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Paasche H needle sizes (noob question)

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mgh
  • Member since
    May 2011
  • From: Utah County, Utah
Paasche H needle sizes (noob question)
Posted by mgh on Thursday, July 28, 2011 8:36 PM

Hello All,

I have a Paasche H airbrush that I bought used, my first and only airbrush, and I am happy with it.  It came with 2 tips, needles, and whatever that end piece is.  I have kept the two separate, and I know one is a HT-3, and I think the other is a HT-5, but I don't know which is which.

I finally dropped the needle and bent it, and would like to get a replacement.  So 2 questions:

1) How can I tell them apart visually?

2) What is the difference in the 2 needles, in other words, why or when would I want to change from one to the other?

Thanks for any help.

  • Member since
    February 2011
  • From: Monterey Bay,CA-Fort Bragg, NC
Posted by randypandy831 on Thursday, July 28, 2011 8:56 PM

switching needles depends on what types of paint your spraying and what not. if your using acrylics vs enamels or even metallics. weather you need fine detail or need to cover a larger surface. 

 

tamiya 1/48 P-47D $25 + shipping

tamiya 1/48 mosquito $20+ shipping

hobby boss 1/48 F-105G. wings and fuselage cut from sprue. $40+ shipping. 

  • Member since
    January 2010
  • From: Nebraska, USA
Posted by CallSignOWL on Thursday, July 28, 2011 9:01 PM

on my Paasche H, the different needle sizes are distinguished by the amount of bands that go across it. The 1 tip has one band, the 3 tip has three bands, and so on....

The smaller the number the finer the spray area. I find myself only using the 1 tip, because I can screw it tight to get a fine line and open it up for larger coverage.

------------------------

Now that I'm here, where am I??

mgh
  • Member since
    May 2011
  • From: Utah County, Utah
Posted by mgh on Thursday, July 28, 2011 9:44 PM

Thank You!

The one I bent, the one I was using, was a 1.  The other set I have is a 3.

Much appreciated.

  • Member since
    February 2011
  • From: Bent River, IA
Posted by Reasoned on Thursday, July 28, 2011 9:58 PM

CallSignOWL

The smaller the number the finer the spray area. I find myself only using the 1 tip, because I can screw it tight to get a fine line and open it up for larger coverage.

Ditto I read somewhere that the 1 tip (for most applications) is all most builders will ever really need, which keeps you from having to change tips out.  BTW, if your LHS doesn't stock them, Hobby Lobby I think carries replacement tips.

Science is the pursiut of knowledge, faith is the pursuit of wisdom.  Peace be with you.

On the Tarmac: 1/48 Revell P-38

In the Hanger: A bunch of kits

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Far Northern CA
Posted by mrmike on Friday, July 29, 2011 2:36 AM

Before you throw away that needle, you may want to try to tune it up by rolling the tip across a hard surface; glass, corian or other smooth material. Holding a stiff card, like a credit card against the tip to roll out the bend can sometimes bring a damaged needle back to life. If it's still wavy, a few rolls over some very fine (600+) wet sandpaper will smooth things out, at least until a replacement arrives. I keep my "damaged" needles in stock - they're handy for spatter paint effects.

Mike

PS..Chicago Airbrush is one of the best sources for Paasche AB's & parts I've found.

 

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Allentown, PA
Posted by BaBill212 on Friday, July 29, 2011 12:23 PM

All good information and advice... I'm an avid Paasche user (30+ years). The H is my mainstay. I use the VL for larger projects.

As stated tips # 1(fine detail), # 3 (intermediate), # 5 (broad). Personally I find # 3 works for most of my projects.

If you feel the damaged tip is beyond reasonable use / repair invest in a new one.... I cannot imagine they would be very expensive.

 

Best of luck

 

Bill

Enjoy the ride!

 

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