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Iwata Hi-Line HP-CH

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Information

Classification: Airbrush
Manufacturer: Iwata
Model: HP-CH
Part Number: H 4100
Suggested Retail Price: $334.75 USD

Specifications

Paint feed System: Gravity Feed
Trigger Style: Dual Action
Spray Type: Internal Mix
Spray Range: ~0.15 mm to
~1.5 inches
Cup Size: 1/3 oz.
1.8 mL
Air Consumption: ~0.3 cfm
Pressure Tolerance: < 100 psi
Standard Tip Size: 0.3 mm
Optional Tip Size: 0.2 mm

Matching Rules

  1. Necessity for fine details.
  2. Desire for more control (the MAC Valve provides it)
  3. Has experience airbrushing.  
  4. A beginner CAN learn on the HP-CH, but I'll still try to steer them away from it unless they really, really want it.  The MAC Valve gets in the way of the early learning process.
  5. The big cup on the HP-CH is excellent for loading up and spraying away.  However it's still a gravity feed airbrush.  That means it can function on a single drop of paint.

Useful Accessories

  • Pistol Grip Moisture Filter
  • Table Top Cleaning Station
  • Crown Cap

Features

  • The MAC Valve

    It's like a pressure regulator at your finger tips.  The only downside here is that you don't get a pressure gauge to go with it.  In effect, you have to dial in the air pressure by feel instead by the numbers.
  • Big Cup

    The big cup is perfect for people who know they'll need to cover some ground, but still want to know they only have to load it up with a drop of paint to make it work.
  • Lid for the Cup

    You might think this is silly.  But other airbrushes don't have lids, and lids become indespensable if you wildly flail about when you paint, like I do.  Of course, I can be a little weird so your mileage may vary.
  • Cut-away, pre-set handle

    The cut away lets you clean out your airbrush quicker.  The preset let's you limit the amount of trigger pull you can have.  The preset is quite useful when you have to do the same stroke over and over and over and over.

Notes and Opinions:

  • With only a few exceptions I like all the  Iwata airbrushes.  They each have their place for users.  The HP-CH is the step up from the HP-C+.  It offers added control while still functioning as a primary workhorse.  Artists will generally get 80% of their work done with a workhorse airbrush and then fill in the details with their detail airbrush.
  • The MAC Valve is awesome

    The External MAC Valve can duplicate the effect on most airbrushes, so it comes down to a preference for the built in equipment or the add-on.  If you prefer the add-on you might want to look at the HP-C+ instead.

Links

Cleaning Guide Links

These Cleaning Guides links are specifically the ones you need to clean this particular airbrush.

Outstanding/Common Problems

  • No Place to Set it Down 


    This is an unfortunate oversight.  Somebody needed to include a kickstand!  I know many airbrush compressors come with an airbrush holder and there are many manufacturers that make holders of some kind.  In fact, you can even make your own with some creative ingenuity.
  • Tip Dry


    Unfortunately EVERYBODY has to deal with tip dry if they use airbrushes.  Though one of my favorite methods to eliminate tip dry is to use a slow reducer (the paint won't dry as quickly and therefore won't stick to needle as much.  Otherwise you'll need to check out the How to Remove Tip Dry methods in the cleaning guide section.
  • Bent Needles


    If you take the needle cap off to try and get finer details you WILL bend your needle tip at some point.  I usually suggest a Crown Cap.  Then you can still get the detail but your needle (and possibly the person you're working on) stays safe.
  • Clogs


    Clean it!  Paint dislikes being sprayed and will do it's best to punish you for your outrageous actions!  But don't worry, the cleaning guides will help you through these predicaments.
  • Breaking the Nozzle Threads Off Inside the Airbrush


    You are far stronger than the nozzle.  Be gentle when twist it in and out!  If you should happen to break your nozzle inside the airbrush try going through these instructions to remove the broken threads.