Iwata Eclipse HP-BS

Information

Specifications

Matching Rules

1. Great at wide range of applications
2. Perfect for beginners.
   
   It's not too finicky about paint consistency as other airbrushes.
3. It very economical with paint.
4. Great for people who have really big hands (sometimes their fingers bump into the bigger cup on the Eclipse CS)

Useful Accessories

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

Features

• Cut-Away Handle
• Self-Centering Nozzle
  
  It cleans up a little easier.  Not to mention the nozzle threads can't get broken off inside the airbrush (there aren't any nozzle threads to break!)
• Teflon O-Rings

Notes and Opinions:

• The Eclipse BS is a great tool for general spraying.  It does everything good.
• On the flip side it doesn't do anything spectacularly well.
• It's a workhorse airbrush. It's perfect for doing most of your spraying, gross detail work, and general backgrounds.
• It's really hard to go wrong with an Eclipse.
• Even though the Eclipse CS is my all-time favorite airbrush, the Eclipse BS comes in a close second.
  
  The difference is the smaller cup.  The cup also doesn't come with a cap.  Since I can get a wild when I spray I know I need that cap.  On the other hand I do have big hands.  Bumping into the back of the cup on the Eclips CS does get annoying when I think about it.

Links

• Manufacturer's Product Page
• 2009 Eclipse Manual (HTML Version) | PDF Version
• 2009 Eclipse Parts Guide (HTML Version) 
• 2009 Eclipse Troubleshooting Guide

Cleaning Guide Links

• Remove Tip Dry: Approved Method
• Remove Tip Dry: Unapproved Method
• Rinse a Gravity Feed Airbrush Between Colors
• Rinse a Gravity Feed Airbrush After a Spray Session
• Deep Clean a Gravity Feed Airbrush with Self-Centering Nozzle

Outstanding/Common Problems

• No place to set it
  

  
  More so than siphon or side feed airbrushes gravity feed airbrushes just don't set down very well.  Some kind of airbrush holder is a godsend when you've got paint in the airbrush but  simply need to use both hands to do something else for a minute or two before you can spray again.

• 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

  
  Yeah, I'm sure you know that EVERY airbrush clogs.  The Eclipse is about as good as it gets for not clogging but still having detail ability.

• Bent Needles

   
  Well...I'd love to tell you this is a problem with the airbrush but it's not.  It's really your fault.  Here are your options.
  
  
  1. Stop removing the Needle Cap or purchase a Crown Cap instead
  2. Suck it up and keep a spare needle around for when you goof up.