This video gives a more detailed description of the Iwata LPH80 and it's use for painting scale models along with how significantly it has improved my finishing routine. Airbrush for Scale Modelers webpage: scale-model-wo...
I love love love my LPH-80, I’ve put the 3M cup adapter on it and it allows me to change paints rapidly. I originally got it to repaint a bike for my kid, and it worked so well I started using it for models and cerakote. The gun never lets me down. I still use an eclipse for fine detail work. I’ve thought about getting an Iwata TH but haven’t been able to convince myself that I’d use it.
I purchased an LPH-80 last year and have been very pleased by the results. Your explanation of how the tool works and it's design just made me a better operator. I returned to modeling recently but have spent the previous 40 years restoring antique and classic aircraft (fabric) where I developed doping and painting skills. The LPH-80 is the perfect tool for bridging HVLP guns to the airbrushing environment. I use the LPH-80 on my full scale projects as well.
OK. OK. Uncle! Just ordered an LPH-80. I promise to finally retire my Paasche H3. I hope you had a Merry Christmas, and happy New Year to you. Thanks for all you're doing for the serious hobbyist.
I love my LPH80! I also have a G6 but am finding it a little more annoying to use- especially the sharp needle -ouch! Still both are nice to have, but probably I would only really need the LPH80
Hi Paul, I'm just starting in this wonderful world of painting models and let me tell that your videos are amazing, just packed full of knowledge and useful information. It's been you series of videos on airbrushing that finally made me take the step to start painting, I'm from Chile and the hurdles one has to go through to get most of this stuff here sometimes can be disheartening, but I'll keep at it, you've inspired me very deeply. Thank you very much.
Roberto, Thank you so much for writing. I am glad that the information has been helpful. Don't be too discouraged as many modeling products here in the US are not that easy to get as well. I have to order 99% of my materials online. Stay with it,have fun, and good luck ... Paul
Great video as always. I am returning to modeling after many years, focusing mostly on 1/12 scale race car kits. I have found it very difficult to get a clean smooth glossy finish with clear coat. Your videos helped me identify that it’s the overspray that causes a smooth glossy area that I painted to become pebbly from the overspray arising from painting another area. I have tried retrofitting my airbrush with a fan cap but it doesn’t work that well. I am seriously considering the lph80. When I look on the Iwata website it recommends a compressor with 2.5 HP motor, even though iwata does not sell any compressors that strong. Can you please tell me the compressor brand and size of motor you use when using the LPH-80? Thanks.
The number you are looking at is not the size of the compressor motor, it is a spec for the volume of air necessary. Any reasonable size compressor with a tank will be sufficient for using the LPH80 for scale modeling.
Aaaand it's decided, an LPH80 it is. Please don't tell my wife that a mother spraygun is coming to my tool arsenal heehehe. YOu videos are, as always, like a gold mine!!. All the necessary information its just there!!!. Thanks!!
if don't use the fan, what is the difference between lph80/50 and an similar size needle airbrush? I thought the the fan is the key for large coverage and less overspray
If you watch the other videos in,my airbrush series you will understand how HVLP works and the effects of needle and nozzle architecture on spray patterns.
Hello Paul: I have another question. I am close to purchasing the LPH 80 but now need to decide what needle and cap size. I want to use it mostly for spraying 2k clear coat on 1/12 scale model race cars. Would you recommend the .8 or 1.0 mm needle? What cap would you recommend? The E2 or E4?
Personally, Building 12 scale cars, I would use 1mm set. Just learn how to dial in your material flow. Because I usually don't use the fan, it wouldn't matter to me.
I use a LPH-80 (1.2 and E4 cap) with Roland JC10 (older) it is rated at 2.35 CFM at 90 psi. The LPH-80 lists its 2.2 cfm at 14 psi. Mine works very well. I do not think you will have any problems with CFM and your compressor as the CFM capacity should increase with the lower pressure. For example, my JC10 CFM rating goes up to 3.8 at 40 psi. I know of no compressor that does not increase with lower PSI. Your compressor will be running a lot as it also has a small tank. My compressor will work non stop as it is a true commercial grade compressor. I do not think your Harbor Freight would; but that should not be a problem unless you were painting like a whole car non stop. Depending on what you are painting with and what paint you are using the quality and heat of your air matters; no matter what compressor you are using. Bottom line is it should work fine I would use one (Nothing wrong with HF fortress). Once again dry (even for water borne paint) and filter your air, cool the air depending on paint type.
Thank you so much, great explanation! Have one question though, I've been using a Iwata HPCS with a Paasche D3000R (1/2 HP, 0.25 CFM) compressor but want to move forward to a Iwata LPH-80 for 1/12 scale model cars and 1/64 sailboats. Can I use this compressor? I've been using also a 1/4 Iwata hose. What will you suggest for hose and compressor?
Would anyone who uses one of these be able to state whether these can handle particles in the paint? I have little sparkle pieces i use for resin etc, but being able to spray it too could be awesome.
Mr. Budzik, your series of videos have been really enlightening for me. Prior to them, I thought sanding primer and painting in difficult to reach corners was part of the game and inevitable. But all of the spray guns you've reviewed are unique Iwata branded tools. Iwata was always a kind of "prime" brand with higher prices, but in the past 5 years I think they've moved further up the prices bar. Would you be able to review or at least pointing at cheaper mini spray guns from different brands? I was thinking of Sparmax DH-810 and Grex X1000.
The LPH-80 cost more than double the RG-3 in my neck of the woods. Would you say it's absolutely worth it if I'm only to have a single large pattern gun?
I'd say it is absolutely worth it. What about buying direct from Japan? I have purchased several Iwata guns from Japan by way of Ebay. Just make sure they are from Japan, have a good number of reviews and they specify genuine Iwata products.
@@scale-model-workshop Thanks Paul for clearing this up. I bought the RG3 after watching your video. Also bought the Lph50. Bought are 1.0 nozzles. I haven't try the Lph50 coz I'm still waiting for the 8mm bore airhose to arrive from UK. So I hope the LPH50 will be the same as the Lph80. Cheers.
It seems Iwata now sell the LPH80 in nozzle sizes from 0.4mm to 1.2mm with the E4 cap. Given that the E4 cap with an 0.6mm nozzle seems to produce the same patten width as the E2 cap and the 0.8mm nozzle - would you say that the 0.6mm nozzle + E4 cap would be better for modeling, or would you say that the 0.8mm nozzle with E4 cap would be better?
Another great video Paul. Can I ask you to explain briefly your LPH80 gun set up, by this I mean what the fan and paint volume adjusters were set to when you painted the green boat in the video? Thank you Steve
@@scale-model-workshop thanks for the reply, also how many turns were the 2 adjusters on the LPH80 set to for that specific project, I understand that it will be different every time depending on the paint, however I would just like a ball Park, I normally paint with the air set as you described, then the paint adjuster on the gun 1 turn out and the fan width adjuster Also on the gun 3/4 turn out (from fully closed) and get good results. I would just like to get an idea of where yours was set for this task, Many thanks, Steve.
When you paint with a gun, you alway pull the trigger all the way to the stop. So start with it in the closed position and then just start increasing it until you get the material flow way you want. Always test it on some paper before you paint for real.
Hi Paul, I really appreciate the update on my earlier question. I'll be buying an LPH-80. You also addressed the question regarding the suitability of my Iwata Power Jet Pro compressor. Happy new year and stay well. Cheers, pk