Hi,

I’m looking at buying a new airbrush and have narrowed my choice down to two:

Iwata HP-C+
Or
Iwata HP-CH

The two airbrushes are almost the same spec apart from the HP-CH having the MAC valve.

Can anyone advice me to the benefits of the MAC valve?

Is it something that is nice to have (and more expensive) but will be no great benefit?

My compressor has a good pressure regulator which is easy to adjust as required.

Thanks

Mark

I probably wouldn't bother making it more complicated then it already is. That probably benifits someone who works with water-thin inks on paper more then a modeler. You already have to deal with moisture, air pressure, paint mixes, and the actual skill itself. Then you also need to see if a problem is coming from an additional control? Looks like more trouble then its worth IMHO.

kevinb120,

I think your right...

HP-C+ it is..

Thanks

Mark

Mark,
Before you make your final decision, I recently purchased the HP-Ch after a lot of looking and thinking and have been using it for a few months now.

I was sceptical about the use of the MAc initially but despite having the Omega Compressor that has a good pressure control regulator, I have found myself using the MAC in tandem as well as the pre-set control on the back of the airbrush and have found that it does offer some advantage over just altering the pressure at the compressor.

With the MAC, I have been able to use exceptionally thinned paint at approx 90% thinner and 10% paint as well as altering the flow to suit things like shading etc. I find that the MAC offers optimum control and is able to be used as I work, without having to start trying to find 3 hands, to play with the regulator on the compressor. Having the control at your fingertips allows you to make finite adjustments to suit airbrushing different areas of the model & having played on white paper I have at last found the ability to get those really fine line camouflages that were used on German vehicles, without so much of the normal overspray that I have experienced in the past from the selection of airbrushes that I have used over the past 20 years.

The point is if you have it, you can start to use it as you devolop new skills, but also have the choice of leaving it open if you wish to spray wide areas.

I have no regrets in chosing the CH, my only regret is that I did not invest in one some time ago.

As an aside cleaning is so quick it is not funny, I would recommend investing in the Iwata-Medea superlube as it does not effect the paint, but certainly keeps things flowing smoothly.

Whatever you decide I am certain you will be pleased when you start using an Iwata.

John

whats the total PSI it will let you control from the airbrush?

Does anyone know the exact differences between the CH and CS? I was going to get the CS as it seems good and is available in my area. Should I hold out or will the CS doo what we need and do it well?

CS is the lower quality airbrush than CH, it does not have the pre-set control on the back of the airbrush, which is the thing you should have becaus it lets you control the width of line. Moving your finger back just a bit while spraying fine lines might be a disaster, so this control a the back prevents that.
I think that HP-B+ and HP-C+ are the best for us modelers. They can spray very fine lines and also act as a general purpose airbrush, high quality nozzle which is not so easy to brake as other 0,2mm nozzle airbrushes.
Regards

I cant claim to know the workings of the MAC valve, I would suggest that it will be a tapered valve that alters the amount of air that mixes with the paint, so does not act to alter the PSI as that will be a constant as supplied by the compressor.

John

I ordered a Revolution to try out a grav feed pen, If I like it I may have to try out one of their 'big guns' like the HP series. I want more control then a siphon feed which seems to have an inconsistant paint draw at times. Good thing is if you buy it from a discounter like Dixieart, you can usually ebay it later for what you paid for it. I want more feedback from the trigger, and low pressures on a siphon also seems to be frustrating at times, particulary with colors that dry very fast like dark browns and blacks.

I am using Revolution for Gp and for detail work. It is great low-cost airbrush than misses only that needle limiter at the end. I did some changes on this airbrush, I have sharpened the needle and by that I got about 50% thinner lines and friend of mine made me limiter at the end. I would recomend it for anyone with limited founds who still wants to have high quality airbrush.

I've been looking at one of these IWATA HP-CH's with interest,
the Badger packed up 1/2 way through a Tiger1 paint job this afternoon , so I took the plunge tonight and got HP-CH off Ebay.
,jlmurc your comments persuaded me and if it's no good ,I'm coming for you .
Sod the expence I'm having a new compressor as well
I'm going for a TestorsTRCP104,the spec is..
Ultra quiet - lubrication free 3500cc air tank ensures pulse-free operation Pressure gauge
Develops up to 50PSI Suitable for all airbrush work Carry handle for transportation Moisture/particle trap and air regulator.
Anybody got one/used one?any problems?
I'll let you know how the AB goes when I get it
Cheers
Andy

I am not at all worried Andy, I am sure that you will be as overjoyed as I am.

