is the MICRON TAKUMI still the KING of DETAIL? | a long term review

[@jmats-ts6dm]

I've been using Iwata for 42 years. I also have an Olympos 200A, Turbo AB, H&S Infinity CR plus, Creos 771, as well as vintage brushes, but nothing, nothing prepared me for the sheer joy and beauty of the Micron Takumi when I cracked that aluminum case this past Monday. I don't know why I waited so long to get one, it's beyond my expectations. Same day my Silentaire was delivered. Needless to say, it was an amazing (and quiet) session of Createx atomization.

[@theartworkshop]

Oh man both a micron and a silent compressor?!? Nothing better than those 2. I feel the same about about my silentaire compressor. I should've ordered it years ago. Expensive but I had a few others reach out to tell me that they have had theirs for 20+ years. I have high hope it will last. The micron will last forever. Really happy for you on this! awesome stuff

[@jmats-ts6dm]

Thanks. After a lifetime of using an airbrush for models and effects work I've decided to go all in on illustration, something I've wanted to do since the late 70s when I first saw Giger's work. I've wanted a Micron for a long time, but considered it overkill for my purposes. So I decided if I was going to spend all this time in front of a canvas, I might as well be truly comfortable. The Takumi fits me like a glove, about the same size as a T&C Model A, which feels like an old comfortable pencil nub. While the Creos 771 sprays nicely for detail, it's length is more akin to a long handled brush for oils. The Silentaire blew me away as much as the Micron. I have 5 compressors in my shop, for tools, resin casting, general work and airbrushing. Nothing compares to this. I set up in a different area, with an easel and am enjoying the quiet. The only indication I have that it's on is the click of the pressure switch. I opted for the 20A as opposed to the DR150 you have. I had a bit of buyers remorse going with the smaller tank when I cracked the box and saw all the duty cycle warnings. After getting it started, those concerns evaporated, once operating, the tank fills in 9 seconds, sprays for nearly 2 minutes with the Takumi @20 PSI before cycling. After a 2 hour session, it was barely warm to the touch. My Iwata Smart Jets would be glowing if I used them for 2 hours. @@theartworkshop

[@theartworkshop]

isn't Giger amazing? He did so much with his art and was just so original with it. That's how I feel about the takumi too- it fits my hand/grip perfectly. I've had zero issues with my silentaire as well- it's been amazing. I've noticed that the oil started to dip a small amount though. It's still in the right place on the gauge but probably something that will need to be topped off. Let me know if you notice anything similar on your 20A. @@jmats-ts6dm

[@duanemarshall9486]

Great stuff. My cm Takumi is my most used and favorite airbrush also. The only thing I did was get a smaller cup ( just a personal preference) and over time replace the needle and nozzle. Spot on with the paint also.

[@theartworkshop]

Thank you Duane! I agree with the smaller cup- wish they threw it in as an extra with the larger one. The big cup is awesome to have though

[@wolfsonn4061]

So true quality paint does make a difference - Some paint brands will give information on what nozzle size the paint will perform but on others it's just trial and error - but what I have found is putting in a few drops of retarder or glycerin will optimize the paint, and you can get it to work with smaller nozzles.

[@theartworkshop]

Yes, good paints are everything to me. They make such a difference!

[@suspensefulness]

i agree..the precision it gives u is insane

[@theartworkshop]

it's my favorite!

[@Mehmet02mg]

Hello, I can't find the portland bee balm in my country and on Amazon. What can I use as an alternative?

[@theartworkshop]

See if you can find pure beeswax. You can usually buy it in these small rectangle shapes- kind of looks like a small bar of soap. Pure beeswax like that works the best.

[@Mehmet02mg]

@@theartworkshop I think I can find it, thank you very much for your advice.

[@imagineairbrushbillsnegon]

Great review... This is the most indepth video that I've seen on the Takumi. I hope to be able to purchase one in the near future.

[@theartworkshop]

Thank you- Bill, you are an awesome painter!! Some of your paintings are stunning. Amazing work.

[@imagineairbrushbillsnegon]

You're welcome Mark! Thank you so much for your wonderful compliment, especially coming from such a great artist and teacher. Your channel is so professional and informative! 🙂🎨

[@theartworkshop]

really nice of you Bill! Thanks so much for that. Look forward to seeing some more paintings from you! @@imagineairbrushbillsnegon

[@imagineairbrushbillsnegon]

You're welcome and same here! Keep up the great work!

[@anferFFmax]

I have the predecessor of the Takumi, the CM-SB. It came with a crappy side cup, and the handle doesn't have the side cutaway. But other than that it's the exact same airbrush. I actualized it by buying the Takumi side cup and then replacing the cup with the H&S Infinity 2Ml cup, just like you did. I also added the Dru Blair detail trigger which allows for more precise airbrushing. I own many detail airbrushes, such as the H&S Chameleon, the Badger 105, and even another Custom Micron, the CM-C, which is a classic. I, however see my CM-SB (Takumi) as my flagship!

[@mwebb-01]

Bad ass airbrushes i absolutely love mine. I recomend the short trigger if the origional one is to high. It allows me to lay my finger across the brush comfortably..

