I recently broke the paint tip off my Iwata Custom Micron C (like a dumbass) and since have had problems with air backing up into the paint cup and spatter mixing with the spray. I’ve been airbrushing for thirty years and have never had this kind of problem before! Needless to say, I’ve got a professional job on the bench and need to get in gear. Any suggestions?
I think a replacement tip is the only solution. You can’t expect a broken AB to perform well.
Regards, Rick
Um, my fault: I did replace the tip! I also got a spare needle at the time, so I’m going to try that , too- damn parts are microscopiuc, and I have no microscope! 
It was suggested at my lhs that the problem might be a bad o ring, but mine seems to check out.
reassembly ?
No prob with getting it back together- but I’ve never been able to get the head unit off. I’ve got it soaking in Mr. Thinner- I’m a bit loathe to use penetrating oil, as that would be a risk to that o ring, as well as a contaminant. Buh!
This advice straight from Iwata/Medea- It could be one of four things:
- The fluid needle head needs to be sealed (either with their Super-lube or a non-drying wax on its threads)
- Turn the needle clockwise a couple of times to seat it in the head- sometimes they don’t mate perfectly.
- Cracked needle tip. I was warned that machining them down past the flaw only makes them look nice, but they remain non-functional.
- Bad o-rings. Don’t soak the thing in solvent!
Hope this is informative and helpful! Thanks to those who offered help.
If all else fails, ship it back to the manufacturers and they should replace it… Iwatat is a good company.
How was the brush damaged? Was it a swinging motion? I’m wondering if a bit of the tread to the old tip is still in the brush. Is sounds like the brush has a clog preventing the paint from flowing. A piece of the old thread might be blocking the paint passage.
Thanks for all the help, guys. I got my new parts (o-rings and a needle, lube, etc) and will have the long weekend to get it goin’. I’ll keep y’all posted!
New o-rings and “Super-Lube” - all is well and I’m back up and runnin’. Sweeet!
congrats!!!
Why buy a CM for models? [%-)]
Glad to see you got it fixed.
Mike
MikeV, I’m a professional artist and use it for more than modelling (although not much). I do some toy prototype painting and figure work, so the super-fine lines of the CM are a real treat. Until now, I’ve had few troubles- this brush has been great!
Ahhh. That is different then. [;)]
Have you ever tried a Sotar 20/20 and compared it with the Micron?
Mike