Badger--Is there a way to Tell What model I have?

Go to Badger's website, look up the features on the models you think it may be, and compare them to what you have.

Give them some test sprays to see how they work before you decide to replace anything. Discoloration alone should not affect performance.

The Badger brushes you mentioned, the 150 and 200, have changed only cosmetically over the last 20 years or so. There is a newer model 200, the 200NH, which uses a different head assembly to yours, which should share the head assembly with the 100/150 family. The only difference in the needles is that the 200 needle is longer than that of the 100/150. Parts for these brushes are still readily available.

The 150 is a double-action brush and the 200 is a single-action.

You could wipe down the needle with lacquer thinner and polish using a metal polish (eg. Brasso or similar) but don't be tempted to use sandpaper as you may alter the taper and affect the action.

If you are able to post up pics of your brushes, I'm sure someone here will be able to identify them.

EDIT: If you're going to replace the needles, you need to make sure the needle matches the head, as they (the needles) come in a number of tapers. Look at the spray regulator of your brush and it should be stamped "IL", "HD" or "XF" - this should help you identify which needle you need, should you have to replace it.

OK, the first may be a 100, not sure of the model but I am sure they are both single action, they look very much alike, differing only in color.  Both are siphon feed, both worked pretty well.

I will compare the needles tonight, and try out some metal polish on them, I could not detect any thickness/ridges on the needles, only discoloration, I'll steer clear of any abrasives.

I can snap some digipics of them, but am as yet unsure about posting them.  I'll try the brasso and if necessary post pics monday.

Thanks for taking time to help out.  

The 100 is also a double action brush, so you may have two 200's.

Badger's website is slowly and painfully being rebuilt and it's not yet possible to find a parts breakdown diagram like they had before the upgrade. I did find this one of the 200 elsewhere, if it's any help: (Illustration purposes only) http://www.reuels.com/reuels/Airbrush_Parts_Badger_200.html

Phil_H wrote:

There is a newer model 200, the 200NH, which uses a different head assembly to yours, which should share the head assembly with the 100/150 family.

I believe the older 200s are ones based on the 100/150 family, having separate needles for fine, medium, and wide angle work.  The 200NH, what I own, is actually based on the Anthem 155 design.  It uses a single needle for modes of operation and its parts would be incompatible with he other Badgers.

Here's a parts breakdown to a 200 NH.

Ahh, sorry... Structural error in the way I composed that sentence making it somewhat ambiguous in how it could be interpreted.

I was trying to say that there is a newer generation 200, the NH series, which is different to his 20 years or so old 200 (much like the one I have) which shares the head assembly with the 100/150 series.

Phil_H wrote:

Ahh, sorry... Structural error in the way I composed that sentence making it somewhat ambiguous in how it could be interpreted.

I understand completely.  Australia and America, two great countries separated by a common language!

Andy