[@theartworkshop]

amen to that! well said- you have to go with a trigger you're most comfortable with. I love the one that comes with the takumi so much.

[@ELPADREAIRBRUSH]

I have the same airbrush and I have to tell you in order to get this airbrush to work right you have to be dead nuts accurate with paint consistency and pressure or it will spider out or spit intermittent spray ! I discovered the Gaahleri mobius 0.3 and 0.2 airbrush I was kinda hesitant cause I spent over $1000 for my TAKUMI and my high line iwata don’t get me wrong they are exquisite airbrushes but the mobius I used I think out preformed the TAKUMI and my custom micron ! And it costs a fraction of money I will be showcasing these airbrushes at the low rider convention this summer in Los Angeles because they are phenomenal! Please do a review of the new mobius airbrush’s and I think you too will be blown away by their performance and responsiveness trigger and new trigger shape they ROCK ! And I think you’ll be a believer also thank you for your consideration of the mobius Marc ( aka EL PADRE AIRBRUSH !)

[@kenbarton3136]

I don't have the takumi, but I have the previous model... it was a game changer for me.

[@theartworkshop]

I know what you mean Ken. micons are just in a class of their own

[@NobleWizard]

I'm just waiting to see what the H&S infinity 24 is like before getting one of these. Another to add to the collection. I currently have a sotar, hp-b+, nickel evo (1st airbrush), an AL Plus evo (fitted with a .15 set) and a Giraldez infinity. My favourite so far is either the al evo or the giraldez when fitted with a .15. The deciding factor was down to the quieter air flow compared to the iwata. I mainly paint scale models but do some miniatures as well and the higher air flow is a bit off putting sometimes, even when listening to a podcast.

[@theartworkshop]

I'm eagerly waiting for the infinity 24 as well! I'd love to see it compete with the micron. I have very high hopes for it.

[@markrobinson6916]

Excellent review. Your artwork is absolutely stellar. I have several early Iwata brushes from the '80s and early '90s, including the HP-A, B, C. I haven't used them in about 25 years (sadly). If I recall the HP-A and B also have a .18 needle/nozzle combination. Do you think that in general they would be capable of similar results to the Takumi?

[@theartworkshop]

thanks so much! oh yeah, the HP line is incredible. They paint some amazing detail. I have an hp-b and it has a .2 and love it. Get those airbrushes out and start painting again!

[@markrobinson6916]

@@theartworkshop thanks so much! I need to. I've got an old Badger Silent 1 380 II compressor that I need to find some oil for and refill it.

[@ELPADREAIRBRUSH]

I think the mobius with keep pace with the harder and Steinbeck airbrush also !

[@egregorybush71]

You mentioned previously that the Sotar was the best. Which is better to you?

[@AndrevwZA]

I recently got mine and I really do not like the trigger. I really like my older round button style. I now use a trigger from a HP gun. I'm with you regarding the cup. The small one is more than enough for this gun. But I do not like the design. It just does not fit the design of the gun. Maybe I'm just too use to the old cup. I also installed a small o-ring from H&S that sits in the neck of the cup hole in the body. This prevents paint from getting into the threads of the small cup. H&S also has a super small cup that basically just covers the threads of the base. Great for when you really just need a drop or two of paint.

[@theartworkshop]

that is very well said, Andrew. I can see the trigger being off putting because it is so very different from the others. I got lucky and found that it fits my grip really well. I love that mini H&S cup! I use it with my infinity all the time and it fits the takumi perfectly. I should've shown it in this video!

[@mikedeleon2003]

Question, What is the difference between opaque, pearlized, and transparent acrylic paints? And which out of these do you prefer to use?

[@theartworkshop]

transparents are see through, while opaques aren't. I generally use transparent colors but they can be a more difficult to use than opaques. Here is a video i made on this- kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYOZlXx7rM18rbM Hope this helps!

[@mikedeleon2003]

@@theartworkshop thank you for your response. I will checkout the suggested video. Thanks again.

[@Steinstra-vj7wl]

Grafo is also one of the best and easiest to controle airbrush out there. Fixed double action is the bomb.

[@theartworkshop]

I will 100% be getting one someday. It's just a bit too expensive for me to buy at the moment, but I will be getting to it for sure!

[@PKarrigan]

@theartworkshop I appreciate you posting this video. I would like to work my way up to a Takumi one day, but I am not proficient enough to need one yet. I thought it was interesting that you mentioned Grex airbrushes around the four minute mark in this video. Any reason we haven't seen you review one yet? They seem kinda gimmicky to me with some of the green parts, but I would love to hear your thoughts on them. Thanks as always!!!

[@theartworkshop]

This is the comment I needed because I have to buy a grex asap. I'm 100% with you on this. I've always been interested in the brand (i've heard so many great things about grex) but that green grip was a turn off for me. The price is always just a bit higher than what I want to spend on a general use (.3) airbrush. With that said, I'm buying one this week. Thanks for reminding me because I need to check out that brand.

