The Iwata Revolution HP-AR

Information

Specifications

Matching Rules

1. Desire for Iwata quality
2. Desire for lower price
3. Great for beginners
   
   Though the HP-AR isn't as forgiving about paint consistency as the HP-CR or Eclipse airbrushes it'll still get the job done.
4. Sleek design without any 'stuff' to get in the way.
   
   I've known makeup artists who simply slide the airbrush into a small leather glasses case for storage.
5. The HP-AR is perfect for makeup artists and hobbyists.
   

Useful Accessories

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

Features

• Ergonomic Handle
• Teflon Needle Packing

Notes and Opinions:

• They're excellent airbrushes for people who want a small, sleek, gravity feed airbrush.
• They're generally easy to work with and replacement parts won't cost you an arm and a leg.

Links

• Manufacturer's Product Page
• Revolution Manual HTML Version | PDF Version
• Old Revolution Manual (before 2008)
• Revolution Parts Guide
• Old Revolution Parts Guide (PDF version before 2008)
• Revolution Troubleshooting Guide

Cleaning Guide Links

• 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

   
  Tip dry sucks.  It's also unavoidable when you spray.  You can try chemical methods to reduce it (use a slow reducer for your paint--though that might not be an option depending on the environmental conditions you're spraying in).  Or you can use mechanical means...other wise known as cleaning it off yourself!
   
  
  • Approved Tip Dry Removal Method
  • Unapproved (though common) Tip Dry Removal Method

• Clogs

  
  The smaller the nozzle, the more often your airbrush will clog.  To avoid these clogs make sure you strain and thin your paint.

• Weak Nozzle

   
  Weak isn't quite the right word.  The nozzle is fairly strong and I never saw many HP-ARs come back needing broken nozzle threads to be fished out, however, you will always be stronger than the nozzle when tightening it onto the airbrush body.  BE CAREFUL!

• Bent needles

   
  It's common, and it's your fault.  If you remove the needle cap to spray finer details you'll eventually bump the needle tip into something.
  
  The good news is that if you feel mechanically adept you can try repairing the needle yourself.
  
  The bad news is that most people don't do so great a job their first time repairing and polishing needles.  You'll probably want to go purchase another needle and possibly keep a spare around if this ever happens again.

• Can't Change Tip Sizes

  
  The .3mm tip setup is the only one that will work on the HP-AR.  Thats because of a silly ring the factory put in just behind the color cup.  It looks like it's only purpose is to prevent the .5mm needle from passing through.