Hello:

As I mentioned in my post below, since my Aztek went on the fritz, I decided to purchase a new airbrush. Thanks to Hobby Lobby's 40% off coupon, I picked up the Eclipse today.

Now, I am eager to use, however it is far different from my old Aztek, so I want to clear one thing up prior to use. After reading the instructions, I am a little confused as to how to remove the needle for cleaning. The instructions state to loosen the chucking nut (which I believe is the nut in the hollowed portion of the handle) and pulling the needle straight out.

Okay, for my really dumb question, can I assume I am to use the supplied wrench and loosen the front, i.e, the head cap I believe, and then remove the nozzle and packing ring before pulling out the needle?

I'm sorry for what may be a stupid question, however I have read in other posts how delicate some of these parts can be, and how expensive they can be to replace, Also, if anyone has any other cleaning tips etc., can you please pass those along as well.

Thank you for any assistance you can provide!!!

Randy

Hi Randy, Not a dumb question, better to know these things up front than to mess something up. All you have to do is loosen the chucking nut, which is indeed the small nut inside the handle, then pull the needle straight out, that's it. Be careful when putting it back in so that you don't bend the tip. (It's not that fragile but you still should go easy with it) Welcome to the wonderful world of Iwata! I had an Aztec also but once I got my Iwata I sold the Aztec to a friend who didn't have a brush. It's like going from driving a Chevy to a BMW. (nothing wrong with Chevies mind you but the BMW is just that much better!) I now have two Iwatas and I love them. After I finish with a color I shoot the appropriate cleaner through the brush til it runs clear, then remove the needle, clean it, the paint cup and the nozzle. It really is a piece of cake.

Good luck,
Mike

Mike:

Thank you for the response, however can I ask a more detailed question? When I loosen the chucking nut in the hollowed portion of the back part of the airbrush, how do I get the needle out? It must come out through the front of the brush, however how do you get it out through all of those caps? I couldn't tell if you were agreeing I needed to remove the needle/nozzle/head cap in order to remove the needle. I assume so, however I wasn't sure. And, if so, I assume the supplied wrench loosens the head cap off, however to remove and clean the needle and nozzle caps, which I assume you would need to after every use, are those loosened and tightened by hand? Sorry to be a nuisance....thanks again!

Randy

Randy, No problem with your questions. With both my Iwatas you unscrew the handle from the body of the brush and once the chucking nut is loosened you pull the needle out the back, not having to mess with the nozzle at all. I assumed the Eclispe was the same, but that may not be the case. If it doesn't work in that manner then hopefully someone else who has an Eclipse can help. If you haven't figured it out by tomorrow I have a friend who has an Eclipse and I'll give him a call. (it's too late here to call now )

Mike

Just a bump of my questions.....which are:

1. Removing the needle is done through the back of the brush by loosening the chucking nut and unscrewing the back handle, correct?

2. Do I also need to, when I am done using for a session, remove the needle cap, nozzle cap, and head cap ( to get to the nozzle) for cleaning?

Thanks!!!

Randy, I haven't forgotten you . I put a call in to my buddy yesterday but haven't heard back from him yet, when I do I'll let you know.

Mike

OK Randy If you haven't figured it out yet on your own I have the answer for you. I talked to my friend tonight and the breakdown of the Eclipse is the same as my HP-B and Revolution. What I neglected to tell you earlier is before you can remove the needle you must first remove the handle. (the whole rear portion of the brush) It's as simple as unscrewing it and removing it over the needle assembly. Once you do this loosen the chucking nut and just pull the needle out the back. I hope that makes sense, let me know if you have any other questions.

Best,
Mike

Thank you for all of your help....I did some monkeying with it and kind thought that's what I needed to do. I really appreciate your taking time to help me out.....I love this site.