Airbrush Opinions?

[gingapaint]

Not your usual 'what airbrush' thread (where someone asks opinions, then chooses to ignore the majority....)

The better half has been dabbling and enjoying airbrushing, but really struggles with cramp using my Iwata Eclipse. She's got tiny hands and can't get comfortable.

Anyone know of anything that's worth looking at? I have a preference for iwata, but open to alternatives.

Cheers!

Chris.

[DCM]

I have an Iwata HP CR, but find that I get cramp with that to, so I shall watch with interest, this thread.

[gingapaint]

Must be your girlie wee hands :p LOL!! I fitted one of the handle moisture traps which I'm dubious about how well it filters, but made the brush more comfortable to use for long periods. For me, anyway!

[jonmiller]

something like this perhaps?

http://www.everythingairbrush.com/acatalog/info_BA_R4VJ.html

[bigred5765]

what about something like this
http://www.everythingairbrush.com/acatalog/info_AB_116_A.html

[gingapaint]

Nomes had mentioned one of the trigger brushes, but the Iwata ones were a fortune, for something that may have seen no improvement. That one looks like good value, to try out though. I don't mind paying the £ for an Iwata TR, if it is the best option!
Yon badger brush looks a whole lot different to the badger brushes I know of old! Will put the suggestions to her tonight and see how opinion lies.....

[eyeayen]

The trouble ( apparently ) with airbrushes is the way you hold them. There was another one design by Conopois who were later bought out by Rotring, these are now rarer than rocking horse sh*t, if you can find one they might cure the problem as you hold them much more like a pen or pencil.

Sorry can't get the youtube tag thing to work correctly ??? Any mods feel free to edit this so it does - ta

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAL5hMtF_vA

I developed massive problems with my arms, pain from shoulder down to finger, nasty. Had loads of tests done which were pretty unpleasant and it seems it was bi-cubital tunnel. Like carpal tunnel but further up the arm. It's your ulner nerve on your elbow, squeezing the spray gun trigger made it worse for me but maybe get a cheap one of those and see if it does the trick ? My friend used to use one called a Calarni http://www.graphicsdirect.co.uk/products/colani-mini-spray-gun

They seem a bit spendy though. I've always used Iwata - great airbrushes. Got some copies of them now which are okay but not a patch on the genuine thing !

[eyeayen]

This sums it up perfectly - Bee Jay :lol: gets RSI so he knows about it

http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=519319

And more info...

http://www.kustomkulturelounge.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-27995.html?

[U1timate PigDog]

What about one of the mini ones like this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Iwata-Revolution-Mini-HP-M2-Airbrush-w-free-3-Gifts-/270694198657?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f06a1ad81

However I agree with Ian I think it will be down to the way that the brush is being held and there are a couple of different methods, I prefer a two handed method, I support the airbrush with my left hand and and you the right hand for trigger control.

similar to this picture http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?q=holding+a+airbrush+two+handed+method&um=1&hl=en&biw=1024&bih=641&tbm=isch&tbnid=ww8Vp2nHJ5-Z8M:&imgrefurl=http://www.airbrushtechniquemagazine.com/airbrush-lesson-one/&docid=mORUjJxdpEn1fM&imgurl=http://www.airbrushtechniquemagazine.com/product_images/uploaded_images/v2.jpeg&w=320&h=240&ei=qfc3T4HfPMv38QPvhO20Dg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=96&vpy=137&dur=1733&hovh=192&hovw=256&tx=149&ty=116&sig=109244564346160081804&page=2&tbnh=134&tbnw=171&start=18&ndsp=20&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:18

If shes using a one handed method then maybe worth her trying to use two hands, obviously this means you need another way of holding the bodies.

Hope that helps.

[DCM]

For me, I got quite big hands, and get cramp on the back of the hand eventually.

Two handed won't work for me, as I have no way of holding/rotating the shell :(

[eyeayen]

I've seen people using two hands but one holding the airbrush as normal and the other around their wrist giving extra support but as DCM said you can't hold the shell then so I can't see how it would work. Also because the bodies are quite small and you need to be able to get around them I can't imagine working on them if they weren't easily moved, it would be more difficult to spray.

[DCM]

If I need to steady my hand, I wrest the forearm against the worktop, which is a similar thing to the two hand, as the left hand is there to support and steady your trigger hand.

[gingapaint]

I use the 2 handed method when working on road cars etc, as I can achieve finer detail and smoother fades, but it's impossible withe shells, as I'm always rotating them.
I'd seen the wee iwata mini brushes, but am not sure it would improve having to overstretch her finger, unless being single action, it may improve things?

[U1timate PigDog]

As I can see this technique isn't for everybody :lol:, more of a suggestion for something you could try for it to be more comfortable for her, I use this method and have no issues rotating the body into position and I feel that it gives me much more control of the brush and is much more comfortable to use.

I can do both ways but 90% or more of my work is two handed. I will agree its a touch harder with smaller bodies but when working on larger bodies like touring cars no issues what so ever.