[@jasonreid9267]

With the high-end paints that you use, do you need to thin them any further to run them through a Micron, or can you run that paint through straight out of the bottle?

[@theartworkshop]

I like to reduce them for the micron. For both golden high flow and createx illustration, I just use distilled water. It's my favorite for any acrylic

[@jmats-ts6dm]

Regarding the street price: I was in no rush, decided to look around, maybe even get one direct from the Home Islands but the day I starting shopping, I clicked on the authorized dealers on Iwata's site and fell upon Art Supply Warehouse in CA having a 25% off sale. Usually you'll see exclusion for Iwata, etc, but not in this case. It was in my hands for $385 all in. Not more expensive than the H&S. It was a no brainer.

[@theartworkshop]

That is the greatest deal price ever- What a find!! No brainer is right. I would have swooped that one right up. Congrats on that

[@jmats-ts6dm]

Yeah, I didn't believe it at first. Looked into reviews of the store, etc. If it wasn't a direct link from Iwata I probably wouldn't have trusted it. It was actually the day after their huge sale, but it was in the morning (I'm in NY), hours before they'd open, the website hadn't changed. I ordered it, skipping over the sub $20 needles and anything else. When I went back to the site after they opened, it was back to a normal $514 MAP price that everyone else sells it for in the States. I even called them to verify once they opened and ask if it was a demo or return or something. Nope, brand new. No tax, free shipping. @@theartworkshop

[@giofish1]

Gracias por el video, cual pintura usas y cuanto la dilulles? y que presion de aire? Yo tengo ese aerografo, y e hecho la mescla en diferentes porcientos y poca presuon de aire y al querer hacer detalles pequeńos me sale el efecto arańa. estoy usando createx illustration y la dilullo 30% paint and 70% diluyente y presion de aire 15psi, eso es para detalles pero me sale la mayoria de las veces el efecto arańa si quiero hacer algo bien pequeńo.

[@theartworkshop]

Hey sorry for the late reply. I use createx illustration colors and golden high flow acrylics and I like to use distilled water to thin my paints, usually 10-20%. I'm normally spraying anywhere from 20-30 psi, but usually closer to 20 with a micron. Hope this helps and all the best to you!

[@HeatPursuitX]

Can you put cup on both sides, will it work?

[@the3mperor1]

Thanks for sharing this testing, it looks intersting to buy, but i saw other videos where they tested this airbrush. One downside they mentioned is that it doesn't produce consistent lines, resulting in choppy lines. Any idea why? thanks in advance

[@theartworkshop]

really? hmm, I'm not sure. For me it is one of the most consistent and reliable airbrushes that I've ever used. It really is as close to perfect as a detail airbrush can be. That's just my opinion of course, but I love the micron takumi. Hope this helps!

[@hofungcheung7808]

I am wondering the removable paint cup leak air?

[@theartworkshop]

No, it has never leaked at all. I'm always worried that it may fall out or get loose over time, but It's held in very securely

[@suspensefulness]

how does it stack up against the new infinity 2024🤷🏾‍♂️... i wish the infinity was a sidefeed..i love sidefeed airbrushes

[@theartworkshop]

I'd love to find out too. I did preorder the infinity 24 about a month ago, but I'm still waiting for it to ship. Yes, I love side feeds too. They are so easy to keep clean.

[@imrozgill9711]

great review ... but yeah its too expensive and yes they should have included a smaller cup .. just waiting on new infitity and wish its good as its a much affordable option

[@theartworkshop]

thanks- I'm looking forward to the new infinity as well. I will be purchasing it on day one to check it out! really excited to see what they've been working on

[@Pavelek88]

I feel like H&S new Infinity will make a huge impact on this field

[@theartworkshop]

I cannot wait to see what the new infinity has to offer! I have very high hopes for it because the new evo and new ultra are pretty awesome upgrades from the previous versions

[@Pavelek88]

@@theartworkshopI seriously consider selling my kidney 🙃

[@dredfxcustompaint]

I've seen it and used parts that are on the new infinity 😍😍😍😍 game changer it definitely is

[@theartworkshop]

@@dredfxcustompaint Rob, I cannot wait for the new infinity! I saw that video last week where Warrick was talking about a new head system/design. I'm very very excited to paint with it whenever it become available.

[@dredfxcustompaint]

@@theartworkshop just dropped a video tonight on the custom micron takumi it's a cracker of a brush 👌

[@magcolor]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@theartworkshop]

thanks!!

[@александрсамойлов-ж3ч]

Hello, please tell me how this airbrush behaves with acrylic and Vallejo varnishes? It will be especially interesting that the nozzle from varnishes will not become clogged, it seems to me that 0.18 is very little to spray varnish

[@theartworkshop]

I never tried spraying a varnish through it. For any varnish I like to use a cheaper airbrush, something with a nozzle of around a .5 or so.

[@goforitpainting]

So cool 👍

[@theartworkshop]

thanks!

[@Airbrushkid]

How can it now be the king of the hill. No other airbrush besides rest of Iwata's Micron series. Can be up there. Note I have Blair Valve Soft Spring and his LowRider trigger in all My Microns. Smooth and easy movement with no effort.