwata And to answer your question, i probably will. My father is an old mechanics and while i was still in diapers, he stoped working full time to take care of me, and then my younger brother and sister. Because its hard to live with only one income, he would fix cars and paint them in his garage. Before that he worked in a ultramar and did buisness with a nearby store, and continued doing so when he left ultramar to work for a friend on a farm. Ever since he gets all his car pieces and Airbrushes half the price. He's also a good friend of a few employees, so that always helps

Currys airbrush store sells hte badger 150 for about 160plus tax. which is the same price as the store i go to. thanks to the specials, i payed 90 dollars with tax. Hopefully they hold iwata airbrushes in stock also

Frank

I use an Iwata HP-B also Frank.....
Can not help on the use of acrylics though, since I use 98% enamels for my models, If I use acrylics, I use either my 150 or 100 badgers.
as to answer some questions
1. No cap..... small cup.... once you get use to it, you'll rarely, if ever spill anything. I work over hardwood floors, that I don't own...... and have never spilled any out of the cup. being careful is the key word.
2. Excellent for free hand everything ----- just remeber with the small tip, you will not get the larger spray patterns, or coverage as you get with you 150, and larger tips. Using the crown tip alows you to get closer, and spray tighter..... and you can even remove the tip (that protects the nozzle) to get even closer.... just be careful, as the needle is exposed, and VERY easily bend. (nozzles and needles are rather more expensive than Badgers)
3. Easier to clean than a 150 that's for sure.... top feeders are just by the nature of the design.
4. No idea.... read the discription, it will tell you the differences.

Unasked but I'll tell you anyway ----- A badger fine head and needle will give you a finer spray pattern than the medium nozzle and needle. Not as fine as an Iwata HP-B .... you can also get a 1.5mm nozzle for you HP-B..... I believe the standard nozzle that comes with the HP-B is 2mm. If you use the smaller nozzle, (I have both), you use the same needle. The nozzle tip is very fine and delicate, and easily damaged, and never use anything but the Iwata wrench to remove or install it. Do Not over tighten it, or you will snap it off, leaving the treads inside, and having a major problem.

I'd like to know where you're getting it sso cheap also.....
Although I paid 40 for mine many moons ago...... LOL

My HP-C did come with a cap... althought I never use it....LOL

great for free hand camo