2009 Custom Micron Manual HTML Version

CUSTOM MICRON SERIES

Created for perfection; manufactured with quality; unparalleled in precision: the Custom Micron delivers precise, accurate, controllable spray to you, the elite professional.

Special tooling, precision processes, and meticulous attention to detail create an unmatched detail airbrush capable of superb atomization, incredible control, and amazing detail.

IWATA CUSTOM MICRON CM-B, C, C+, SB

• A highly polished, hardened stainless-steel needle provides exceptionally smooth detail to mid-range spray transitions.
• The Iwata Custom Micron matched-head system ensures superior atomization
• The pre-set handle allows finely tuned paint flow adjustments.

CM-B

• The .18mm fluid nozzle is the smallest nozzle and needle combination Iwata offers for ultimate precision and accuracy.
• 1/16 oz. (1.8 ml) gravity-feed cup cleans up quickly allowing rapid color changes.

CM-C

• The .23mm fluid nozzle allows slightly heavier paint than the .18mm fluid nozzle. 
• 1/3 oz. (9 ml) gravity-feed color cup allows you to spray large amounts of color.

CM-C+

• The .23mm fluid nozzle allows slightly heavier paint than the .18mm fluid nozzle. 
• The Micro Air Control (MAC) Valve enables infinite airflow control at the airbrush’s head providing control between stipple, fine detail, and background spray effects.
• Solvent-proof Teflon™ needle packing allows extended solvent-based paint usage, including automotive paints.
• A redesigned, funnel shaped gravity feed cup allows greater paint efficiency and ensures a faster, more thorough clean up.
• The cutaway, micron pre-set handle allows quick flushes and rinses.

CM-SB

• The .18mm fluid nozzle is the smallest nozzle and needle combination Iwata offers for ultimate precision and accuracy.
• Repositionable side feed cup for left or right handed use.
• View the paint surface over the top of the airbrush.
• Add the ¼ oz (7ml) side-feed, the ½ oz (14ml) gravity-feed cup, or the 1 oz (28ml) siphon bottle to increase the airbrush’s versatility.

GETTING STARTED

Compressor

The Custom Micron does not require a high pressure air source because lower pressures are best suited for ultra-fine, slow, high-detail spraying, ideally between 5 and 20 psi. Any Iwata Studio Series compressor will operate the Custom Micron efficiently. But realizing the Custom Micron’s full benefits requires an adjustable or regulated air source.  Other compressor considerations include the length of use while spraying and the environment, or amount of space, you spray in.

These Iwata Studio Series models come equipped with an air regulator for precise air adjustment.

• Smart Jet Pro: Good for small studios and normal use.
• Power Jet Lite: Good for normal studios and extended use.
• Power Jet: Good for normal studios and great for extended use.
• Power Jet Pro: Good for small studios and great for extended use. (Two regulators allow two airbrushes on same unit)

Assembly

1. Screw the airhose onto the compressor.
2. Screw the airhose onto the airbrush.
3. If using a Power Jet, Power Jet Lite, or Power Jet Pro compressor, adjust the pressure to between 10 and 15 psi.
4. Check for any air leaks in the compressor or airhoses
5. Place a few drops of cleaning solution, water into the airbrush’s bowl.
6. Point the airbrush away from you.
7. Press down on the main lever (#13) to start airflow through the airbrush.
8. Pull the main lever back opening the airbrush’s nozzle.
9. Spray water through the airbrush to rinse the airbrush out.

GENERAL OPERATION

Fine-Line Spray

1. Depress the main lever (#13) to start airflow.
2. Position the airbrush close to the surface, between 1/16 and ½ inch.
3. Pull the main lever back slightly to start paint flow.

• A longer distance to the paint surface produces wider lines.
• A shorter distance to the paint surface produces narrower lines.
• Increased air pressure increases spray width.
• Decreased air pressure decreases spray width.
• The smallest lines are determined by skill and practice.

CAUTION: The needle and nozzle are very delicate. Even a slight bend on the needle’s tip adversely effects the spray pattern.

Wide-Lines and Blending

1. Depress the main lever (#13)
2. Position the airbrush from ½ to 6 inches away from the surface
3. Pull the main lever back much further to release more paint to cover the bigger area.

• A longer distance to the paint surface produces wider lines.
• A shorter distance to the paint surface produces narrower lines.
• Increased air pressure increases spray width.
• Decreased air pressure decreases spray width.
• The Custom Micron’s maximum usable line width is approximately 1½ inches.

Pre-Set Handle (#12)

A threaded micron adjusting screw mounted behind the handle limits the distance the main lever can be pulled back. This provides accurate paint volume control and is especially useful for repetitive, precision work.

Cutaway Handle (CM-C+ Only, Optional for CM-B, C, and SB)

The cutaway handle allows quick paint clog removal without removing the handle or needle.

