Harder & Steenbeck

I have never cracked a single 0.15mm nozzle either, and I only use createx paints to which I only have slight problems due to the pigmentation saturation of the different colours, which I easily rectify by careful use of thinners. On another note H&S seem to be the only airbrush manufacturer bar one, that has gone forward with the development of airbrushes with the consumer in mind and not just pushing out the same antiquated designs. I'm talking about nozzles and trigger movement. How many airbrushes can boast that not only have you got total control of the paint supply to the tip but also total control of the air being delivered to the tip as well. I use this feature all the time and what a difference it can make. Also my Evolution has perfect control from the moment I touch the trigger on a .2mm needle setup but I must admit their is a slight delay in the .15mm on my Infinity. I very rarely use the .15mm setup and when setup with the .2mm I have never had a problem with trigger control.
I have recently purchased a Bartsharpe UK brush which uses the same nozzle setup as the H&S but with the Iwata style of trigger. They have been designed by airbrush users for airbrush users. They also retail at a fraction of the cost (£37) of an Iwata or an H&S for that matter. The brush that I have is equal to my H&S brushes apart from not having the trigger air control.
Sorry for the rant guys, just throwing in my two pennies worth. Iv'e got nothing against the Iwata style of brushes, but in my opinion the Iwata is like an old Roll Royce silver shadow compared to an new Audi R8. Both extremely desirable but technologically years apart.
 
bare in mind guys H&S uses new needles from this year if I am not mistaken and they could be stronger then before?

quote from february 25. 2019

Harder & Steenbeck has recently invested heavily in their manufacturing facilities in Norderstedt, Germany. Three major new high-tech CNC machines this year have not only greatly increased their manufacturing capacity, but also opened up new avenues for product design, and development.

A new CNC milling and turning machine complements the already state-of-the-art machines upon which Harder & Steenbeck airbrushes are made, whilst a new polishing machine enables an even finer finish to be applied to the parts after they have been machined.

But the unit which offers the greatest interest to Harder & Steenbeck users is the new CNC needle machine. The capabilities of this machine has meant that H&S could bring new ideas to the shaping and finish of the needles. And so with this new freedom, they began to investigate how to be better!

The first goal, was what everyone wants from a needle – to be stronger! The new equipment can work with and shape more exotic materials, and so the new needles are manufactured from a material which is nearly 1/3 harder than the previous.


And then, the design… Much has been made recently of “double-taper” needles. It is absolutely true that double taper needles are superior to single taper needles. However, just being a double taper is no guarantee of success. H&S learned that the point at which the paint “breaks free” from the needle is the most critical point. For detail work, this is where the two tapers meet.

H&S conducted a study through 2018 of taper length, angles and how the needle design transitions between the two tapers. After many prototypes, and much time spent working with artists, a new improved specification has been created for all sizes from 0.15mm through to 0.6mm.

H&S also took the opportunity to make the needle identification markings on the back end easier to understand, as you can see in the pictures. The nozzles now also carry the same simple method.

The feedback on the new needles is everything that H&S was aiming for – more control over detail, finer lines and better overall atomisation through the trigger range. They are also less prone to tip-dry and due to the harder material and revised design, they are much more robust than the previous versions.


And here is a picture :D

a-png.57533
 
If your in for a new airbrush tryout the Bartsharp 183 or 186. I own a 186, and it feels just like a H&S brush albeit a little heavier. The nozzle configuration is almost identical to the H&S being similar in size. The overall units boast MAC controls and rear needle controls which are found on the higher end of Iwata's They also have three screw on interchangeable cups the same as H&S. After a really hard workout with it I dismantled the brush, gave it a really good clean and polished the working parts. The only thing I found frustrating was the trigger assembly took some time to relocate. But being used to rebuilding my H&S's this was inevitable. The next time I used it was brilliant. Smooth as silk ,extremely responsive and a real pleasure to use. So much so I have swapped out my Infinity for it. I'm using Createx illustration colours and finding no problems with the brush. At £34 I will definitely be purchasing another one.
 
I have never cracked a single 0.15mm nozzle either, and I only use createx paints to which I only have slight problems due to the pigmentation saturation of the different colours, which I easily rectify by careful use of thinners. On another note H&S seem to be the only airbrush manufacturer bar one, that has gone forward with the development of airbrushes with the consumer in mind and not just pushing out the same antiquated designs. I'm talking about nozzles and trigger movement. How many airbrushes can boast that not only have you got total control of the paint supply to the tip but also total control of the air being delivered to the tip as well. I use this feature all the time and what a difference it can make. Also my Evolution has perfect control from the moment I touch the trigger on a .2mm needle setup but I must admit their is a slight delay in the .15mm on my Infinity. I very rarely use the .15mm setup and when setup with the .2mm I have never had a problem with trigger control.
I have recently purchased a Bartsharpe UK brush which uses the same nozzle setup as the H&S but with the Iwata style of trigger. They have been designed by airbrush users for airbrush users. They also retail at a fraction of the cost (£37) of an Iwata or an H&S for that matter. The brush that I have is equal to my H&S brushes apart from not having the trigger air control.
Sorry for the rant guys, just throwing in my two pennies worth. Iv'e got nothing against the Iwata style of brushes, but in my opinion the Iwata is like an old Roll Royce silver shadow compared to an new Audi R8. Both extremely desirable but technologically years apart.
Yup I found that if I put my 0.2 nozzle/needle combo in te infinity had a lot more delay but if I use my evo 0.2 setup in the infinity works amazingly well. Where can I buy that £37 brush?


