Airbrush shoots sideways

[Captain Mark]

Hi guys,

I bought an Iwata airbrush a few months back, and am generally very happy with it. Over time I've found that it sprayed a little oddly though, and have only just realised that it shoots the paint about 10 degrees the left, rather than dead straight.

After searching the forums, I found a bent needle tip can cause this, but mine is perfect. I also clean the airbrush after every use, so it's really got me stumped as to what's causing it and how to fix it.

Does anyone have any idea why it is shooting sideways???

Cheers,
M

[RallyRaider]

Hmm, maybe they all do that? Can't say I've ever noticed such a thing with mine. If it's not the needle maybe it is the nozzle?

[SteveK2003]

Something might not be seated right, or something might be still in the nozzle causing it to spray crooked. I would try taking it apart, cleaning everything with lacquer thinner, and then carefully reassembling it.

[Captain Mark]

A full disassembly sounds like the way to go actually. It's becoming a pain to start spraying some finely detailed area and then noticing my thumb going white...

[MPWR]

I noticed my airbrush was doing this also a couple of months ago. I replaced the nozzle (the needle was fine), and it was good as new again.

A good cleaning may help, but I'd strongly suspect the nozzle.

[crimsonkarter21]

Mine shoots about 10º to the right, too.

[RallyRaider]

So is your 'brush an Iwata too crimsonkarter21? Is this a common problem with Iwatas? I've got three of the things and never had the problem.

[Captain Mark]

I fixed it!

It basically required a full dismantle and clean. I've had the airbrush for a few months now, but never done a full dismantle before. I guess I was a little intimidated by the mechanics of the thing. Anyway, once I sat down and did it, I found it very quick, and very simple to understand (using the diagrams that came with it).

So for those of you a bit apprehensive as I was, just give it a go. You'll find it a quick and simple job. Be aware that there are one or two VERY tiny parts, so make sure you don't send them flying into anywhere like grass or carpet.

I found after the clean two main things:

1. It shot straight! Woohoo!

2. I had about double the air pressure and paint flow I had previously! Very surprising!

I think after each days painting I might do a full dismantle from now on. Should save me any more dramas.

Thanks for the tips guys.
M

[RallyRaider]

So an easy fix, good on you. I usually dismantle my Iwatas at the end of each session, they are designed to be broken down easily and everything fits together finger tight, only tool needed is to remove the nozzle.