HARDER & STEENBECK - INFINITY CRplus AIRBRUSH ???

[Adrian "Marvel" Reynolds]

I'm considering buying this airbrush, has anyone got the same one or can anyone suggest something else.

I've seen people talk about how easy to clean the H&S ones are but is that the only benefit over other AB's?

I currently use an Iwata Neo and apart from one hiccup a few weeks back have had no complaints but feel I need to treat myself so, what do you think?

Adrian

[BarryW]

I use this one and I love it....

You are right that easy breakdown and cleaning are a big advantage but overall it is a high quality precision instrument that is easy to use. The 2 in 1 will give you two needle sizes 0.2 and 0.4. I find the 0.4 the most versatile.

But if you are not getting the 2 in 1 then whatever you do don't get the 0.15 needle as that really is too small for model paints and will block. I would recommend the 0.4 needle and perhaps getting a seperate 0.2 set at a later stage when much more experienced with it.

That brings me to the other advantage - all the parts are interchangable between all H&S airbrushes and are available seperately. I am not sure if that is the case with all other makes.

[Adrian "Marvel" Reynolds]

Is the only difference the extra needle size you get in the 2 in 1?

I'd already heard never to get anything less than 0.2 due to clogging issues

Adrian

[Guest]

I use both the Steenbeck and Iwata Adrian. Will try and give a balanced comparison that I (note the "I" as others will have their own view).

SB. Very easy to break down and clean. All parts are finger removable. All parts top to bottom are replaceable. Have the ability to change needles nozzles easily from .15. 2. 4 and .6. They have removable paint cups and each has a cover plus there are two sizes available being removable makes cleaning so easy especially to avoid dried paint being flushed down the the needle nozzle end. Parts I found are cheaper than Iwata. They are very simple practical airbrushes.

Iwata. Not easy to break down and clean but I flush thro with water then Vallejo airbrush cleaner and this has worked well. The nozzles are smaller than (vary from model type) HS and not easy to clean. You need a spanner for various parts. Paint cups are integral with the main body ie not removable (Iwata are stupid). some cups have removable covers. Most parts replaceable but not the main body. Most brushes will take only one size of needle/nozzle. They are much more complicated than HS. But !!!!. They are (again my opinion) much finer in their engineering.

My favourite is the Iwata Eclipse HS BS .35 needle/nozzle. Advertised by Iwata as as multi purpose brush which I think they are spot on. It airbrushes large areas at about 150mm (6 inches) distance plus you can get very close for detail about 25mm (1 inch). The finish, and I thought HS very good, is superb. But it is not easy to clean. Not good with varnish (Vallejo). Small size paint cup which needs replenishing when covering larger areas frequently.

To sum up. HS Simple reliable easy to clean with many options many needle sizes very good finish. Iwata better engineering, difficult to dismantle and clean comparatively, few options usually one needle size, superb finish.

For any body starting on airbrushing definitely for me the HS is the best option.

Difficult decision there Adrian.

Laurie

[Adrian "Marvel" Reynolds]

Thanks Laurie, that's a very comprehensive break down.

hmmm, I'm at Abingdon show a week on Saturday and I know Little Cars will be there, I think I'll hold off and then have a go with one at the show and see what I think then.

Adrian

[eddiesolo]

Just a question regarding the H&S: I have noticed that there is a set of AB stencil weights-what are these for and do other makes...make them?

Si

[Adrian "Marvel" Reynolds]

Just a question regarding the H&S: I have noticed that there is a set of AB stencil weights-what are these for and do other makes...make them?Si

Curious to know what these are also?

Adrian

[Guest]

I have the H & S airbrush and am very pleased with it. Easy to disassemble for cleaning. It gives me very good results. And its beautifully made.

[john i am]

Hi Ade I don't have a harder & Steenbeck but have noticed people speak very highly of them so they must be a very good user friendly brush. What I can tell you though is I have an iwata tr2 and it does come with a removable cup and I can strip it down and put it back together again in seconds not that I need to though as it never gets dirty or clogged up with paint.i have had this brush 3 years and it as been deep cleaned twice in that time not because it needed it just that I felt it was something I should do.this brush works 1st time every time for me.i have not yet replaced any parts on this brush.i am sure people will recommend others that they are happy with but at the end of the day it's each to their own. Why don't you hold out till Telford all those airbrush stands just waiting to give you demos and you can't beat hands on to find what suits you best.good look with your search and I hope you get something that suits you cheers John

[Adrian "Marvel" Reynolds]

Thanks John, the guys at Little Cars let you try the airbrushes so I'll have a go and see what I think then.

Adrian

[Guest]

Thanks Laurie, that's a very comprehensive break down.hmmm, I'm at Abingdon show a week on Saturday and I know Little Cars will be there, I think I'll hold off and then have a go with one at the show and see what I think then.

Adrian

Should have added Adrian (vintage age forgettable memory uncontrollable lapse syndrome) .

The Eclipse HS BS is very small in length:.5.5 inches 140mm. Although a removable paint cup is ideal the cup on the HSBS is integrated into the main body. This gives a very very low profile enabling for short distance work a superb visual of the work in progress.

If Little Cars have this model I would try this brush. But I would also ask Little cars expert to demonstrate the brushes as without pro. ability it is a lot to ask for someone using a particular brush for the first time to appreciate its capabilities.

Laurie

[Adrian "Marvel" Reynolds]

I think everyone's pointing towards the H&S, I'll get a demo and have a look at the next show.

Thanks all for your advice and information

Adrian

[Guest]

Ade: when you get your airbrush, don't be discouraged by not getting good results at first. It took me up to 3 months before I overcame problems such as nozzle blocking, sputtering, and poorer finishes resulting from holding the nozzle too close or too far away or using too much pressure or too little, or opening the nozzle too far. However, after some experimentation and a lot of practice, for some mysterious reason things came alright in the end. I think the subconscious brain absorbs more than you think and after time tells you what to do. (This is not a spiritual point, just a comment on how people learn.)

[Adrian "Marvel" Reynolds]

Ade: when you get your airbrush, don't be discouraged by not getting good results at first. It took me up to 3 months before I overcame problems such as nozzle blocking, sputtering, and poorer finishes resulting from holding the nozzle too close or too far away or using too much pressure or too little, or opening the nozzle too far. However, after some experimentation and a lot of practice, for some mysterious reason things came alright in the end. I think the subconscious brain absorbs more than you think and after time tells you what to do. (This is not a spiritual point, just a comment on how people learn.)

I don't have any issue using an airbrush, I've been using my Neo for a couple of years now, I'm just looking to upgrade to enhance my work, well hopefully

Adrian