1. Grip the exposed needle chuckling nut (#11) with your fingers.
2. Pull it back while simultaneously depressing the main lever (#13)
3. Repeat this process several times until the airbrush is clog free and spraying normally.

• The increased paint flow past needle and nozzle tip removes many clogs.
• Don’t let the needle “snap” back into place.  This could damage the nozzle.

Micro Air Control (MAC) Valve (CM-C+ Only)

The MAC Valve enables infinite airflow control at the airbrush’s head providing control between stipple, fine detail, and background spray effects.

• Spray coarse stippling effects to full atomization in a quick turn
• Fine tuned airflow
• Maximized paint atomization control.
• Open the valve fully during cleaning.  The higher pressure pulls more paint through the airbrush.

Stippling

Iwata airbrushes are designed to produce a wide range of stippling textures.

1. Unscrew the needle cap (#A)
2. Unscrew the nozzle cap (#B)
3. Adjust the air pressure between 5 and 50 psi.

• Low air pressure creates coarse stipples
• High air pressure provides fine stipple effects.
• Paint viscosity also effects stippling texture.

Air Pressure

Working pressures generally vary between 8 and 60 psi, depending on the type of surface, the desired spray texture, and the paint’s viscosity. Try using 14 psi or below to take full advantage of the Custom Micron’s unique, spray characteristics.

• Spray thick paint with greater pressure
•  Spray thin paint with less pressure
•  Spray large paint amounts with greater pressure
•  Spray small paint amounts with less pressure

WARNING: Do not exceed 98psi

Crown Cap

The crown cap physically protects the needle while spraying very fine lines. It also adds to pigment build-up and spattering when spraying large backgrounds.

• Protects the needle
• Adds to pigment build-up and spattering effects over large areas

Paint Preparation

For non-specific airbrush paints, proper preparation, including filtering the paint through a nylon mesh, is critical for best performance. Prepare paint thin, with its proper solvent, and make repeated passes across the work to build up the color. This improves your work’s quality and decreases your airbrush’s cleaning time.

• Custom Microns spray very thin paint best.
• Thin paint with it’s proper solvent.
• Filter paint through paint filters or mesh.

Safety Tips

• Always spray in well ventilated areas.
• Do not spray solvent based (flammable) paints around open flames.
• Use the appropriate respirator to safely filter out paint vapors particular to your specific paint type.
• Wear eye protection to prevent paint contact with eyes. 
• Never exceed the airbrush’s pressure limit. (98 psi)

MAINTENANCE

Cleaning the Airbrush between Colors

1. Dump out the color cup’s excess paint.
2. Rinse the cup with the appropriate cleaning solution.
3. Use a paper towel to wipe out any left over paint.
4. Fill the bottom of the cup with cleaner.
5. Spray cleaner until the spray is clear.
6. Add the next color to the color cup.
7. Repeat cleaning procedure when finished.

Cleaning the Needle

1. Unscrew the handle (#12) from the airbrush body.
2. Loosen the needle chucking nut (#11).
3. Gently pull the needle (#10) straight out.
4. Fold a soft cloth damp with cleaner over the needle.
5. Rotate the needle to gently wipe the residual paint off.
6. Carefully insert the needle into the airbrush until it seats fully against the nozzle (#C).
• CAUTION: The most probable time to damage the needle is when the needle passes through the main lever (#13) and through the needle packing screw (#5).
• If the needle stops abruptly, retract and examine the trigger mechanism for proper assembly and re-insert the needle.
7. Tighten the needle chucking nut finger tight.
• Pull the main lever back and forth to visually confirm the needle’s ability to move.
8. Screw the handle back onto the airbrush body.

Before Each Session

Spray water or the appropriate paint solvent through the airbrush to make sure the airbrush is working properly.

After Each Session

Or any time the airbrush becomes clogged.

1. Increase the air pressure.
2. Spray cleaning solution for a short time.
3. Clean the needle if necessary

This cleaning method helps clean the paint passage, the nozzle, and the needle thoroughly. 

Lubricating the Needle (#10)

To ensure smooth main lever (#13) action lubricate the needle when the trigger won’t respond properly.

1. Unscrew the handle (#12).
2. Loosen the needle chucking nut (#11).
3. Remove the needle.
4. Dab the needle about ½ to 1 inch behind the tip lightly with a high-quality lubricant, like Medea Super Lube.
5. Wipe the needle with a soft, clean cloth, leaving a light coat of lube behind.
6. Re-insert the needle gently into the airbrush.
7. Tighten the needle chucking nut.
8. Screw the handle onto the airbrush body.

DO NOT over-lube the needle; transferring excess lube into the nozzle may cause severe paint flow problems.

DO NOT use light machine oil or WD-40 for lubrication. These lubes cause the needle to stick when it moves through the needle packing o-ring.

CAUTION: If it becomes absolutely necessary to dismantle the airbrush remember that most situations do not require tools.  DO NOT use pliers.