John

:-) :-) :-) :-) Top fella I'm sure I will be.
Did you buy yours in the UK?

Andy,

I bought from a 'Buy it now' sellar on Ebay and have not seen anybody with a bad experience, the individual is efficient; 5 days from Thailand, communicates well and has a crop full of recommendations and satisfied customers. If she doesn't have the model in stock send a message and ask when new goods will be available/

On ebay search for a seller called ophelia_shop and see what she has to offer and check her feedback. Even with carriage it is much, much less than you will buy it in the UK.

John

Hi John
I got mine "buy it now" from Hong Kong, with the postage it works out £70 cheaper than the UK Plus he is giving away a hose ,trigger filter and a quick realease coupling!!.His feedback is spot on aswell.
Can't wait to get it
Andy

The HP-CH is a cracking airbrush and with the prices that are available by purchasing online, makes them more available to us, rather than spending the money that it costs to buy them in country, which is a little sad.

I will be interested to know what effect the inline filter has and would suggest that you do invest in some of the Medea lubricant that Iwata themselves recommend. Although it looks pricey you use such a small amount that a tube will last for years. A smigin goes on the needle and also to service the trigger, it does not react with any paints that I have used and also as a bonus makes cleaning the needle a snip.

You can buy it from a UK seller on EBay, which you can see here.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=016&item=260021470826&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

Well all you have to do is await the postman, to get to work.

John

Ola

Ah yes more Iwata users, more more, soon we will take over this Painting forum:)

But seriously a lot of people already own an Iwata and a lot of forum members here are thinking of getting one. Great news as I bet any of their airbrushes is amazing and good to work with. I myself have a HP-CP airbrush and, although I haven't tried it out yet, it certainly looks and feels great. It's a solid piece of equipement which is easy to clean and put back together in a matter of minutes.

I have not tested any of the proffesional airbrush oriented compressors but if you don't have the money you can try out bigger (and louder) air compressors from hardware store. Look at models with a 24liter tank, they are quite cool, don't take a lot of space and allow you to fill the tank in around 1 minute and than work with that for a couple of hours (well it really depends how much air you need, but when the tank is filled the compressor makes no sounds). I got a model like that for only 50 quid and I couldn't be more satisfied:)

As for ebay auctions try out Ophelia (check the link that John provided somewhere above). She is great, sends stuff fast and pretty much has everything you need (if not just ask here, as John suggested). And you don't have to worry about your money, cause some people here ordered from her (John, myself and a couple of others I think) and couldn't recommend her more.

So yeah pick up your new Iwata's and paint, I'm sure you will be satisfied. As Yoda used to say: "enjoy it you will".

Cheers,
dsc.

Hi,

Has anyone used Roger Wong on ebay for Iwata A/B's?

If so, how does he rate?

Thanks
Mark

Mark,

From personal experience and from other members who have used the same Ebay seller, I would recommend Ophelia_Shop as the service has been spot on.

I would suggest that if you wish to use Roger Wong, have a good look through the buyers comment section as that is probably the best gauge.

I have made my suggestion based on personal experience and the fact that my initial investigation showed that the seller had been trading for quite some time [ Ebay personal record can show thisas length of time registered and if a seller has used another identity} and that the selling satisfaction from customers was 100% with nil negative reports. My experience was excellent communication when replying to a question and a 5 day turnaround from Taiwan.

John

Thanks John

Hey..i just purchased brand new iwata HP-CH from ophelia_shop on ebay. I got an email confirming that my airbrush is on it's way...can't wait for it...what lube are you guys are talking about? is it something i can on the net? maybe ebay...?
Greg

Hi Gregory,

I guess I had better step forward. follow the EBay link and you will know what you are looking for or indeed may choose to buy from the company in the advertisment. I bought it and it seems to keep everything moving very smoothly as well as helping it says by Iwata to protect the teflon washers from the various solvents we all use

Regards

John

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MEDEA-AIRBRUSH-SUPER-LUBE-FOR-AIR-BRUSH-AIR-TOOL-NEW_W0QQitemZ260038329302QQihZ016QQcategoryZ28111QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

Ordered my HP-CH Sunday,got it today all the way from Hong Kong!!!
Hows that for service!!
This guys superb.. http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Lewis-Online-Shop

Check him out ,sooooooo much cheaper than here in the U.K
Must go lock myself in the shed and have a play :-) :-)
Andy

Well I never did get the CR as they were out of stock but ordered the HP-C Plus from Dixieart. Only $159 shipped, the Highline is $189 shipped there. Now to ebay my 155 anthem....