The Iwata Custom Micron CM-B

Information

Classification:	Airbrush
Manufacturer:	Iwata
Model:	CM-B
Part Number:	ICM 2000
Suggested Retail Price:	$641 USD

Specifications

Paint feed System:	Gravity Feed
Trigger Style:	Dual Action
Spray Type:	Internal Mix
Spray Range:	< 60 microns to ~1 inch
Cup Size:	1/16 oz (1.8 ml)
Air Consumption:	< 0.2 cfm
Pressure Tolerance:	< 100 psi
Standard Tip Size:	0.18 mm
Optional Tip Size:	0.23 mm

Matching Rules

1. Desire or necessity for incredibly fine detail work.
2. Prior airbrush experience required.
    
   Actively discourage beginners from purchasing Custom Micron airbrushes.
3. Requires experience thinning and straining paint to reach the appropriate sprayable paint consistency.
    
   Custom Micorns only spray thin, non-viscous liquids.  Otherwise they clog without hesitation.
4. I usually fit someone to a CM-C or CM-C+ before a CM-B unless they specifically want the smaller tip or cup size.

Useful Accessories

• External Micro Air Control Valve
• Pistol Grip Moisture Filter
• Quick Disconnect
• Table Top Cleaning Station

Features

• Crown Cap
• Pre-set Handle
• Matched Head System

Notes and Opinions:

• Custom Microns aren't for everyone.  They're professional tools for masters, and aspiring masters.
• They get finicky and clog a lot if your paint consistency is off.
• Custom Microns are geared specifically toward fine details.
   
  A good workhorse airbrush will take you 93-97% of the way to incredible detail.  The Custom Micron takes you the last 3-7%.
• They suck at anything other than fine details.  Yes, they create spatter effects and spray a 1 inch wide spray pattern however less expensive options are available to do these effects.
• The smaller 1/16 oz cup is nice for people with big sausages for fingers.
• If you're not experienced at paint mixing then buy airbrush-ready paint.  You'll still need to strain and thin the paint but it won't be nearly as bad, and as frustrating as it could've been...

Links

• Manufacturer's Product Page
• 2009 Custom Micron Manual HTML Version | PDF Version (not available yet)
• Old Custom Micron Manual Prior to 2009 Version (PDF Only)
• 2009 Custom Micron Parts Guide HTML Version | PDF Version
• 2009 Custom Micron Troubleshooting Guide

Cleaning Guide Links

• Custom Micron Easy Cleaning Tip
• Remove Tip Dry Approved Method
• Remove Tip Dry Un-Approved Method
• Rinse a Gravity Feed Airbrush Between Colors
• Rinse a Gravity Feed Airbrush After a Spray Session
• Deep Clean a Gravity Feed Airbrush with Screw in Nozzle

Outstanding/Common Problems

• Tip Dry

   
  If you're using spray equipment and the needle is long and pointy, you WILL have tip dry.  A slow reducer can help depending on the type of paint you spray.  Otherwise, get good at knowing how to recognize and remove tip dry
   
  
  • Approved Tip Dry Removal Method
  • Unapproved (though common) Tip Dry Removal Method

• Clogs

  
  Custom Microns clog more than most airbrushes.  It can seem like they clog when you simply bring chunky paint near them.  Smaller nozzles and low air pressure do that to you.

• Weak Nozzle

   
  Custom Microns deal with the weak nozzle better than most airbrushes though.  The head system can be removed to clean out the inside of the nozzle without removing the nozzle itself.

• When the nozzle or nozzle cap dies the whole head system must be replaced to keep performance.

  
  Matched head systems give great performance, the downside is that when they die you have to replace the whole head system.  An added bonus to replacing the whole head is that you almost completely  refurbish your airbrush to factory settings--well, everything except the trigger mechanism.  You'll have to clean and lube the air piston to make that feel like new.

• Bent needles

   
  It's common, and it's your fault.  The good news is that you might try repairing the needle yourself.  The bad news is that you should probably still order that replacement nozzle, especially if you've never tried repairing a needle before.

• No teflon o-rings

   
  On some levels this is good.  Rubber or neoprene o-rings compress much, much better and are far more adjustable than teflon, which doesn't really compress at all.  If you use water or alcohol based paint the lack of teflon isn't an issue.  But if you use other, harsher paints their reducers eat non-teflon o-rings for a light snack if you're not careful--well, the airbrush is setup in a manner that keeps the o-rings intact for extended use and the o-rings are technically solvent-resistant.  But they will eventually wear away and need to be replaced.