Enviado desde mi iPhone utilizando Tapatalk
 
bare in mind guys H&S uses new needles from this year if I am not mistaken and they could be stronger then before?

quote from february 25. 2019

Harder & Steenbeck has recently invested heavily in their manufacturing facilities in Norderstedt, Germany. Three major new high-tech CNC machines this year have not only greatly increased their manufacturing capacity, but also opened up new avenues for product design, and development.

A new CNC milling and turning machine complements the already state-of-the-art machines upon which Harder & Steenbeck airbrushes are made, whilst a new polishing machine enables an even finer finish to be applied to the parts after they have been machined.

But the unit which offers the greatest interest to Harder & Steenbeck users is the new CNC needle machine. The capabilities of this machine has meant that H&S could bring new ideas to the shaping and finish of the needles. And so with this new freedom, they began to investigate how to be better!

The first goal, was what everyone wants from a needle – to be stronger! The new equipment can work with and shape more exotic materials, and so the new needles are manufactured from a material which is nearly 1/3 harder than the previous.


And then, the design… Much has been made recently of “double-taper” needles. It is absolutely true that double taper needles are superior to single taper needles. However, just being a double taper is no guarantee of success. H&S learned that the point at which the paint “breaks free” from the needle is the most critical point. For detail work, this is where the two tapers meet.

H&S conducted a study through 2018 of taper length, angles and how the needle design transitions between the two tapers. After many prototypes, and much time spent working with artists, a new improved specification has been created for all sizes from 0.15mm through to 0.6mm.

H&S also took the opportunity to make the needle identification markings on the back end easier to understand, as you can see in the pictures. The nozzles now also carry the same simple method.

The feedback on the new needles is everything that H&S was aiming for – more control over detail, finer lines and better overall atomisation through the trigger range. They are also less prone to tip-dry and due to the harder material and revised design, they are much more robust than the previous versions.


And here is a picture :D

a-png.57533
I’m sorry, but you missed the point entirely. The comment was made the NOZZLE will crack, not the needle. I’ve never seen a needle crack from paint.
 
If your in for a new airbrush tryout the Bartsharp 183 or 186. I own a 186, and it feels just like a H&S brush albeit a little heavier. The nozzle configuration is almost identical to the H&S being similar in size. The overall units boast MAC controls and rear needle controls which are found on the higher end of Iwata's They also have three screw on interchangeable cups the same as H&S. After a really hard workout with it I dismantled the brush, gave it a really good clean and polished the working parts. The only thing I found frustrating was the trigger assembly took some time to relocate. But being used to rebuilding my H&S's this was inevitable. The next time I used it was brilliant. Smooth as silk ,extremely responsive and a real pleasure to use. So much so I have swapped out my Infinity for it. I'm using Createx illustration colours and finding no problems with the brush. At £34 I will definitely be purchasing another one.
If you check the Internet, you’ll find you will likely buy another - to replace the one you have. They don’t have a stellar reputation.
https://www.airbrushforum.org/threads/bart-sharp.11240/
 
Have you seen or used the latest brushes from Bartsharp. I too wouldn't have touched one in their Veda days, and I only bought the brush to do some donkey work. Having used it and refined the antiquated trigger mechanism I couldn't find fault with it! How long it will last is as much as how I treat the brush. If the chrome finish starts to fade then so be it. As long as the brush performs as it is doing at the moment then does it matter that it isn't shiny anymore. Furthermore what do you want from a brush that only costs £37.
 
I have the equivalent of the 186 (purchased from over seas,) it's ok, but no where near as well made as the H&S. I have a good number of brushes from H&S, but find the Antique Iwata design still outperforms it... Push comes to shove, I actually prefer the Grafo version of the H&S, or better yet, the smaller, more compact Hansa. I just picked up a vintage Hansa 181 that is an absolute delight. I do like the new V2 needles from H&S. They did a good job on the redesign, and I have found that most of the other German brushes respond well to them. I've even found several Japanese nozzles that take kindly to them...
 
Only bad thing I can say about them is if you use the .15 nozzle/needle set up only run inks through the brush due to any type of paint will crack the nozzle. But the .2 set up is great. If you happen to own a micron and have used it for a long time you will notice a delay in spraying on the H&S as you pull back the trigger.
But over all the Infinity 2 in 1 has been a great brush.

Paint cracking the nozzle? Like... liquid or fine pigments breaking metal!? :eek: How? I have used all sort of cheap paints Acrylic, Enamel and Lacquer on my 0.15mm and nothing broke.
 
Paint cracking the nozzle? Like... liquid or fine pigments breaking metal!? :eek: How? I have used all sort of cheap paints Acrylic, Enamel and Lacquer on my 0.15mm and nothing broke.
The last one cracked just installing the new needle I ordered to go with it. No paint used at all. My best guess is quality control must have been hung over on the day the ones I got were made.
The .2 has so far not given me any issues .
 
Just found a cracked nozzle in my spares tray, and no it wasn't caused through paint or bad workmanship. Just me being stupid and over zealous with the cleaning. It was my first real brush and wanting to be diligent on the cleaning I used a generic nozzle cleaner to clean out the inside. What a mistake to make. I didn't realise my mistake until many hours later when in frustration of not getting anything out of the brush I eventually checked the nozzle under a magnifying glass and to my horror found the reason. So it cost me more money and a wait for a new nozzle to arrive.broken nozzle.JPG
 
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