Iwata Eclipse HP-SBS

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 like to sight down the barrel like a gun 
   
   Most artists give themselves a 3/4 view of their work so they can see how far away the needle is from the work.  But for those of you who like to look down the barrel this is perfect.
5. Different attachments let you spray lots of stock paint colors (in bottles) or attach a cup and spray small amounts of custom mixed colors.
6. If you need to spray upside down this is also one of the few airbrushes that can do it.

Useful Accessories

• External Micro Air Control Valve
• Pistol Grip Moisture Filter
• Quick Disconnect
• Table Top Cleaning 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
• Usually comes with an 1/8 oz cup but you can substitue it for whichever attachment meets your needs.

Notes and Opinions:

• The Eclipse SBS 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 SBS appeals to the geek in me.  For a general airbrush that can do anything pretty darn good, the SBS steps it up a notch to become whichever kind of airbrush you need for the task at hand.  The price is a slightly longer paint passage which means a little bit more to clean

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 Side Feed Airbrush Between Colors
• Rinse a Side Feed Airbrush After a Spray Session
• Deep Clean a Side Feed Airbrush with Self-Centering 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

  
  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.