Lubricating the Air Piston (#14)

To ensure smooth main lever (#13) action lubricate the air piston when the trigger won’t respond properly.

1.      Unscrew the handle (#12)

2.      Unscrew the needle chucking nut (#11)

3.      Remove the needle (#10)

4.      Unscrew the needle spring adjuster (#9)

5.      Remove the needle spring (#8)

6.      Remove the needle chucking guide (#7)

7.      Pull the main lever up and out

8.      Turn the airbrush body over your hand and jiggle out the auxiliary lever (#15)

9.      Use tweezers to pull out the air valve piston

10.  Clean the valve piston with a cotton swab

11.  Clean the hole at the bottom of the trigger housing with a cotton swab

a.       Clean until a Cotton Swab comes back clean

12.  Dab a very small drop of Super Lube on the valve piston shaft.

13.  Insert the valve piston back into the hole at the bottom of the trigger housing

14.  Place the main lever back into the trigger housing

15.  Press the main lever up and down a few times

a.       it should spring back up smoothly when depressed

16.  Place the auxiliary lever back into the trigger housing behind the main lever

a.       Check the parts guide for the auxiliary lever’s proper orientation

b.      Grab the small tab on the auxiliary lever from the side

c.       Insert the auxiliary lever sideways into the trigger housing

d.      Twist the auxiliary lever into the proper orientation

e.       Hint: Hold the airbrush body with the front slightly dipped down to let gravity help your efforts.

17.  Place the needle chucking guide into the airbrush body

18.  Place the needle spring over the needle chucking guide

19.  Screw the needle spring adjuster into the airbrush body

20.  Push down on the main lever at least once

21.  Carefully insert the needle

a.       Warning: This is the most probable time to bend the needle point

22.  Screw the needle chucking nut onto the needle chucking guide

23.  Screw the handle back into the airbrush body

DO NOT over-lube the air piston; transferring excess lube into the air system may cause severe paint flow problems.

DO NOT use light machine oil or WD-40 for lubrication. These lubes cause the needle to stick when it moves through the needle packing o-ring.

CAUTION: If it becomes absolutely necessary to dismantle the airbrush remember that most situations, unless otherwise directed, do not require tools.

PARTS GUIDE

• 2009 Custom Micron Parts Guide (HTML Version) | PDF Version (not available yet)

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

• 2009 Custom Micron Troubleshooting Guide

REPLACEMENT PARTS AND ACCESSORIES

Head System (#1)

A matched head system consists of four parts hand matched together.  These components and this matching process create the Custom Micron’s exacting performance.  

Though engineered to last decades the components may still wear or become damaged and need replacement.  If this happens, we recommend replacing the whole head system to keep the airbrush’s exquisite performance at peak levels. 

The set includes: the needle cap (#A); the nozzle cap (#B); the fluid nozzle (#C); and the head system base (#D).

1. Unscrew the handle (#12).
2. Loosen the needle chucking nut (#11).
3. Gently pull the needle (#10) part way back. It doesn’t need to be fully pulled out.
4. Simply unscrew the entire head system.
• NOTE: Removing the head system the first time requires a good grip and some torque.  Wrap a rubber band around the gnarled base of the head system and use a pair of standard pliers to unscrew it. 
• After removing the head system the first time the plastic cap functions as a wrench to help remove the head system base from the airbrush body as needed.
5. Screw the new head system onto the airbrush body until finger tight.
• Hand tighten head system.
6. Push the needle all the way forward until it seats in place.
7. Tighten the needle chucking nut.
8. Screw the handle onto the airbrush body.

TIP: Keep a spare head system on hand for unforeseen accidents.

Needle (#10)

Iwata needles are precision ground, hardened stainless-steel capable of withstanding prolonged use. They are, however, easily physically damaged because of the long, tapered, extremely fine tip. If the needle point becomes severely bent, it must be straightened before pulling it back through the nozzle. If not, the bent needle might damage the nozzle as it’s pulled through.

TIP: Keep a spare needle on hand for unforeseen accidents.

• Needles are sharp.
• Needle tips are bent easily.

Quick Disconnect (Optional Accessory)

A quick disconnect joint is screwed onto the airhose and a quick disconnect adapter is screwed onto each airbrush. When using multiple airbrushes the quick disconnect joint facilitates changing airbrushes on the same airhose quickly.

WARRANTY

All Iwata airbrushes are warranted against all manufacturing defects of material and manufacture or workmanship for a period of FIVE years from the date of purchase.  This warranty does not cover fluid needle or fluid nozzles since these parts need to be replaced occasionally due to normal wear.  Any other part or material that is or becomes defective so as not to be usable within this period will be repaired or replaced.  This warranty does not cover damage caused by negligence or airbrushes that have been altered or abused in any way.  Call or email Iwata-Medea before returning an airbrush for the appropriate procedure for warranty repairs.